SUNY Oneonta Debuts Ombuds Program

The State University of New York at Oneonta has unveiled an Office of the Ombudsman to serve faculty, staff, and students. Michael Kush, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students has been named the inaugural Ombuds. The new program explicitly practices to IOA standards. 

University of Houston Names Next Staff/Faculty Ombuds

Arturo E. Hernandez has been appointed the next Ombudsperson for faculty and staff at the public research university in Texas. He follows Richard Bond, who served in the role since 2006 and supplements the work of& Funda Sahin, the Ombuds for graduate and professional students at the public research university in Texas.

Call for Proposals: Cal Caucus 2025

The California Caucus of College and University Ombuds is seeking speaker proposals for its annual in-person meeting. The unique and intimate caucus is set for November 9-12, 2025, at the rustic and historic Asilomar Conference Grounds. This year's theme is, "Finding Solid Ground in Shifting Sands." The deadline for proposals is May 2, 2025.

University of Maryland, Baltimore Names First Research Ombuds

Bruce K. Krueger has been appointed to the newly established position of Research Ombuds in the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Office of the Provost. Kreuger will provide Ombuds services to the UMB research community — including faculty, postdoctoral scholars, students, and staff — who may have concerns or questions regarding research misconduct and other research-related issues. His work will supplement that of Brian Godette, the long-time UMB Ombuds for faculty and staff.

Amsterdam UMC Selects Next Ombuds

Carolijn Winnubst was appointed the Ombudsman for Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra in August 2024. She follows Henny Krijnen, who served in the role for nearly five years. As the Ombuds, Winnubst heads a program that includes the Confidential Affairs office and provides services to UMC employees.

CIDR's 2025 Symposium is Loaded With Ombuds Sessions

The Centre for Informal Dispute Resolution at Saint Paul University in Ottawa has released the agenda for its second annual symposium and there are many sessions for and about Ombuds. Organized by two professors at USP: Brent Epperson and Jean-François Rioux, this year's theme is, "Building Better Workplaces: Toward Comprehensive Conflict Resolution Systems." 

Here is a list of the sessions relevant to Ombuds:

Call for Presenters: USOA 2025 Conference in Colorado

The United States Ombudsman Association is seeking speakers for its 44th annual conference set for October 22-24, in Vail, Colorado. Speakers should be interested in sharing their knowledge and experience relevant to the Public Sector Ombudsman profession and USOA membership is not required.

Hanyang University Creates Ombuds Program

HYU (한양대학교), the private research university in South Korea, has appointed its first Ombudspersons. The team of Ombuds will serve faculty, staff, and students at ERICA, the Education Research Industry Cluster in Ansan, located in Gyeonggi Province. According to an announcement, "Hanyang University ERICA explained that it established the Ombudsperson Office to enhance communication among its members and improve institutional practices, campus culture, and the overall environment, thereby creating a healthier campus." 

University of Groningen Names Interim Ombuds

Marianne Dijkhuizen has been appointed the interim Ombuds for Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, the public research university in the Netherlands. She follows the inaugural Ombuds, Carolijn Winnubst, who created the position in September 2021. Dijkhuizen continues as the Ombuds for NHL Hofeschool and previously worked as a contract Ombuds with De Vertrouwenspersoon B.V. for eight years. (UG Ombuds; LinkedIn.)

Insights From UN Ombuds on Sources of Conflict

Vassilena Gashparova, the Senior Conflict Resolution Officer and Ombudsman for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is the author of an article in yesterday's UN Today. She offers her view on the anatomy of conflict, its hidden causes and complex realities. Gashparova considers five key forces as identified by Bernard Mayer which are central to conflict dynamics:

Job Posting: University of Washington

The University of Washington has opened a search for an Associate Ombud. (This office consistently uses "Ombud" rather than "Ombuds" following a recommendation from the university’s Scandinavian Language Department.) While the office supports the entire university community, including students, this position is focused on serving faculty, staff and leadership, and expected to work on 200-250 cases per year. The Associate Ombud will report to the University Ombud, Chuck Sloane, and is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.