Ombuds Cases Rise Slightly at University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2022

Martha Patrick, CO-OP, the University Ombudsperson at UMass Amherst, reports that visitors to her office rose 1.8% in 2021-22 to 438. She notes that, although in-person appointments were available starting in August 2021, only 27 visitors opted to do so. Nearly 94% of visitors communicated by phone, video, and email. Patrick was assisted last year by Susan Pearson, part-time Consulting Ombudsperson, and Kristen Farrell, part-time office manager. The annual report also included four emerging patterns and trends: staffing challenges; mental health challenges; campus grievances going public; and academic accommodations for disabilities. (UMass Amherst Ombuds 2022 Report.)

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