U. Washington Searching Internally for Ombuds

In February 2008, the University of Washington appointed an Advisory Search Committee for the University Ombudsman & Ombudsman for Sexual Harassment. The Provost's charge to the Committee (now available on line) is to "widely advertise and search within the university community for a faculty member qualified to assume this important position" and to propose three candidates. Susan Neff, formerly the Assistant Ombuds, is serving as Interim Ombudsman until the appointment. (UW Leadership Searches; Committee Charge.)

My concern (and this is a purely personal opinion*) is that an internal candidate will be less likely to bring the UW program into compliance with prevailing standards of practice for university Ombuds. Given the recent and deeply troubling decision by the Washington State Appellate Court, it would seem to be a good time to reform the UW Ombuds office.

Related post: U Washington Faces Lawsuit Despite Mediation by Ombuds.