Leaked Document Reveals Work of College Ombuds

Over the past academic year, a senior administrator at Grinnell College has been questioned about personnel practices which have lead to allegations of management issues and faculty-administration tensions. (Scarlet & Black.) WikiLeaks has posted a confidential analysis of Grinnell's hiring and firing practices and how the situation was handled by the president. (WikiLeaks.)

Written by an anonymous Grinnell faculty member in about December 2008, the leaked document reveals a covert investigation that found similar problems during the administrator's prior appointment at Lewis & Clark College. Fortunately, Lewis & Clark had an Ombuds who was able to assist, much to the relief of the administration at Lewis & Clark. According the the leaked document:

The Need for an Ombudsperson

In her written statement, the retired director also notes, "After [the administrator] left, the division required counseling and intervention with an organizational rescuer. We needed this. It amazes me what one person can do in 18 months." A high level administrator at L&C, with whom Ralph spoke, and who is willing to speak to our trustees privately, confirms this account. The college's ombudsperson (at L&C the ombudsperson is a totally independent conflict-resolution agent) interviewed every member of the ... division at the new dean's request and then did periodic follow-ups. The administrator reported that the "entire division was a basket case. Valerie [the ombudsperson] was needed to heal us. (Full text pdf, p. 4.)

Of course, but for the leaked document, the work of the Lewis & Clark Ombuds would have remained secret and known only to a few. The Grinnell faculty has apparently realized the value of an Ombuds and has created a Faculty Governance Group to look into the creation of a Ombuds office for the campus. (Grinnell Faculty Meeting Minutes, 4/6/09.)

Related post: Lewis & Clark College Launches Ombuds Office.

Correction 8/26/09: The original version of this post mistakenly indicated that mistakenly asserted that the administrator had left Grinnell College. In fact, the administrator still serves in that position. I apologize for the error.  

Update 3/30/10: The post was amended to remove details identifying Grinnell's senior administrator.  One comment that lead to the correction on 8/26/09 was also removed.  These details were peripheral to the issue of the Ombuds role in the underlying matter.