American University in Cairo Shutters Ombuds Office

After just five year, the independent and sectarian university in Egypt has decided to close its Ombuds Office.  The program was established in late 2011 by Hana Sabea and the latest Ombuds was Lamia Eid, who began in May 2013.  


AUC's announcement reflects a discouraging level of understanding in the Ombuds' role:

After several years of operation, the Ombuds office will be closing this month. The closure eliminates duplication of services and streamlines the work of several offices on campus. The existing mechanisms for dispute resolution on campus will continue to operate, handled by the various offices and entities on campus that serve all of the members of the community. Students, faculty and staff may address different types of grievances through the appropriate channels, including the staff relations unit in the human resources office, staff syndicates, Senate Grievance Committee, AUC chapter of the American Association of University Professors, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Committee and the various student governance bodies. Lamia Eid, the current University Ombuds, has taken on a new role as associate dean of Main Library, Libraries and Learning Technologies.  

(AUC Announcements.)

Related posts: American University in Cairo Names First Ombuds; Ombuds at American University in Cairo Struggles to Mediate Student Protest; American University in Cairo Moves to Organizational Ombuds Model; New Ombuds for American University in Cairo.