The Ombuds Blog: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Opens Internal Search for Ombuds

January 29, 2026

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Opens Internal Search for Ombuds

The private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, is soliciting applications from employees members interested in serving as the next Staff Ombuds. The position will join the Facutly Ombuds, Kristin Wobbe (director of WPI's Center for Project-Based Learning). The WPI Ombuds serve faculty, staff, and students and practice to IOA standards. Applications are due by February 2, 2026. (WPI News.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany/Austria -- Ombudspersonen and Ombudsleute

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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January 29, 2026

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Opens Internal Search for Ombuds

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