The Ombuds Blog: Eastern Michigan University Names Ombuds

February 13, 2014

Eastern Michigan University Names Ombuds

EMU has appointed Chiara Hensley to serve as its new Ombuds. “I love helping students find their way and grow through the often complex and difficult challenges of college life,” Hensley said. “Having been an EMU student, I know the campus and can relate to the student experience firsthand, which brings a helpful lens to the work I do as ombuds.”

According to a profile in the local independent newspaper, Hensley grew up in Ann Arbor, but moved to Los Angeles, Calif. after graduation to work in film and television production, becoming executive assistant to model Tyra Banks. She graduated from the University of Michigan and then earned a master’s degree from EMU. She then worked for 12 years as a professor, program director and counselor at Pasadena City College. Last year, she also earned a doctorate in education from Nova Southeast University. (Eastern Echo; LinkedIn.)

Related posts: After Student Death, EMU Ombuds Acts as University Spokesperson; EMU Ombuds and Others Criticized for Withholding Details of Murder Investigation; Ombuds Avoids Shake Up at Eastern Michigan; Trustees Knock Eastern Michigan University President for Failing to Review Ombuds Function; Job Posting.

1 comment:

Tom Kosakowski2/17/2014 7:43 AM
Post was updated 2/16/14 and Hensley's position title changed. According to a correction posted by the Eastern Echo: "Ombuds is Chiara Hensley’s official position at Eastern Michigan University. When Hensley took over, it was decided that the position name would change from ombudsman to ombuds in the name of gender-inclusion."
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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany -- Ombudspersonen

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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