Job Posting: National Institutes of Health

The NIH Center for Cooperative Resolution (CCR) is hiring an Associate Ombudsman. The GS-14 position provides neutral and independent third party dispute resolution services to managers and employees under the direction of the Ombudsman (Howard Gadlin) and Deputy Ombudsman (position being filled).

Northern Arizona University Faculty Ombuds Reports 55% Jump in Cases

NAU's Faculty Ombuds Program reports that it handled 55% more requests for assistance in the 2009-10 academic year compared to the prior period. The greatest increase came from administrators and the proportion of faculty without continuing status contracts also increased substantially.

Reposting: Public Invited to Comment on Proposed SEC Ombuds Office

Originally posted July 27, 2010.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is calling for public commentary on proposed regulatory initiatives under the Dodd-Frank Act, including the new Ombuds for the Office of the Investor Advocate. Members of the public can express their view by email or an online form.

Job Posting: Georgia State University

The large research university in Atlanta is hiring a Coordinator for its Office of the Ombudsperson. The position serves as the initial point of contact with students, staff; provides planning, coordination, and implementation of routine and/or complex activities and projects related to the management of the office; and serves as a liaison for the office.

Milton J. Brawer: Pioneering Ombuds

Milton J. Brawer, who established one of the first University Ombuds programs in the United States, passed away on September 8 at the age of 84. Brawer served as the University Ombudsman at Western Michigan University from 1970 to 1974.

Brawer's reflection on his work as an Ombuds, "Notes of a Novice Ombudsman," was published by The Journal of Higher Education in 1973. He described his day-to-day work as part detective, personal advisor, listener, red-tape cutter, and expediter. Brawer earned his bachelor's degree at Harvard and PHD at Columbia. He was a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at WMU from 1960 until he retired in 1995. (Western Herald; Journal of Higher Education.)

Faculty Ombuds at University of Colorado Boulder Report Increase in Caseload

Lee Potts and Larry Singell, the Faculty Ombuds at CU Boulder, report that they handled 57 cases in the 2009-10 academic year, a 42.5% increase from the prior year. The report indicates that the Faculty Ombuds consulted with a total of 87 people regarding cases and engaged with 215 individuals through service and outreach activities.

Profile of New Ombuds at University of Ottawa

Lucie Allaire, who was appointed as the first Ombudsperson for the University of Ottawa in June, is profiled in the local independent student newspaper. Allaire said she is excited to begin the new position, which was first proposed in 1990. “I’ve been really welcomed. I really feel that the time was right for the university to have this position,” she said.

Washington State Schools Ombuds Office May be Downsized

Since Washington State opened the Office of Education Ombudsman in 2007, the office has become an important resource for K-12 stakeholders. In the 2009-10 school year, the number of cases handled by office increased 79% from the prior year. Nonetheless, the OEO faces cutbacks as Washington wrestles with another year of budget shortfall.

Reminder: Deadline for October Ombuds Certification Exam

There a less than two weeks to register for the next IOA Certification Examination the week of October 18-23, 2010. Applicants for the the two-hour, online test must register by October 8, 2010.

More details: Ombuds Certification Exam to be Offered Internationally in October.

Survey Finds Trust, Openness and Fairness are Key Organizational Objectives for the Next Decade

According to a new survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, the biggest investment challenge facing organizations over the next 10 years is obtaining human capital and optimizing human capital investments. According to the HR professionals surveyed, the most effective tactic to attract and retain people is to provide work/life flexibility for employees. The second most effective tactic is to create a organizational culture where trust, open communication and fairness are emphasized and demonstrated by leaders.

Job Posting: National Institutes of Health

The U.S. agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research is hiring a Deputy Ombudsman for the NIH Center for Cooperative Resolution (CCR). The position provides neutral and independent third party dispute resolution services to managers and employees.

Corporate Ombuds Group Meeting Set for October 14-15

Halliburton is sponsoring the 2010 Corporate Ombudsman Roundtable in Houston, Texas on October 14 and 15, 2010. The agenda features presentations and discussions aimed at capitalizing resources, maximizing outreach to management and employees, and reinforcing the message about the Ombuds program. Participants also will review Ombuds best practices from a global perspective.

IOA Extends Deadline for Conference Proposals

The International Ombudsman Association has extended the deadline for suggestions and ideas for conference sessions. Proposals may be submitted to the IOA Conference Committee through Monday, October 4. The conference is scheduled for April 3–6, 2011 at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower in Portland, OR. (SurveyMonkey.)

Job Posting: MD Anderson Cancer Center

The top-ranked cancer center in Houston is adding to its Ombuds Office. The position will work with a team of experienced Ombuds to provide services to faculty, staff and trainees.

Loss of Ombuds is an Issue in Washington, DC School Board Election

The election of school board members in Washington, DC has returned attention to the public schools Ombuds Office that was shuttered in August 2009. Some school officials and activists say restoring the Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education is a crucial aspect of reform implementation for the next school board.