The Ombuds Blog: UC Merced Announces New Ombuds

January 06, 2016

UC Merced Announces New Ombuds

The University of California in Merced has appointed Callale Concon as the new campus Ombuds, effective January 12. Callale is one of UC Merced's founding staff members, and is currently the Graduate Division’s assistant dean.
Concon graduated from California State University Stanislaus and earned a master's in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from Cal State Sacramento. She will report to De Acker, Director of the Office of Campus Climate and the former UC Merced Ombuds. (LinkedIn.)

Related Posts: Job Posting; UC Merced Appoints First Ombuds; University of California Merced Enacts Ombuds Charter; University of California President Endorses Ombuds Offices; University of California Report on Protest Policies Reaffirms Role of Ombuds;UC Merced Posts Video Introducing Ombuds Office; University of California Protects All its Ombuds Under Updated Sexual Misconduct Policy; Job Posting.

2 comments:

Anonymous1/06/2016 10:06 AM
Interesting reporting structure. Is this type of arrangement common/recommended?
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Anonymous1/07/2016 5:01 PM
Generally speaking, each organization is likely to have its own reporting structure depending on the organizational structures, cultures, needs,...etc. The fundamental question is whether such reporting structure can function effectively in providing upward feedback and maintaining (perceived and actual) independence and confidentiality.

To my knowledge, this reporting structure is not common in higher education institutions. However, the functionality and effectiveness of this new reporting structure await to be seen.
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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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