Ombuds Blog Now More Secure

The settings have changed for this blog. All visitors are now able to view the Ombuds Blog over an encrypted connection by visiting https://ombuds-blog.blogspot.com. Existing links and bookmarks will continue to work.  The new HTTPS setting may work for readers at organizations that have previously blocked access because it was not an encrypted website.

Federal Court for Northern California to Continue Ombuds Program

Humboldt County blogger, John Chiv reports that the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California will continue its Ombuds program indefinitely after a two-year trial.  The court Ombudsperson Program was established in April 2014 with the appointment of two retired judges, Fern M. Smith and James P. Kleinberg, who will continue in their roles.

Call for Submissions: 2016 Journal of Cal Caucus

The Journal of the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds is seeking scholarly articles for its 2016 edition. Articles should be focused the varied aspects of Ombuds work in academia, The Journal publishes original theoretical and empirical articles dealing with national and international issues, case studies, op-eds, conference session abstracts, and book reviews.

Job Posting: Georgia State University (Associate Director)

The large public university in Atlanta has reopened its search for an Associate Director for its Office of the Ombudsperson.  The postion will collaborate with the Director (Kelley Alexander), Coordinator, and Campus Conflict Resolution Committee to provide conflict management services for GSU’s faculty, staff and students on four campuses -- a total population of about 50,000.

Job Posting: Georgia State University (Assistant Ombuds)

The GSU Office of the Ombudsperson is hiring a full-time Assistant Ombudsperson.  The primary responsibility of the postion is providing conflict management services for over 32,0000 students on four campuses.  In addition, the Assistant Ombuds will manage Graduate Research Assistants, student assistants, and interns; assists with tasks related to the Annual Conflict Resolution Symposium; and performs other administrative duties.

Internship: United Nations, New York

The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services is has extended the application period for a full-time, two-month, unpaid internship in its New York offices.  The position supports UNOMS Mediation Services; helps identify systemic issues; supports outreach and advocacy efforts; and helps prepare data and reports.

Ombuds at University of North Carolina Reflects on Teaching in South Africa

UNC Ombuds Wayne Blair is profiled in the campus publication on global activities.  In addition to the history of his office, Blair talked about teaching IOA courses in South Africa last year:

Job Posting: Barnard College

The private women's liberal arts college in New York has opened a search for its first Ombuds Officer. Reporting to the President of the College, the new Ombuds will provide assistance to 3,000 faculty, students, staff, and administrators with internal concerns.  The job is part-time (three days a week). 

Job Posting: Ohio University

The public research university in Athens has opened an internal search for a part-time Ombudsman.  The position serves faculty, staff, and students -- a population of nearly 50,000.  The search will fill a position held by Judy Piercy since 2013.

Ombuds Program Serves Fencing Referees

Since October 2014, the Fencing Officials Commission Ombudsmen have served as a resource for referees with concerns and issues about the sport.  Derek Cotton is the lead FOC Ombudsman and works with six other Ombuds--all are experienced fencers and referees.  Together, they help answer questions, promote the sharing of best practices, and shed light on the work of referees.

North Carolina State University Ombuds Recaps 2016 IOA Conference

On his blog, Roy Baroff, the Faculty Ombuds at NC State, recounts his experience at the International Ombudsman Association's annual conference in Seattle.  He notes that Bernie Mayer's keynote speech gave him some ideas to incorporate into his work.  

American Public University Establishes Ombuds Office

The for-profit, online learning institution that is composed of American Military University and American Public University has opened an Office of the Ombuds for its 100,000 plus students. Lynn Wallace established the position in September 2015 and a website for the new program recently went online. The APU Ombuds explicitly practices to IOA standards. 

IOA Webinar: How to Get Out the Ombuds Message

The International Ombudsman Association will offer a webinar titled, "How to Get the Ombuds Message Out: Aligning Business Needs, Target Audiences and Tracking Progress." The session will be presented by Eric Mayo, Internal Ombuds at Chevron since 2012.  The program takes place on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Central Time and also will be available as a recording. 

Job Posting: U.S. Department of State

The Office of the Ombudsman at the State Department is hiring a Program Management Specialist. The incumbent will work as an Ombuds, providing, "subject matter expertise in conflict resolution, utilizing mediation, facilitation, conflict coaching and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques, as appropriate."Some travel is required and there is an opportunity to telecommute. 

Job Posting: Pasadena Unified School District

The public school district in Southern California has opened a search for its first Ombuds.  There are no public details about the position in terms of responsibilities, reporting line, or otherwise.  The district enrolls almost 20,000 students and employs about 2,500 teachers and staff.