Western Kentucky University Names First Permanent Ombuds

WKU President Gary Ransdell has appointed Karl Laves as the university's the new faculty and staff Ombuds. "We attempted to pick someone who had the reputation, style and expertise to be an effective ombudsperson for both faculty and staff," said Provost Barbara Burch. "And Dr. Laves was both." Laves said he was surprised to be tapped for the position and said his main job is still assistant director for WKU's Counseling and Testing Center. "Because it's a new position on campus, it's being defined as we do it," Laves said. "I'm very excited and happy to take it on." In addition to his counseling duties, Laves is also a member of the faculty in the Psychology Department. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Laves takes over for William M. Greer, who served as interim Ombuds for one semester. (WKU Herald.) Related post: WKU to Create Ombuds Office.

US Cyclists Criticize Absence of Olympic Ombuds

Shortly before their event at the Beijing Olympics, four U.S. cyclists were reprimanded by a U.S. Olympic Committee member for wearing respiratory masks. Now, the cyclists are asking for an apology from the USOC. "Much of this problem boils down to not having the athlete's ombudsman in the village to mediate these sort of problems," said Andy Sparks, one of two coaches for the U.S. track cycling team. "The athletes had no support in their time of need, besides me. And that ended up being like trying to jump on and cover up a nuclear bomb!" (The Morning Call.)

Related post: Olympic Athlete Ombuds in the News.

Additional Details Emerge Regarding UGA Ombuds Program

A spokesperson for the University of Georgia said that financial considerations were a motivating factor in hiring current employees as the first Ombuds. "We gave serious consideration to creating new positions and the initial appointments are internal in part because of budget cuts," said the president's chief of staff, Meg Amstutz. She denied any concern about the potential for a perceived conflict of interest.

Steve Shi, director of the UGA Equal Opportunity Office, said conversations with Ombuds would be confidential, and communication between the administration and Ombuds would be limited. "There will be no 'back channel communication' between the ombudspersons and the administration," he said. However, open record laws allow the public to access notes taken by Ombuds, he said.

UGA's new Ombuds are expected to attend IOA training in Vancouver.

The program is slated for a two-year trial period. Among other considerations, UGA will evaluate whether outsiders should be hired as Ombuds.

The Red and Black editorial board endorsed the university's move, but expressed concerned about the Ombuds' ability to be truly independent.

(Athens Online; Red and Black Article, Editorial.)

Prior post: UGA's New Ombuds Program Fails in Several, Critical Aspects.

India Commission Recommends Ombuds for New Universities

As India works to establish 14 new universities, the National Knowledge Commission has issued several critical recommendations to ensure world class standards. Among other things, the panel has recommended that each university set up an internal Ombuds to address grievances of faculty, staff, student and public. (MyNews.in; NKC Overview.)

Job Posting: GE Mexico

GE International in Mexico City is hiring an Ombuds Manager. Applicants must have a university degree and at least five years experience in an international company. Previous experience in compliance and English/Spanish fluency are preferred. Salary and closing date not provided. (Bumeran Ejecutivos.)

Related post: Former GE Attorney: Employees Can be Fired for Failing to Bring Concerns to Ombuds.

UGA's New Ombuds Program Fails in Several, Critical Aspects

After several sexual harassment scandals rocked the University of Georgia, top administrators promised reforms, including an Ombuds Office for faculty, staff and students. Early reports seemed to indicate that the program would follow prevailing practices for organizational Ombuds: UGA President Michael Adams mentioned the need for neutrality and confidentiality; and the student newspaper endorsed IOA standards. UGA has now rolled out its program and introduced three new Ombuds. It is immediately apparent that the new Ombuds cannot assure confidentiality. The press release says that, the designated Ombuds "serve as independent, neutral and informal resources for UGA students, faculty and staff." As for confidentiality, the UGA website explains:

All communications related to an allegation, concern or other issue reported to Ombudspersons will be kept confidential to the extent legally permissible and consistent with maintaining the safety and public welfare of the campus. In cases where information reported to an Ombudsperson indicates that there may be a violation of the University's non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy, the Ombudsperson will be obligated to report that information to the NDAH Officer in keeping with that policy.

In addition to the issue of confidentiality, there is good reason to be suspicious of the UGA Ombuds' independence, neutrality and informality. All three continue to hold administrative posts at the university.

• Ombuds for Students -- Shay Davis Little is director of administrative operations for University Housing and an adjunct faculty member.
• Ombuds for Faculty -- Anne Proffitt Dupre is a tenured professor in the law school and co-director of a UGA consortium.
• Ombuds for Staff -- Kathryn M. Chetney helps UGA’s Human Resources Office conduct workplace investigations and counsels employees regarding the university’s progressive discipline process, Family and Medical Leave Act, HR policies and procedures and Dispute Resolution Process.

The net effect is a program that does not reflect best practices for organizational Ombuds. Indeed, UGA's Ombuds Office does not resemble the typical model for Ombuds programs in American institutions of higher education. (UGA Press Release; UGA Ombuds Office Website; Red and Black.)

Prior posts: University of Georgia Petitions for Staff Ombuds; UGA Student Newspaper Endorses Ombuds Office Proposal; UGA Ombuds News Roundup; UGA Promises Three New Ombuds by October.

Update: University of Ottawa Planning for Ombuds Program

An informal committee of students and senior staff at the University of Ottawa is continuing its work on issues involving the rights and responsibilities of members of the campus community. Although the committee withdrew its recommendation for a code of conduct, its proposal for a university Ombuds program has gained traction. Bruce Feldthusen, the university's dean of Common Law and a member of the informal committee said there was no dispute on having an Ombudsperson for students and staff. "Since we just began, I don't want to say in any way what the outcome is going to be. My sense of it is we will see a more balanced appreciation of rights and responsibilities on all sides, (and) hopefully we will get there through good dialogue and mutual respect." (Ottawa Citizen.)

Prior post: University of Ottawa Considering Ombuds Program.