Simon Fraser University Ombuds Posts 2012 Report

Jay Solomon, the SFU Ombudsperson, says that his office was consulted by 364 students in 2012 (January 3 to December 20), nearly a 10% increase from the prior year. The report provides demographic details and examples that illustrate the range of issue that come to the SFU Office of the Ombudsperson. These case studies also frame feedback from the Ombuds about systemic concerns.

The report also provides some context about the Ombuds profession:

The Ombudsperson attends quarterly meetings with Ombudspersons from The University of British Columbia, The University of Victoria, Camosun College and Douglas College. These meetings allow university ombudspersons from other post-secondary campuses across the province to come together and discuss various topics and issues unique to the profession. It is the intention of the group to expand membership to eventually include all post-secondary Ombudspersons from across the province. The Ombudsperson has also started to connect with the Northwest Ombuds Group and the California Caucus of Colleges and University Ombuds. These groups are made up of Ombudspersons in BC, Washington State, Oregon and California. They meet several times a year and offers training and workshops and other professional development opportunities.

The Ombudsperson at SFU is a member of the Association of Canadian University and College Ombudspersons (ACCUO); the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) and The Forum of Canadian Ombudsmen. The associations provide access to a network of international Ombudsmen from universities, colleges, government and the private sector. The associations also provide training opportunities, networking and research materials. The Ombudsperson attended ACCUO annual conference in Edmonton in June 2012.

The SFU Ombuds Office is jointly funded by the University, the Graduate Student Society and the Student Society. (SFU Office of the Ombudsperson 2012 Annual Report.)

Related posts: First Canadian Ombuds to be Honored With Stamp; Simon Fraser University Names New Ombuds; Simon Fraser University Honors Former Ombuds.