University of Colorado Hires Ombuds

UC Boulder has appointed Jessica Kuchta-Miller as an Associate Ombuds. Kucta-Miller is an attorney from Minnesota and has managed the divorce mediation program at the Mediation Center for Dispute Resolution at Hamline University School of Law. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Hamline University School of Law since 2002. 

Job Posting: United Health Services

The not-for-profit health care system serving the Greater Binghamton region in New York is hiring an Organizational Development Specialist/Employee Ombudsman. The position, "serves as initial, neutral contact for individuals and groups at UHSH who need assistance with resolving conflicts, problematic issues or concerns."

Externship: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

FINRA's Office of the Ombudsman is offering an opportunity for a graduate student to extern in its Rockville, MD office. The extern must be earning course credit and be able to work at least 15 hours a week during the Fall 2013 semester.

APM Marketplace: "Office Disputes Get a New Referee"

Yesterday, the national daily business news program from American Public Media highlighted the work of Organizational Ombuds. Here's the lede:

When whistleblowers go to the media or lawyers, the results can be disastrous for an organization. Think of Edward Snowden and the N.S.A. And even smaller employee concerns, like discrimination lawsuits, usually cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars. These days, more and more corporations are turning to organizational ombudsmen. They allow employees to talk about workplace issues confidentially, before things escalate.

Job Posting: Transportation Security Administration Extends Deadline

The Department Of Homeland Security agency has extended the application deadline for a Program Specialist position in its Office of the Ombudsman. Applications are now due September 30, 2013.

ACCUO Sets Western Regional Meeting

The University of Alberta will be hosting this year’s Western Regional meeting of the Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons on October 28 and 29. The one and a half days of presentations and discussion are designed for those holding Ombuds and Ombuds-like positions at post-secondary institutions in Western Canada. Organizers are still accepting proposals for conference sessions.

Baker Hughes Names Ombuds for Canadian Operations

The Organizational Ombuds Office (“o3”) for the oilfield services company has appointed Josie Stiles as its Canada Ombuds, based in Calgary, Alberta. As Baker Hughes’s newest Ombuds, Stiles will be an independent, neutral, informal, and confidential conflict management resource and advisor who will ensure workplace issues are addressed promptly, fairly, and at the appropriate level.

IOA Radio to Feature Stony Brook Ombuds

Judi Segall, University Ombudsman at Stony Brook University and former IOA President, will be the guest on IOA’s teleconference-based “talk show” on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 12:00 pm Eastern. The topic will be “The Dynamic Role of the Ombudsman” and the show will be recorded for future access. (IOA News.) 

Job Posting: University of Oregon

Fulfilling a promise by President Michael Gottfredson earlier this year, OU has opened a search for its first University Ombudsperson. The position will set up a program for faculty, staff, and administrators -- a population of about 27,000.  

Job Posting: UC Santa Barbara

The University of California Santa Barbara is hiring an Assistant Ombuds. The position provides impartial, informal, independent and confidential conflict resolution services to all campus stakeholders. In consultation with the Campus Ombuds, Kirsi Aulin, the Assistant handles cases with little or no campus precedent, including bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination.

Ohio State University Names Faculty Ombuds

Lynne Olson, a newly retired emeritus professor from the Department of Veterinary Biosciences has been named OSU’s Faculty Ombudsman, replacing the university's Jack Rall. “I think Jack Rall has gotten the office off on a very good foot, and my particular goal would be to keep moving on the trajectory he set up,” Olson said.

Coalition of Federal Ombuds Announces 2013 Conference

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia will host the 12th Annual CoFO Conference on Monday, September 30, 2013. The event is open to those who are working as Ombuds in the Federal sector and others interested in the role.

Job Posting: Transportation Security Administration

The Department Of Homeland Security agency is hiring a Program Specialist for its Office of the Ombudsman in Arlington, VA. The position serves as an Ombudsman, providing confidential, neutral, independent and informal assistance to TSA employees, managers, and stakeholders.

University of Michigan Ombuds Launches Blog

Tom Lehker, the UM Ombudsman for Students, has started a blog: Conflict as a Catalyst for Change. After an initial post to introduce himself, Lehker's latest post is about, "The Process (and not just the content) of Dispute Resolution." He offers three pieces of advice for people working through a conflict: 1. Listening is paramount; 2. Validating the experiences of others; and 3. Expressing empathy. (UM Ombuds Blog.)

Ron Wilson: Former University of California Irvine Ombuds

R. Ronald Wilson, who served as the Ombudsman at UCI from 1978 until 1999 and was a national figure in the art of mediation and Ombudsmanship, has passed away.