May 09, 2018

University of Delaware Faculty Vote to Create Ombuds Program

Last week, faculty at Delaware's largest university voted in support of an Ombuds program for all campus stakeholders. The proposal came out of a coalition of faculty groups promoting a more inclusive environment led by the Women’s Caucus. A report from an ad hoc faculty senate committee made detailed recommendations about the services and features of an Ombuds program, but did not reference IOA standards. (Although confidentiality and informality were highlighted, there was no mention of the need for independence or neutrality.)

On May 7, 2018, the UD Faculty Senate approved the following motion:
RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate recommends the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson to provide confidential services that include by are not limited to (1) informal dispute resolution services to the University community including faculty, staff, and students, (2) hearing of problems and concerns, (3) providing options for problem-solving, and (4) providing an Office that is easily accessible to all those it serves.
The next step will be approval and implementation by university administrators. (UD Women's Caucus Memo; UD Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Committee Report; UD Faculty Senate Agenda; UD Review.)

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