Hockey Players Oust Director With Input From Ombuds

The National Hockey League Players' Association fired its Executive Director, Paul Kelly, after a lengthy deliberation by the executive board. According to media reports, interim NHPLA Ombuds Buzz Hargrove, was summoned into the boardroom twice to participate in the discussion before a final vote was taken. It is believed that Hargrove presented a review of Kelly’s tenure that indicated employees were divided on Kelly’s proficiency. (Sporting News; Toronto Globe & Mail.)

New Canadian Banking Ombuds Named

The Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments has appointed Douglas Melville as its ombudsman and chief executive officer. OBSI is a voluntary dispute-resolution service established in 1996 that deals with complaints between participating Canadian financial service firms and their clients. Melville has been serving as interim ombudsman since mid-May, following the resignation of David Agnew. "Mr. Melville brings to the Ombudsman role a rich and varied background in financial services, dispute resolution, public policy, media, government, and community relations," said Peggy-Anne Brown, chair of OBSI's board of directors. Melville originally joined the organization in 2006 as senior deputy ombudsman for banking services. He earned his BA from Carleton University, a JD and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, and an LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. (Toronto Star.)

Related post: Canadian Banking Ombuds Releases Year-End Review.

21 Recommended ADR Blogs

Diane Levin, who compiles a directory of about 200 alternative dispute resolution blogs at ADRblogs.com, has a list of her 21 favorites. This is a great place for newcomers to get a feel for the array of voices in the field. Of course, if I were to create a list, Levin's own site would be in the top ten. (Mediation Channel.)

Handling a Tyrant Boss

Lynn Taylor, a workplace expert and contributor to Business Week magazine offers suggestions book on how employees can manage difficult bosses, which she dubs TOTs "Terrible Office Tyrants." She says TOTs are bosses who act strikingly similar to children, like toddlers in their Terrible Twos. Taylors says there are five hallmarks of a TOT and she offers tips on managing them:

Tantrums
• Determine the best time of day and day of the week to approach your TOT;
• Don't hang around for the fireworks or engage;
• Keep CALM -- Communicate, Anticipate, Laugh, and Manage;

Demanding
• Set expectations through regular meetings;
• Let your TOT know when you are feeling overwhelmed and use priority task lists;
• Communicate when a project has been successful;

Needy
• Encourage your TOT's independence and reinforce her own competence;
• Offer a plan to cover excessive workloads;
• Help your boss learn that other people can serve her as well;

Stubborn
• Use positive language to relax your stubborn TOT;
• Know that it's easier for TOTs to be more flexible if there's something in it for them;
• Offer choices and compromises that empower your TOT;

Distracted
• Make communications compelling;
• Use props, visual aids, and humor to keep your manager engaged and on target;
• Manage interruptions.

These tips and Taylor's book, Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant (TOT): How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job, will be valuable for many Ombuds' visitors. (Business Week; Tame Your Tot Blog.)

Related posts: When the Boss is a Bully or Jerk; Opinion of Boss Drives Most Decisions to Quit.

Study Shows That Ridicule Undermines Workplace Performance

Research published in the Journal of Management Studies finds that perceived workplace injustices directly affect employees' ability to cope with workload demands and performance-related expectations. In other words, when managers ridicule or disrespect their workers, the results are likely to be lowered output and higher turnover. The study was authored by Michael S. Cole, PhD, at Texas Christian University. (Wiley InterScience; UPI; Science Daily; hat tip to Mary Rowe.)

More science confirming common sense.

Harvard University Ombuds to Take on Public Safety Issues

In April 2009, Harvard president Drew Faust appointed an independent committee to look into complaints by black students and faculty of unfair treatment by the predominantly white campus police force. That committee ultimately recommended that Harvard create a public-safety Ombuds and take other steps to repair the relationship between the campus police and the campus community. On Friday, Harvard announced that University Ombuds Lydia Cummings will take on the public safety functions recommended by the committee.

In her newly expanded role, Cummings will meet with the Safety Advisory Committee, review and recommend resolutions to general and specific concerns raised by members of the University community, and bring any systemic issues to the attention of the administration, when warranted. To ensure that community members know where to bring issues, the office’s expanded role will be communicated on the Harvard College Web site, in the Handbook for Students, in House newsletters, in the Freshman Newsletter, and through the residential deans.

(Harvard News; Boston Globe.)

Ombuds as Antidote to Rising Threat of Litigation in Academia

Amy Gajda, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Illinois, warns that a rise in lawsuits poses a serious threat to academic freedom. In her new book, The Trials of Academe: The New Era of Campus Litigation, Gajda says that litigation is now common on campus, and perhaps even more commonly feared. She argues that several factors are driving the increase in lawsuits, including a breakdown in communication by academic leaders, a culture of distrust among colleagues, and anxieties from the shift to nontenured faculty.

Gajda does offer some hope. In an interview with the Chronicle of Higher Education, she says:

[C]olleges and universities need to build a stronger sense of community on campus. By this I mean an inclusive, open, diverse community with open channels of communication and effective means of addressing disputes internally. If students, faculty, administrators, and staff are divided by a sense of detachment or mutual suspicion, we can expect to see more litigation. Offering alternatives through campus mediation, ombudspersons, and the like can help to defuse conflicts and keep them out of court.

