New Ombuds at Duke University to Practice to IOA Standards

Thomas Metzloff, a law professor who studies dispute resolution, has been appointed the Faculty Ombuds at Duke. A revised faculty handbook will allow him to practice to IOA standards. Metzloff teaches civil procedure, ethics, and dispute resolution, and has served as the Law School's senior associate dean for academic affairs.  As the Ombuds, he will work with nearly 1,500 faculty members.  

Job Posting: Baylor College of Medicine

The health sciences university in Houston, TX is searching for its next Ombudsman Director.  Reporting to the provost, the position serves staff, faculty, students, post docs, and trainees following IOA standards. The position has been held by Laurel Hyle since last October. 

National Capital Commission Appoints Ombuds

Kevin Saville has been named the Ombudsman for the Canadian Crown corporation that administers the federally owned lands and buildings in the National Capital Region.  Saville previously served as president of KSAR & Associates Inc., a management and leadership consulting firm. He will serves as the NCC Ombuds on a part-time basis for three years.

Iowa State University Ombuds Profiled

Deanna Clingan-Fischer, ISU's first full-time University Ombuds Officer, was introduced to the campus in a feature article in the Iowa State Daily. Clingan-Fisher is transitioning from nearly three decades as an advocate for the elderly with Iowa's Department on Aging and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Syracuse Campus Groups Frustrated by Slow Progress Towards Ombuds

After nearly two years of advocacy by campus groups and several internal recommendations for the appointment of an Ombuds, Syracuse University has not yet created a program. The project has been delegated by the provost to LaVonda Reed, and a professor at the Syracuse College of Law. This past summer, the Women’s Concerns Committee contacted Reed about the upcoming USOA annual conference, which is concerning because most higher ed Ombuds are members of IOA. The editorial board of the Daily Orange, however, supports the creation of an Ombuds office following IOA standards.  (Daily Orange article, editorial.)

Colorado Ombuds Meet in Ft. Collins

The Colorado Ombuds met on Friday, September 15, 2017 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins for its Fall meeting. Fourteen of the 21 current members met to discuss a variety of topics including abrasive behavior, reporting structures, confidentiality, legislative efforts, service and emotional support animals, and more. The winter meeting is slated for Friday, January 26, 2018 at University of Colorado Boulder.

University of California San Francisco Adds an Ombuds

The UCSF Office of the Ombuds has hired Jeffrey Anderson as an Associate Ombuds. Anderson had been in a similar position at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. where he has worked with 75,000 employees stationed at 285 embassies, consulates and missions across the globe.

Long-Time Ombuds at Massachusetts Institute of Technology Retires

After three decades as the MIT Ombudsperson, Toni Robinson has retired. Robinson will be celebrated by the campus on September 29, 2017.  

Ohio Ombuds Organization Holds First Meeting

On September 15, 2017, nine Ombuds from Ohio held their first meeting at The Ohio State University. The group included: Kimberly Jackson Davidson (Oberlin College); Kim Fulbright (University of Cincinnati); Jill E. Rudd (Cleveland State University); Amy Quillen (Kent State University); Mac Stricklen (Ohio University); Sally Rudmann (The Ohio State University); Angela E. Dash (Northeast Ohio Medical University); Daniel Aleksiejczyk (intern at Ohio University); and Bob Towner-Larsen (The Ohio State University).

University of Missouri–Kansas City Names Staff Ombuds

UMKC's has appointed Marita Barkis as its first Staff Ombudsperson. This is a part-time appointment. Barkis is a licensed psychologist in private practice and previously served as the Director of Counseling, Health, Testing and Disabilities Services for the campus from 2000 to 2013.  

Saginaw Valley State University Ombuds Re-retires

Dick Thompson served as SVSU's Ombudsman from 2005-2008 after a career that included stints as an admissions representative, assistant registrar, registrar, director of admissions and student services, dean of student affairs, and athletic director. He came out of retirement in 2009 to return as University Ombuds. Now, at age 75, he has retired again. Sidney Childs, SVSU's associate provost for student affairs and dean of students, currently serves as the Ombuds. .  (Valley Guardian.)

