Job Posting: United Nations

In addition to the UN Ombuds positions previously posted, the United Nations is also hiring Ombuds for two regional branches with the peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan, based in Kinshasa and Khartoum, respectively. Applications are due by August 25. (UN Human Resources.)

Prior: Job Posting.

Job Posting: United Nations

The Office of the UN Ombudsman is hiring five Regional Ombuds to head branches in Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Bangkok and Santiago. Under the general authority of the UN Ombuds, the Regional Ombuds will be responsible for establishing and direction the branches, consulting with UN employees, identifying and analyzing trends, preparing reports, and raising awareness of the Ombuds Office. An advanced degree or experience, especially in alternative conflict resolution, is preferred. Applicants should have 10 years of professional experience. Experience in resolution of conflicts or disputes, especially at the international level, is highly desirable. Applications are due by August 25. (UN Human Resources.)

Related posts: UN Budget Increases Funds and Scope of Ombuds Office; Barkat Appointed UN Ombuds.

Northwest Ombuds Group Meeting

The Northwest Ombuds Group is a regional cross-sector gathering of practicing Ombuds and interested others. Participants come from the US northwest and Canada's western provinces 2-3 times a year to network, to learn, and to discuss issues relevant to Ombuds. The group met most recently on June 17 in conjunction with the International Forum on Online Dispute Resolution at Royal Roads University. The meeting was coordinated by Martine Conway, Ombudsperson at the University of Victoria. (ODR Forum 2008 Blog; UVic Ombuds.)

Baylor Names Faculty Ombuds

Baylor University has appointed Dr. Robert M. Baird, professor of philosophy and Master Teacher, to the position of Faculty University Ombudsperson. "I appreciate the confidence shown in me by the provost and the Faculty Senate," Baird said. "In any organization conflicts inevitably arise, and I hope that I can play a constructive role in helping to resolve them." A cum laude graduate of Baylor, Baird also earned his master's degrees from Baylor, and his doctorate from Emory University. Baird has edited 17 books on contemporary issues in philosophy. He is a member of several professional societies, including the American Philosophical Association, Society of Christian Philosophers, Southwestern Philosophical Society and American Civil Liberties Union. Baird also serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Church and State and Philosophy in the Contemporary World. (Baylor News.)

Update: Waco Tribune article.

Prior post: Baylor to Reinstate Faculty Ombuds Position.

Cal Poly Pomona Appoints Ombuds

The California State Polytechnic University in Pomona has announced that Dr. Lavada Austin will become the director of the Ombuds Office on July 31. A former director of Cal Poly Pomona's Counseling and Psychological Services, fills the vacancy by the retirement of Glenda Brock, who established the office in late 2006. "It's a great day for Cal Poly Pomona," said President Michael Ortiz. "Lavada's experience in counseling and conflict resolution makes her a natural fit for our Ombuds program. She is also well-versed in the campus culture, making her transition that much easier. It's good to welcome her back home." Austin has worked as a psychologist at UC Irvine and UC Riverside, and chief psychologist and coordinator of Mental Health Services for the Watts Health Foundation in Los Angeles. She received her master's and doctorate degrees in psychology from Southern Illinois University. (PolyCentric.)

Prior posts: Cal Poly Pomona Debuts Ombuds Office; Cal Poly Pomona's Interim Ombuds to Retire; Job Posting.

Inspector General Recommends Realignment of TSA Ombuds Program

A report from the Office of the Inspector General at the US Department of Homeland Security released Tuesday strongly recommended that the Transportation Security Administration reorganize its Ombuds Office and bolster other conflict management programs. The Inspector General found that many TSA employees don't trust or know about the program. The report also recounted several anecdotes from TSA employees who were intimidated by supervisors for attempting to visit with the Ombuds. The Inspector General therefore recommended that TSA restructure its Ombuds Office to report directly to the head of the agency rather than a special counselor, thus ensuring the Ombuds' independence. In addition, TSA was urged to establish a charter outlining the Ombuds' authority and permit the office to carry out its duties without interference. A TSA spokesperson denied charges of low morale and defended the agency's remedial efforts. (OIG Report; USA Today; Homeland Security Today; Pro Publica.

Related: Job Posting.

The Inspector General's recommendations would bring the TSA Ombuds program in line with the standards recognized by the International Ombudsman Association and the American Bar Association, and go a long way toward restoring employees' confidence in the program. The silver lining in this story is the Inspector General's recognition of the value of an effective Ombuds program.

Job Posting: San Jose State U.

The California State University at San Jose is accepting applications for a University Ombudsman. As a Vice President of Student Affairs, the Ombuds primarily serves student interests. The position is not described as complying with IOA best practices: "If informal resolution is not possible, the University Ombudsman administers to the Student Fairness Committee." Conflict resolution experience or training is not required, but five years experience with student services functions is required. Priority applications due by July 3; salary ranges from $72,000 to $78,000 per year. (SJSU Jobs, job no. 13395, via HigherEdJobs.)

