VCU's Ombuds Programs a Week of Events for 2020 National Conflict Resolution Day

The eighth annual event hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University's Ombudsman, William King, has shifted to an online format and spans five days. New pre-recorded videos and resources will be made available each day from October 12 - 16, and is highlighted by a keynote address on Thursday, October 15 followed by an interactive Zoom session. This year's event schedule features discussions and resources about conflict resolution from VCU leaders and national experts. As usual, the event is free and open to the public.  

Monday, October 12

VCU Proclamation — Gail Hackett, Ph.D., VCU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

History and Importance of National Conflict Resolution Day — Peter Buckley, M.D., Dean, School of Medicine and Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health

VCU’s Commitment — Michael Rao, Ph.D., President, VCU and VCU Health System

Tuesday, October 13

"Dignity: Vital for Healing Conflict"  — Allison Monyei Whaley, J.D., Ombuds for Employees, Montgomery College

Allison Monyei Whaley serves as the Ombuds for Employees at Montgomery College. Independence, neutrality, and confidentiality have characterized her work. Allison is a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner and holds the distinction of being certified by the Mediation Training Institute as a trainer in workplace conflict resolution and credentialed by the Society for Human Resource Management. Before entering the ombuds profession, she worked as an attorney, advocating on behalf of our nation’s veterans and their families.  

"Things You Can Learn from your Ombudsman About Conflict, Trust and Accountability"  — LaCrisia "Cris" Gilbert, Organizational Ombudsman, National University

After earning her Master in Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute, Gilbert carved a flourishing career for herself in mediation and dispute resolution as a private mediator, CEO of a non-profit dispute resolution center and educator at various colleges and universities. In 2018, Gilbert was appointed as the first Ombuds for National University, headquartered in La Jolla, CA. As Organizational Ombudsman, she serves faculty, staff, and students as issues arise. Gilbert offers guided facilitations, mediations through the University legal department, and she also oversees the more informal processes to bring parties to resolutions. Colleagues describe Gilbert as "an effective teacher, practitioner, and leader in the profession of mediation."

Wednesday, October 14

"COVID-19 Pandemic: Pursuing Advocacy and Fairness During Challenging Times" — William E. King, University Ombudsperson, Virginia Commonwealth University

William E. King has 36 years of higher education experience, at five institutions throughout the United States. The past 25 years he has spent as an organizational ombudsperson. He is a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner. Mr. King’s background and experiences in mediation and dispute resolution in an academic environment will be an invaluable resource at VCU and ensure that our campus remains one of collegiality, openness and inclusion. 

Thursday, October 15

Keynote Address: "Changing the Context of Conflict" — L. Trey Wilson, Facilitator, Actor, Writer and Director

L. Trey Wilson is an actor, writer, director and facilitator. Originally from Chicago, IL. he now resides in Los Angeles, CA. He has facilitated conversations regarding race, gender, culture and sexuality for corporations and MBA programs across the country and abroad, (Canada, Israel and Australia). He is the recipient of various writing awards including, the NAACP Award, 2 GLAAD Awards, The Ovation Award and The Critics Choice Award. He has also been featured on NPR's All Things Considered.

Interactive Activity via Zoom  — Noon - 1:30 P.M. [EDT]

Participants will select two conflict resolution or mediation-themed scenarios to discuss in break-out rooms via Zoom. The sessions will be moderated by VCU leaders, the national Ombudspersons who provided small talks earlier in the week and the keynote speaker.

(VCU Ombuds Event Info.) 

Related post:  Virginia Commonwealth University Appoints Ombuds; Virginia Commonwealth University Ombuds Sponsors National Conflict Resolution Day Event; Ombuds to Keynote Conflict Resolution Day Event at Virginia Commonwealth University; Shell Ombuds to Keynote Virginia Commonwealth University's Conflict Resolution Day; University of North Carolina Ombuds to Headline VCU's 2017 National Conflict Resolution Day; VCU's 2018 National Conflict Resolution Day Program to Feature Green Climate Fund Ombuds; VCU's 2019 National Conflict Resolution Day Program to Feature New USC Ombuds.