The Ombuds Blog: University of Kansas Seeks Interim Ombuds Amid Review of Office

May 14, 2026

University of Kansas Seeks Interim Ombuds Amid Review of Office

The public university in Lawrence has opened an internal search for an interim University Ombuds, a position that has been held by Ada Emmett since 2022. The six-month, part-time appointment will provide continuity for the campus Ombuds Office while a task force reviews the future structure of the role. The position serves faculty, staff, and administrators and is not expected to become permanent.

Only current KU employees are eligible. Applicants must have an advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in conflict management, organizational development, law, higher education administration, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include prior Ombuds experience. The appointment will include an interim salary increase in addition to the employee’s current salary. Applications are due May 20, 2026, and the anticipated start date is July 1, 2026. (KU Employment.)

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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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May 14, 2026

University of Kansas Seeks Interim Ombuds Amid Review of Office

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