Related post: Calif. Appellate Court Relies on Testimony of University Ombuds in Denying Student's Grade Challenge.

Profile of UC Riverside Ombuds Gets Some Facts Right, Some Wrong

Earlier this year, the University of California appointed Indu Sen as its Campus Ombudsperson. She is profiled in the current faculty and staff newsletter, but there are some significant misstatements. The profile accurately states that Sen is a 1997 graduate of UCR and earned her law degree in 2000 from the University of San Diego. It is also true that Sen will earn her Masters in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University later this year. On the other hand, the article says that Sen takes over the position because the former Ombuds, Andrea Briggs, left to serve as the president of the University and College Ombudsman Association (UCOA). In addition, the article says that the UCR Ombuds Office is located in a cottage it vacated more than two years ago. (Inside UCR.)

Related posts: Former UCR Ombuds Heads to Iran; UC Riverside Appoints Ombuds.

Where Are All the Women Who Mediate?

Blogger Diane Levin wonders why it seems that there are more men working as professional mediators. (Mediation Channel.) My quick analysis indicates that about 60% of full IOA members are women. Moreover, many of the leading lights in the profession are women (e.g., Hasenfeld, Wagner, Rowe). So here’s at least one sector of ADR where women predominate professionally.

A Credo For Facilitators

Peter Adler and a group of ADR professionals have written a statement of philosophy for facilitators. At core, they believe in the inherent wisdom of groups and the high value of collaboration and consensus seeking. Yet facilitators have come under scrutiny, even as they are asked to take on a growing variety of roles. This compelled the following manifesto of beliefs for facilitators:

1. A Good Faith Contract;
2. Trustworthiness and Impartiality;
3. Inclusion and Participation;
4. Respect for Culture;
5. Clarity About Ownership and Decision Making;
6. Better Politics; and
7. [An Appreciation for] The Facilitators Role.

Inasmuch as Ombuds often serve as facilitators, this statement of ideals is relevant and notably consistent with Ombuds best practices. (Mediate.com.)

Public Conversations Workshop in NY

The Public Conversations Project is offering its signature workshop, the Power of Dialogue, in New York City on July 27-29. The program is offered for a variety of professionals including Ombuds and mediators. Through presentations, discussions, and simulations, participants learn to apply the key elements of PCP's approach to dialog. Co-sponsored by the New York Tolerance Center and the Family Institute of Cambridge, the course costs $450-$750 (sliding scale) for three full days. (Public Conversations.)

Western Michigan U. Selects Ombuds

Kathy L. Mitchell, a longtime Western Michigan University staff member with experience in a number of campus departments, has been selected to head the WMU Ombuds Office. Mitchell, currently WMU's director of field placements in the College of Education since 2004, will replace Dr. Thomas Bailey on July 1. Mitchell earned a bachelor's degree in family studies from WMU in 2002 and a master's degree in family life education in 2005. Since 2007, she has been working on a doctoral degree in higher education leadership. Dr. Gary Wegenke, dean of the College of Education, said that Mitchell, "has wonderful communication skills, she's always willing to talk with anyone and there is great integrity in what she says." (WMU News.)

Related posts: WMU Reopens Ombuds Office; WMU Looking In-House for Permanent Ombuds.

Journal of the CCCUO Calls for Papers

The Journal of the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds is accepting manuscripts applicable to the practice of ombudsing in the academic setting. Suggested topics include: ombudsing methods and techniques; the history of academic ombudsing; and similarities and differences in regard to ombuds practice in other settings. Manuscripts for consideration in the 2008 issue of the Journal are due September 1, 2008, and should be sent to Kerry Egdorf.

Related posts: Cal Caucus Journals Back Online; Cal Caucus Annual Conference in Pacific Grove.

Russert Eulogized as America's Ombuds

In a widely syndicated editorial, Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post explained why the death of journalist Tim Russert generated such a huge reaction:

I think it's not just because of who Russert was, but also because of the role he carved out for himself as a kind of ombudsman -- the mediator not only of a television show but of a weekly dialogue between the public and the political establishment.

Robinson also said that Russert effectively confronted his fellow insiders with the questions and concerns of those living outside. Words that will resonate with Ombuds in any industry. (Washington Post, thanks Walt.)

Related posts: An Ombuds By Any Other Name; Tim Gunn: Ombuds?

U. Nebraska, Omaha Appoints Ombuds

The University of Nebraska at Omaha announced the appointment of three Ombuds for the 2008-09 academic year. They are: Tracie Anderson, assistant director of New Student Orientation; Rhonda Sheibal-Carver, staff assistant in Public Administration; and Mark Scherer, associate professor of History. (UNO eNotes.)