Update: House Approves VA Ombuds Bill

By unanimous vote, the U.S. House approved H.R. 2192 to establish a confidential Ombuds Office in the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans and their family members for health care and benefits issues. Apparently, Representatives were not dissuaded by the VA's opposition to the bill. The measure was sent to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further consideration. (OpenCongress.org; H.R. 2192 status.)

Prior post: Veterans Ombuds Bill Sent to House Floor.

Cal State San Bernardino Ombuds Issues First Annual Report

The Office of Ombuds Services at the California State University San Bernardino has released its first annual report for the 2007-2008 academic year. According to University Ombuds Tera Bisbee, the office had 201 visitors, primarily students. Intervention was required in 51% of cases. (CSUSB Ombuds Report.)

Related post: Cal State San Bernardino Appoints Ombuds.

West Texas A&M Opens Ombuds Office

West Texas A&M University has created an Ombuds program for students. Casey Garrett, who has worked in student affairs was appointed as the first Ombuds. (WTAMU Ombuds.)

Job Posting: FINRA

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (the successor to the National Association of Securities Dealers) is seeking a Senior Director for its Ombudsman Office. The position reports functionally to the Audit Committee and administratively to the Senior Vice President & Chief Audit Executive. The Senior Director handles issues related to FINRA's internal and external activities and manages the office in compliance with the Ombuds principles of neutrality, confidentiality and independence. An advanced degree or professional certification in dispute resolution is preferred, and applicants should have a minimum of eight years experience in a managerial position. Experience as an investigator and/or analyst, preferably in a securities regulatory environment, is also desired. No salary or closing date indicated. (FINRA Jobs.)

Related post: SEC Affirms Role of NASD Ombuds.

Update: Accreditation Ombuds Dropped from Higher Ed Bill

After seven years of effort, U.S. House and Senate negotiators have resolved differences and agreed on a bill to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The 1,158-page legislation is expected to reach the House and Senate floors on Thursday. In the process, a provision of the House version that would have created a federal Ombuds to resolve accreditation disputes was omitted. (Chronicle of Higher Ed.; Text of H.R. 4137.)

Prior post: Higher Ed Bill Held Up, Accreditation Ombuds Proposal Unresolved.

Boise State Hires First Ombuds

Boise State University has appointed Rob Anson, a professor in the College of Business, as its first faculty Ombuds. Anson earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and an MBA and Doctorate from Indiana University. He has taught at Boise State since 1990 and has been leading the effort to implement a university-side information system. This will be a half-time position and Anson will continue to teach. (BSU Update; Anson Vita.)

Volunteer Ombuds Settle Thousands of National Guard Reemployment Disputes

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Right Act of 1994 protects the employment, salary, benefits and status for service personnel who return to their employer after deployment. However, the Department of Defense's office of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) receives tens of thousands of inquiries a year regarding the law. Fortunately, most cases are resolved quickly, thanks in part to the efforts of ESGR Ombudsman Services. The program depends on nearly 900 volunteer Ombudsmen, who attempt to mediate cases within 14 days. Dave Patel, ESGR director of national operations, says that Ombuds mediations help both returning service men and women and their employers to avoid charges by the U.S. Department of Labor or private civil actions. (Human Resource Executive; ESGR Ombudsman Services.)

Related: Job Posting.