Original Research Highlights Issues for Higher Ed Ombuds

The latest article in the Journal of the International Ombuds Association presents original research by Diane Van Hoose, an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. As part of a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution at UH Manoa, she surveyed 76 working Ombuds (and IOA members) on their best practices for their services in higher education settings. 

Here is the abstract of the article:

This study explored needs, benefits, and pitfalls associated with funding, creating and maintaining Ombuds offices and services on college and university campuses. Online responses of 76 working academic ombudspersons to a six-item survey tool were analyzed for recurring themes. Five themes were identified as: 1) Improving campus functionality, 2) Dispersing information, 3) Identifying problems and concerns, 4) Raising awareness of cost effectiveness and value of services, and 5) Maintaining and developing professionalism. The knowledge gained from this study may be used in decision-making by existing programs, and by academic institutions and state legislators, when considering sustaining or creating academic Ombuds services.

(JIOA.)