Rash of Collateral Duty Ombuds Jobs In Higher Ed

There are several active postings for jobs at colleges and universities that include Ombuds duties.  Is this a sign of increased awareness of the Ombuds role or a sign of decreased understanding?

The jobs include:

• Case Manager/Associate Student Services Coordinator at Univeristy of Wisconsin Whitewater: "Other Duties... 3. Serve as a university ombudsperson for student concerns."
• Director of Student Activities & Campus Life at Peralta Community College: "The Director is also responsible for developing and administering an ombudsman service and adult reentry services."
• Associate Dean of Educational Pathways at Middlesex Community College: "Maintain the MassTransfer program approval database; serve on the DHE MassTransfer Steering Committee and serve as the Ombudsperson for MassTransfer appeals."
• Director, Law Student Life at Santa Clara University Law School: "Provide academic and personal counseling and services to students [including] Serve as general law school ombudsperson for student welfare issues."
• Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Diversity at Southeast Missouri State University: "Primary Responsibilities: ... Provide both formal and informal ombudsman responsibilities."