Job Posting: Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

The polytechnic institute in Calgary, Alberta is hiring a full-time Ombudsperson. The position, which was established by Kamini Bernard in 2021, provides services to all members of the SAIT campus community, a population of nearly 15,000. The SAIT Ombuds reports to the Vice President of External Relations and receives advice and direction from the Ombudsperson Leadership Committee, which includes student representatives.

Alameda County District Attorney Appoints First Ombuds

Pamela Y. Price, the District Attorney for Alameda County, California, has created an Ethical Ombudsperson Office and appointed Assistant District Attorney Kwixuan Maloof to the role. Price, who is facing a recall vote in November, said that the Ombuds would reinforce her commitment to transparency and accountability. Maloof is continuing as ADA and thus would be a collateral duty Ombuds and will report to Price. This appears to be the first Ombuds program within a prosecutor's office in the U.S.

European Southern Observatory Selects Experienced Ombuds

After an extended, international search, Tahirih Varner has been appointed the next Ombuds for the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere. She follows Camilo Azcarate, who established the position in 2019. Although ESO is headquartered near Munich, the position is primarily based in Santiago, with frequent visits to various observatories in Chile and at least three months per year in Munich.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Appoints Next Ombuds

Environment Canada (Environnement et Changement climatique Canada) has confirmed Susie Roussel as its Ombuds. She leads an office of about six and provides services to 7,000 federal employees that oversee environmental policies and programs. She follows ECCC's inaugural Ombuds, Corinne Boudreault.

COFO 2024 Annual Conference: Call for Presentations

The Coalition of Federal Ombuds is now accepting proposals to present at its 2024 Annual Conference on Friday, October 25, 2024. The conference will be a hybrid event, with an in-person conference in Alexandria, Virginia, and a virtual component. COFO is soliciting proposals for both virtual and in-person presentations. 

Job Posting: Virginia Tech

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the public research university in Blacksburg, will expand its Ombuds Office with the hiring of its first Associate Ombuds. The position will report to the Director & University Ombuds, Reese Ramos, and provide services to all campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students. This is not a remote position, but is eligible for a telework/hybrid schedule.

University of Washington Associate Ombud Retires

Ruthy Kohorn Rosenberg, an experienced and highly respected Ombuds, has announced her intention to retire in August. She was the inaugural University Ombuds for Brown and served in that position from 2012-2020. She has spent the last four years as an Associate Ombud at the University of Washington.

Job Posting: University of Cincinnati

The public research university in Ohio is hiring an Associate Ombuds. The position reports to (now permanent) Ombuds, Jivanto P. van Hemert. The position provides services to about 60,000 students, staff, and faculty. The job posting explains that the Ombuds office is confidential and practices to IOA standards, except for matters within the scope of Title IX.

St. Johns River State College Creates Ombuds Program

Earlier this year, the public college in Northeast Florida unveiled a webpage for its new Student Support Ombuds Office. Iana Harris was appointed the inaugural Student Support Ombudsman for over 10,000 students across three campuses. According to the website, Harris can assist students with a wide range of academic and nonacademic matters, explaining: "The ombuds engages proactively with students to empower them to succeed at SJR State and beyond." 

Meet the Ombuds at the University of Lisbon

Maria Fernanda Oliveira was appointed the Student Ombudsman for Universidade de Lisboa in February 2022. She provides assistance with academic matters and serves a student body of 48,000 at the largest university in Portugal. She was appointed to a a four-year term by the General Council of the University. 

Webinar: Athletes’ Anti-Doping Ombuds Outlines her Role

Last week, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s offered a webinar featuring its inaugural Ombuds, Anna Thorstenson. She outlined her background and general mandate. through the end of 2024. Most of her remarks are about how she works with the unique concerns of athletes within the complex system of international competition and she also fielded questions. (YouTube.)

Cal Caucus Releases Agenda for 2024 Conclave

Registration is now open for the 51st California Caucus of College and University Ombuds. Set for November 10-13 at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, the theme will be “Piloting Stormy Seas to Safe Waters.” Unlike most professional conferences, attendees eat meals and participate in all sessions together. The event has sold out quickly in recent years.

Job Posting: U.S. Antarctic Program

The U.S. National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs is seeking its first Ombudsperson. As the Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics Section Program Liaison, the Ombuds will serve all USAP participants. The job requires travel to all program stations and vessels annually. In addition the USAP Ombuds will develop a training program, and "support the implementation of the Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response program." 

California State University Channel Islands Closes Ombuds Office

The public university in Ventura, California, abruptly closed its Ombuds Office this week. An announcement on the website for the office states: "We regret to announce that as of July 10, 2024, our Ombuds office has permanently closed." Mark Patterson established the office in July 2019, initially seeing only employees and later expanding the service to students in 2022. He had previously served as the Ombuds for the College of William & Mary. Patterson is active in the Ombuds community and was elected to the IOA Board of Directors in 2022. 

Community College of Denver Adopts Best Practices for Ombuds

Crystal D. Hernandez has served as the Student Support Ombudsperson for CCD since 2021. A new website for her office adopts a new title, "Student Ombuds," and makes it clear that her role is confidential, impartial, informal, and independent. The community college with three campuses in the Denver metro area enrolls over 8,000 students.