University of Michigan Task Force Recommends Ombuds for Staff

An ad hoc committee created in 2013 to review workplace climate for staff of color has recommended that U-M appoint an Ombuds for staff issues. In a report recently made public, the Staff Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee laid out six recommendations, including that the University: "Create a single entity able to receive confidential information, such as an independent ombuds, responsible for coordinating assistance from the various existing resources to help resolve concerns from staff members."  Currently, U-M has Ombuds offices only for students and faculty.

At an open meeting to discuss the report last week, the proposal for a staff Ombuds was one of the most mentioned recommendation. 

Speaking during the event, Linh Nguyen, associate director of the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, said there was a need to create a confidential ombuds because not all units have an environment where staff and faculty feel comfortable talking about experiences with bias or discrimination.

An implementation plan has not yet been disclosed.  (U-M Committee Report; Michigan Daily.)

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