January 22, 2025

Rutgers University Unveils Ombuds Service for Staff

The State University of New Jersey now has an Ombuds program for its staff. Employee Partners for Conflict Transformation (EmPaCT) services are available to any nonunion employee with workplace concerns. The program generally follows IOA standards. Frieda Hoffman is the inaugural Conflict Navigation Specialist. Her work will supplement existing Ombuds programs for students and medical trainees. 

Hoffman joined EmPaCT in August 2024. Previously, she was a coach and consultant, and worked worked in management in a variety of fields in Northern California. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master's at Alice-Salomon-Fachhochschule für Sozialarbeit und Sozialpädagogik Berlin. Hoffman spoke at the IOA annual conference in 2024 and will teach a core courst for IOA tomorrow on "Inclusive Facilitation." (EmPaCT Services; LinkedIn; IOA Core Course Info.

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3 comments:

  1. Chuck Doran1/30/2025 7:08 AM

    Tom - Your post raises a fundamental question - should an initiative that generally follows IOA standards be called an ombuds service?

    This program does not reference or provide an ombuds charter on their site, the service seems to fall under HR (according to the header and footer of the page), and they haven't carved out reporting exceptions (see "EmPaCT practices to International Ombuds Association standards of informality, impartiality, and confidentiality except where University policies require reporting (Title IX, e.g.) and referral to other offices (OEE, UEC, etc.).")

    The only mention of the word ombuds is when they refer to the IOA in the sentence above.

    I would think that the label "ombuds service" should be reserved for providers and offices that actively follow IOA SoPs and CoEs.

    Thanks. Chuck.

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    Replies
    1. Tom Kosakowski1/31/2025 7:39 AM

      These are good points, Chuck. Perhaps I could be more explicit about my description of programs like this in the future. I also recognize that some organizations may market an Ombuds program without using the label as a deliberate strategy. For purposes of this blog, I have opted to be over inclusive and write about programs that are essentially Ombuds without the label and those that are called Ombuds and do not practice to standards. Finally, I will admit that some of my motivation is to highlight the issue in hopes that someone with connections or influence might reach out to the organization to offer corrective advice.

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    2. Chuck Doran1/31/2025 3:04 PM

      Super-helpful, Tom. I appreciate when an organization chooses not to use the word "ombuds" as a deliberative strategy. (I think we often make it harder on ourselves by using a word that's hard for many to pronounce, spell, and understand!)

      I support your decision to be overly inclusive to raise awareness about the development of ombuds programs that do (and do not) practice to Standards. As always, your Blog is an incredible medium for raising awareness and influencing change!

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