Ombuds Cases Rebound at University of Pennsylvania

After a decline due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Penn University Ombuds Jennifer A. Pinto-Martin and Associate Ombuds Marcia Martínez-Helfman report that their cases rose nearly 21% in 2021-22. The number of visitors to Penn's Ombuds increased to 186 last year and employment-related matters continue to represent the majority of issues brought to the office.

The Ombuds exhorted the university to set an example:

Members of the Penn community who are in a position of influencing the culture and climate of the organizational unit to which they belong or lead are encouraged to be mindful of the importance of collegiality and respectful treatment of others, to model those behaviors, and to take action when bad behaviors occur.

Martinez-Helfman announced her retirement this year and a search for her replacement is ongoing. (UPenn Almanac.)

Related posts: University of Pennsylvania Names 2020-2022 Ombuds; Ombuds at University of Pennsylvania Report Surge in Cases During "Stressful" 2019-20 Year; Ombuds at University of Pennsylvania Notes Drop in Cases During Pandemic Year; Job Posting.