University College Cork Opens Ombuds Office

The National University of Ireland campus in Cork has appointed Fred Powell as its first Student Advisor and Ombudsman. In this new role, Powell will advise and assist nearly 20,000 students "with the resolution of difficulties, complaints or grievances involving staff or services of the University in an informal manner." Terms of Reference for his office make it clear that services will be confidential, impartial, independent, and informal. 

Powell has been a member of the faculty for more than 25 years. He teaches social policy at UCC and has held a variety of administrative position, including Head of the School of Applied Social Studies and Dean of Social Science. He has published several books, chapters, and articles on civil society. He earned degrees from Trinity College Dublin, Edinburgh University, and a PhD from University College Dublin. (UCC Student Ombuds.)