University of Toronto Ombuds Reflects on Career

Joan E. Foley, has served as the U of T Ombudsperson since 2007, but her career with the university began in 1963 as a lecturer in psychology. She explains that the attractive thing about being the Ombuds is the great diversity of matters and the clientele – who can be students or faculty or staff.  

Provost Cheryl Regehr says, “As ombudsperson, Joan Foley has demonstrated her deep understanding of the University, her concern for fairness and her sensitivity in handling complex and often difficult situations. Over the past 50 years she has served the University with dedication and distinction, as a teacher, as an administrator and now as ombudsperson.”

According to her latest annual report, Foley and Assistant Ombudsperson Garvin De Four handled 360 cases in 2012-13, an increase of 72 cases over the previous year.  In the majority of cases (194), the Office provided the complainant with information – such as explaining policies and procedures and available courses of action. The office resolved 33 cases, provided referrals for 76 others and decided no action was required for 37 cases. Foley was reappointed to another two-year term in April 2013.  (U of T News Feature; Interview.)

Related posts:  University of Toronto Ombuds Posts Annual Report; Expelled Grad Students Sue University of Toronto and Ombuds; University of Toronto Reappoints Ombuds.