Will the Ontario Ombudsman's New Powers Impact University Ombuds?

Earlier this week, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed Bill 8, the “Public Sector and MPP Accountability and​ Transparency Act, 2014,” a package of new public-sector accountability measures.  Among other things, Bill 8 expands the Ontario Ombudsman’s powers to municipal entities previously off limits, including universities.  Although there is no current concern, the impact on existing university Ombuds in Ontario remains uncertain. 

Binghamton University Announces Next Ombuds

The State University of New York announced the appointment of Bathabile Mthombeni as Ombudsman, effective January 15, 2015.  Binghamton President said,“Bathabile’s background in law and extensive experience in conflict management and dispute resolution is what we had hoped to find for our campus and will serve her well in this key position.”

Volunteer Opportunity: Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is seeking volunteer Ombudspersons for the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games and/or the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The Ombuds will provide guidance and counsel for Canadian Paralympic Team Members to quickly and effectively resolve disputes and issues.

Job Re-Posting: University of Arizona

The public university in Tucson has reopened its search for an Ombuds Program Director. The position provides direction, coordination, and development of campus volunteers in the UA Ombuds Program. In addition, the Director also is expected to work closely with senior administrator about systemic issues.  The position will report to Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration.

Job Posting: University of South Florida

USF plans to reopen its Office of the Ombudsman which closed nearly two years ago.  The university in Tampa has opened a search for an Ombuds to work with a student population of about 48,000.  Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and at least four years of experience.  An advanced degree, counseling, and USF experience are preferred.

University of the Pacific Appoints First Ombuds

The private university in Stockton, California as named Hector Escalante as its first Ombudsperson, starting January 5, 2015.  UOP Vice President Mary Lou Lackey said, "Hector's background in conflict management, together with his exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, strong ethical framework and deep understanding of Pacific's culture and structure will serve him well in this important role."

Ombuds Case Numbers Grow at Northern Illinois University

In a report presented last week, NIU Ombuds Sarah Klaper said that 604 individuals who visited her office from May 2013 to May 2014, a 32% increase from the prior year.  In fact, Klaper said that the actual number of cases should be much higher.  “In my day-to-day work life, I talk with people as I go across campus,” Klaper said in the report. 

IOA Opens Election for 2015 Board of Directors

The International Ombudsman Association has announced the slate of candidates for Board of Directors terms starting in April 2015. With the early departures of three directors, the election will fill six empty seats from a slate of eight nominees.  As it has in the past, the Ombuds Blog provides links to public information about the candidates to supplement the official ballot statements.

University of Wisconsin Anti-Bullying Policy Invokes Ombuds

Last month, the Faculty Senate at the University of Wisconsin at Madison approved an anti-bullying policy that will be “implemented” either informally, through the intervention of an Ombuds or vice provost with no written record of complaint.

Job Re-Posting: Syracuse City School District

The public school district in New York has re-opened its search for its first Ombuds.  The Executive Ombuds Officer for Student Discipline will report directly to the District Superintendent. "In carrying out the functions of this position, the EOO is guided by the principles of independence, impartiality, confidentiality, and informality."  It is not clear whether or how the posting has been revised since the search opened in July.

Texas Tech Names First Faculty Ombuds

Texas Tech University has announced the appointment of Jean Pearson Scott as its first Faculty Ombudsperson, effective January 1, 2015.  Scott will report to both the TTU  Provost and the Faculty Senate President, as serve as an impartial facilitator between faculty and their supervisors and sometimes between faculty and students or staff.

Concordia Ombuds Office Celebrates 35 Years

The Ombuds Office at Concordia University was celebrated at a reception last week marking 35 years of service.  The Ombuds Office at Concordia was established in 1978 when the programs at predecessor institutions merged.  

Loyola University New Orleans Appoints Ombuds for Staff

Earlier this year, the private, Jesuit university in Louisiana appointed Robert Reed, to serve as its Staff Ombudsman. Reed works with about 300 employees and continues in his role as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.  The university named its first Faculty Ombuds in 2013.  A website for the office went online in July 2014

Staff Ombuds at KU Leuven Defends Role

Joseph Corveleyn, the Staff Ombudsman at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Flanders, Belgium, was interviewed last week by the campus's independent student newspaper. According to the article, witnesses say the KU Ombuds does not actually help staff with work problems. However, instead of presenting any evidence to support this assertion, the piece mostly provides Corvelyn an opportunity to explain his role and dispel misinformation. His best quote provides the article's headline: "The ombudsman is not the sheriff of the university." 

ABA Ombuds Committee Outlines its Goals

The American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution Section Ombuds Committee  has posted a statement to its website that outlines its vision, mission, and goals.  The Committee was reestablished in December 2013 and this is the first clear explanation of its purpose.