Job Posting: Rochester University

The private, nonsectarian, research university in New York is hiring a "University Intercessor and ADA/504 Coordinator." The first position is essentially that of an Ombuds. "The University Intercessor is responsible for neutral and impartial dispute resolution, providing confidential and informal assistance to all constituents of the University community...with respect to issues of perceived unfair or improper treatment or bias." The Intercessor has been a Rochester resource for four decades. 

Job Posting: University of Arizona College of Medicine

The only MD granting medical school in the state of Arizona is has opened a search for its first Ombuds. Two, part-time positions will establish a program for medical students at the Phoenix campus. 

SCI and Pacifica Announce Alliance for Collegiate Athletic Ombuds

The Sports Conflict Institute and Pacifica Human Communications have unveiled a new collaboration to implement cutting-edge, informal conflict management systems with college athletic departments to better manage risk and optimize performance. In essence, the partnership will seek to promote the establishment of Ombuds programs in intercollegiate athletic programs and the NCAA.

FCO and Osgoode Law Offer Second Ombuds Certificate Program

For the second year, the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman and Osgoode Hall Law School at York University will offer Essentials for Ombuds. The five-day program will be offered September 22–26, 2014 at in downtown Toronto.

Coalition of Federal Ombuds Seeks Data on Ombuds Value

CoFO has unveiled the "Ombuds VALUE Project" and is seeking stories that describe Ombuds work and its impact. The project began at CoFO's 2013 annual meeting, where members expressed interest in sharing the positive value in their work.  

Ombuds Departs from Binghamton University

The public research university in Vestal, New York reports that Dawn Osborne-Adams will step down from her position to relocate to Charleston, S.C., with her family on July 11. Osborne-Adams, who became the Ombuds in 2010, said, “I feel privileged to have served Binghamton’s faculty, staff and students in this role. As I move into this next chapter, I will look back fondly on my time at Binghamton as both immensely challenging and deeply rewarding.”

Job Posting: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The FDIC is hiring another Internal Ombudsman Specialist, the second this year.  The position serves as a "neutral source for internal agency employees to raise concerns, identify options, and request assistance to informally resolve conflict and problems." The position is not part of the FDIC's external Ombuds program that serves local customers of banks taken over by the agency.

Ombuds for Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Publishes First Annual Report

A report from FINRA’s Office of the Ombudsman describes its role within the non-governmental organization which regulates U.S. brokerage firms and exchange markets, and summarizes the cases and issues received during 2013. 

Job Posting: Algonquin College

The public college of applied arts and technology in Ottawa, Ontario, is hiring an Ombudsperson for temporary contract, September 1 through December 31, 2014.  The position reports to the Ombudsperson Review Committee and serves the student body of 18,000 full-time undergraduates and 35,180 continuing education students. 

University of Michigan Ombuds Shares Lessons Learned

In two recent blog posts, Tom Lehker shares some of the lessons that he has learned through his work as has UM's Ombudsman for Students.  Most of these observations are relevant for mediators and Ombuds in other settings.  Here are the highlights:

Ombuds at University of Missouri–Kansas City Publishes Fourth Annual Report

In her fourth annual report, UMKC's part-time Faculty Ombudsperson Nancy E. Day said that her caseload in the 2013-14 academic year had decreased to 14 from 24 in the prior period.  In addition to visitor matters, Day also worked on training programs for a healthy,
respectful workplace that will be offered in the fall. 

Cleveland State University to Hire Ombuds From Within

CSU has opened an internal search for its next University Ombudsperson.  The position--which serves about 19,000 faculty, staff, and students--is open only to tenured faculty members with at least five years of experience.  Valerie Hinton-Hannah, CSU's Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs is the current Interim Ombuds. (SimplyHired.)

Job Posting: George Mason University

The public university in Virginia has opened a search for a full-time Ombudsman to serve its 37,000 students, staff and faculty. The position was previously held by Dolores Gómez-Morán .

Maine Association of Mediators Creates Ombuds Program

The non-profit that provides ADR services to Maine individuals, businesses and the court system has established an Ombuds Program for issues and concerns arising out of their services. The program is outlined in a document titled, "Ombuds Process," which closely resembles a charter or terms of reference. 

Update: California Senate to Appoint Ombuds

The California State Senate has passed a bill (SR-43) that will create an Ombuds “to facilitate the receipt of information about potential ethical violations.”  Senate President pro-tem Darrell Steinberg, said the Ombuds is “somebody whose job it is to prevent a problem before it becomes embarrassing to the individual, and most importantly, before it becomes embarrassing to the institution itself.”