California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, has paused operations of its Office of Conflict Resolution and Ombuds just over a year after relaunching the program. A university spokesperson said the office is closed pending review. The closure came to light after the student newspaper inquired about a door sign indicating the office was not operating. The university has not issued a campus-wide announcement explaining the decision.
According to The Poly Post, Interim President Iris Levine informed the Academic Senate on March 18 that senior leadership is evaluating next steps but did not provide details on reopening. Mark Patterson, who was appointed Ombuds in January 2025 following a national search, did not respond to the newspaper’s request for comment. (Poly Post.)
Related posts: Job Posting (2023); Cal Poly Pomona Continuing Search for Next Ombuds; Cal Poly Pomona Offers Educational Series to Prepare for Ombuds Search; California State Monterey Bay Names Interim Ombuds; Cal Poly Pomona Announces Ombuds; IOA Elects 2025 Board of Directors; Ombuds for Cal Poly Pomona Adds Terms of Service.
Is Mark still at Monterey Bay?
ReplyDeleteCSUMB ended my employment right after CPP did. Neither provided an explanation. Interestingly, the president of CSUMB was announced is the new president for CPP at the same time.
DeleteGotta take that administrator off of the IOA holiday card list.
DeleteSorry to hear this Mark. You stepped in to the role at Cal Poly after many years of the community not having a resource where the campus could think through challenges in a confidential space. By closing the office, Cal Poly Pomona (unfortunately) sends a message to the campus community that they don't see the value in the community having a confidential space for members of the community to explore solutions to their challenges and seek informal (and direct) alternatives to their concerns. That might not have been the intended message but that is the reality that the campus will experience. Shame.
DeleteThanks, Reese. I appreciate the risk in starting a new office, at least in a system that has a track record of hostility to organizational ombuds-- down from 13 out of 23 campuses in 2019 to three now (CSUMB ended my part-time role as well)
DeleteThis is so frustrating to hear. I'm sure you were incredibly helpful to your visitors, Mark, at both campus. Such a shame.
ReplyDelete