A new course, "Ombudsman: A Unique Role in Dispute Resolution," is now available on Coursera, a global online learning platform that provides access to courses from leading universities and organizations. Developed in partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder, a Coursera partner that served as the academic and production home for the course, and co-curated by Liz Hill and Ken Skodacek, the course offers an accessible introduction to Ombuds roles, models, and the shared values that guide the work across sectors and countries. Nearly 150 ombuds from around the globe participated in and supported the development of the content. The course is designed for those exploring the ombuds field, as well as colleagues, leaders, and decision-makers seeking a clearer understanding of how ombuds programs function.
There are six modules in the course:
- Foundations of Ombuds Practice Welcome to the course! In this first module, you’ll embark on an exciting journey into the world of ombuds. You'll start by getting to know the course and how it operates. Then, you’ll dive into the rich history of the ombuds profession, exploring its origins and evolution. Whether you’re discovering the field for the first time or seeking to deepen your understanding, this first module uncovers the universal values and principles that shape the work of ombuds.
- Ombuds Programs Serving the Public Module 2 introduces you to ombuds that serve the public, which are sometimes described as classical or externally-facing ombuds. You will hear directly from ombuds serving in these roles, and you will read their reports and other valuable resources. These materials will help you to appreciate their diverse backgrounds and expertise as well as to understand how these programs address concerns brought to their attention, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the organizations that provide services to the public. You will also learn about common practices in how they provide their services as well as some distinctions in the work that they do. Through presentations, fireside chats, and panel discussions, you’ll discover how these individuals and programs address challenges in local, state, and country-wide settings.
- Inside the Organizational Ombuds World: Voices from the Field Module 3 immerses you in the dynamic world of organizational ombuds, a model that plays a vital role in fostering healthy organizational cultures. By exploring its defining characteristics and pivotal functions, you’ll discover how these ombuds navigate challenges in diverse settings such as higher education, corporations, the government and more. You'll develop practical insights into how organizational ombuds help navigate conflicts and enhance organizational health - eluding to their transformative impact.
- Ombuds Programs Serving Vulnerable Populations and Military Families Module 4 introduces you to ombuds that serve vulnerable populations and military families. These ombuds are sometimes referred to as advocates for these vulnerable individuals and groups, empowering them and giving them a voice to communicate concerns and effect changes to address those concerns. Similar to previous modules, you will hear directly from ombuds serving in these roles, and you will read their reports and other valuable resources. You will learn about the common concerns brought to their attention as well as the tools and methods that they use in their work. Through presentations, fireside chats, and panel discussions, you’ll discover how these ombuds serve and advocate for others, and you will also appreciate how ombuds might serve in other types of settings, such as mental health and correctional facilities.
- Exploring Ombuds Programs and Ombuds Associations Worldwide In Module 5, you’ll expand your understanding of the ombuds profession by exploring the diverse ways it is practiced around the world. A general landscape of ombuds practices in different parts of the world is presented and you'll learn about the ombuds programs specific to those regions. This module will also introduce you to the variety of ombuds associations that support the profession globally, highlighting their roles in shaping standards, advocacy, and professional development. By the end of this module, you'll have a broader perspective on how different cultural, legal, and organizational contexts influence the field.
- Moving From Learning to Connection This final module is intentionally light. Earlier modules focused on understanding the ombuds field, including the principles, models, and role-specific practices that shape ombuds work in different contexts. Now, observe the work of ombuds at a higher, more general level. Rather than introducing substantial new content, this module brings together perspective, lived practice, and professional community across the ombuds field. The videos in this module offer context on how core ombuds principles show up in real-world, from establishing new programs to considering how ombuds leverage confidentiality in their roles. You will also hear how ombuds connect and collaborate, building communities to share insights and to serve as a resource to fellow ombuds and other dispute resolution professionals. This module invites you to move from structured learning to continued exploration through conversation and connection. There is nothing to master here, only an opportunity to appreciate what you have learned within a broader landscape. As you move through this final module, we encourage you to approach it with curiosity rather than urgency. The course concludes here, but the learning does not.
Related posts: FCO/Osgoode Ombuds Certificate Program Returns in Fall 2020; IOA's New Virtual Foundations Course is Already Selling Out; COFO to Train New Federal Ombuds in Response to IOA Backlog; New Ombuds Institute to Offer Professional Training; German Research Foundation Announces 2025-26 Ombuds Training Sessions.
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