Job Posting: North Carolina State Crime Laboratory

The forensics lab that supports the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is hiring an Ombudsman.  The Attorney III position works with internal and external stakeholders by mediating complaints attending meetings attorneys and judges, and making recommendations to the Director of the lab and the Attorney General. "The Ombudsman office and the Ombudsman position are independent; the position is neutral, impartial and unaligned. The Ombudsman holds all communications in strict confidence."  

Cal Caucus Seeks Nominations for 2017 Board, Honorees

The California Caucus of College and University Ombuds is calling for individuals to be nominated to serve on its Board of Directors and to be recognized for their volunteer work. Here are the details:

Job Posting: UC Davis Extends Search

The University of California Davis has extended the deadline for applications for one of its two open Associate Ombuds positions.  The position is designated primarily to the UC Davis Medical Center and reports to the Campus Ombuds, Katherine Greenwood. 

Journal of IOA: Ombudsing in the New Era

The latest article published by the Journal of the International Ombudsman Association examines how Ombuds are adapting to recent changes in the social and political climate.  "Ombudsing in the New Era" was written by Shannon Lynn Burton, the Associate University Ombuds at Michigan State.

Job Posting: Transportation Security Administration

The TSA's Ombudsman Division (part of the Civil Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement Office) is hiring a full-time Ombudsman Specialist.  The position serves internal and external stakeholders and about 25% travel is required. 

Job Posting: Lakehead University

The public university in Thunder Bay, Ontario is hiring a part-time Ombudsperson for a seven-month contract. The position works with faculty, staff, and students (a total population of about 11,000) and reports to the provost. Dan Duckert became Lakehead's Ombuds earlier this summer and took over from Scott McCormack.

Smithsonian Searches Internally for Next Ombuds

The U.S. national museum and research center has opened a search for its next Ombudsperson, but will only consider internal applicants. The position reports to the CFO and serves about 7,000 employees, most of whom are federal workers.  The Smithsonian Ombuds also serves as the Threat Assessment Program Coordinator.  Chandra Heilman has been the Ombudsman since 1983.

Ombuds' Presence Grows at 2017 ACR Conference

Ombuds will be a prominent part of the Association for Conflict Resolution's 2017 annual conference, "Professionalize Your Passion." Set for October 11-14 in Dallas, TX, the event includes networking events for Ombuds, and Ombuds as plenary speakers, workshop leaders, and honorees. Virginia Tech Ombuds Bryan Hanson is ACR's current president.

IOA Reworks its Newsletter into a Blog Format

The International Ombudsman Association has reworked its newsletter, The Independent Voice, which previously was emailed to members about four times a year. The new online format resembles a blog and will be updated periodically. One major difference from a typical blog is that "TIV" is accessible to members only.  

Wesleyan University Debuts Ombuds Program

The private liberal arts college in Middletown, Connecticut has named Israela Adah Brill-Cass to serves as its first Ombuds for a one-year pilot program. According to a statement from President Michael Roth, "I’m pleased to announce that in response to feedback from faculty and staff, we have hired an ombudsperson—an informal, independent and confidential resource for employees dealing with Title IX and other workplace conflicts. [Brill-Cass] will be on campus one day a week beginning in mid-September...." Brill-Cass will practice to IOA Standards.  

Emeriti Professor Selected as Faculty Ombuds at Ohio State

The Ohio State University has appointed Sally V. Rudmann, an emeritus professor from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, as its next Faculty Ombudsman.  She replaces Lynne Olson, who served in the role since 2013.  (OSU Faculty Ombuds.)

Washington University in St. Louis Taps Insider as Faculty Ombuds

WUSTL has appointed Peggie R. Smith as its next Ombuds for Faculty. She succeeds Linda Nicholson (WUSTL's first Faculty Ombuds) and joins Jessica Kuchta-Miller, the Ombudsperson for Staff.  Smith is a Professor of Employment and Labor Law and will serve an academic staff of about 3,700.  

University of Louisville Snags an Experienced Ombuds

UofL has named Mindy L. Eaves as its next Ombuds.  Eaves had been the Ombudsman for the Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky's largest school system, since establishing the program in 2012.  She takes over from Robert Staat, who was the interim Ombuds following the departure of Tony Belak.

Internship: United Nations Austria

The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services is offering a full-time, unpaid internship in its Vienna office.  The internship will last two months and may be extended.  The position offers the opportunity to conduct research on topics related to informal (alternative) dispute resolution in the UN, help identify systemic issues, and assist with outreach activities.