Her book is scheduled for release in October. (Harvard University Press; Chronicle of Higher Ed.)

Camosun College Ombuds Fights Firing

Gary Insley, the Ombuds for students at the community college in Victoria, BC, was terminated August 5, shortly after returning from a 16-month medical leave. Although Insley has a five-year contract through 2010, he says he was given little explanation for his firing. "There was no discussion -- I was simply called in for a meeting ... and it was done," he said. Camosun's HR director said there was not a problem with Insley's performance but would not comment further. Insley has has hired an attorney to fight the dismissal. Camosun's Ombudsman position is now filled on an interim basis. (Victoria Times Colonist.)

Two Former Ombuds Emerge as Contenders for LAPD Chief Post

Two of the names on the short list to succeed outgoing Los Angles Police Chief William J. Bratton have experience in the Department's Ombuds office. One of the top candidates is Sharon Papa, who made Papa made City history in 2003, when she became the LAPD's first woman promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief for the LAPD. Her career in the department included service as the Department's Ombuds Officer. Also mentioned as a possible applicant is Sandy Jo MacArthur, the Deputy Chief for LAPD's Training Group and a former Assistant Ombuds Officer and Mediator. The LAPD's Ombuds Office was created in 1997 to assist the Department's LAPD's 12,000 employees resolve conflicts. As of August 2008, the Ombuds Office was renamed the Work Environment Liaison Division. (LA Times; LAPD Papa Bio; LAPD MacArthur Bio; LAPD WELD.)

The Bermuda Triangle

The "Bermuda Triangle" or "Devil's Triangle" is an imaginary area located off the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States of America, which is noted for a supposedly high incidence of unexplained disappearances of ships and aircraft. The apexes of the triangle are generally believed to be Bermuda; Miami, Florida; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The US Board of Geographic Names does not recognize the Bermuda Triangle as an official name. The US Navy does not believe the Bermuda Triangle exists. It is reported that Lloyd's of London, the world's leading market for specialist insurance, does not charge higher premiums for vessels transiting this heavily traveled area.

The most famous US Navy losses which have occurred in the area popularly known as the Bermuda Triangle are USS Cyclops in March 1918 and the aircraft of Flight 19 in December 1945. The ship probably sank in an unexpected storm, and the aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed into the ocean -- no physical traces of them have ever been found. Another well known disappearance is the civilian tanker SS Marine Sulphur Queen carrying bulk molten sulfur which sank in February 1963. Although the wreck of Marine Sulphur Queen has not been located, a life preserver and other floating artifacts were recovered. These disappearances have been used to provide credence to the popular belief in the mystery and purported supernatural qualities of the "Bermuda Triangle."

Since the days of early civilization many thousands of ships have sunk and/or disappeared in waters around the world due to navigational and other human errors, storms, piracy, fires, and structural/mechanical failures. Aircraft are subject to the same problems, and many of them have crashed at sea around the globe. Often, there were no living witnesses to the sinking or crash, and hence the exact cause of the loss and the location of the lost ship or aircraft are unknown. A large number of pleasure boats travel the waters between Florida and the Bahamas. All too often, crossings are attempted with too small a boat, insufficient knowledge of the area's hazards, and a lack of good seamanship.

To see how common accidents are at sea, you can examine some of the recent accident reports of the National Transportation Safety Board for ships and aircraft. One of the aircraft accident reports concerns an in-flight engine failure and subsequent ditching of a Cessna aircraft near Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas on 13 July 2003. This is the type of accident that would likely have been attributed to mysterious causes in the Bermuda Triangle if there had been no survivors or other eyewitnesses of the crash.

A significant factor with regard to missing vessels in the Bermuda Triangle is a strong ocean current called the Gulf Stream. It is extremely swift and turbulent and can quickly erase evidence of a disaster. The weather also plays its role. Prior to the development of telegraph, radio and radar, sailors did not know a storm or hurricane was nearby until it appeared on the horizon. For example, the Continental Navy sloop Saratoga was lost off the Bahamas in such a storm with all her crew on 18 March 1781. Many other US Navy ships have been lost at sea in storms around the world. Sudden local thunder storms and water spouts can sometimes spell disaster for mariners and air crews. Finally, the topography of the ocean floor varies from extensive shoals around the islands to some of the deepest marine trenches in the world. With the interaction of the strong currents over the many reefs the topography of the ocean bottom is in a state of flux and the development of new navigational hazards can sometimes be swift.

It has been inaccurately claimed that the Bermuda Triangle is one of the two places on earth at which a magnetic compass points towards true north. Normally a compass will point toward magnetic north. The difference between the two is known as compass variation. The amount of variation changes by as much as 60 degrees at various locations around the World. If this compass variation or error is not compensated for, navigators can find themselves far off course and in deep trouble. Although in the past this compass variation did affect the "Bermuda Triangle" region, due to fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field this has apparently not been the case since the nineteenth century.

We know of no US Government-issued maps that delineate the boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle. However, general maps as well as nautical and aviation charts of the general area are widely available in libraries and from commercial map dealers.

Ombuds Training in North Carolina

The International Ombudsman Association will offer several courses at the Blake Hotel in Charlotte, October 26-30, 2009.

• Ombudsman 101 (Oct. 26-28): An introductory program for new Ombudsman or those seeking information about the organizational Ombudsman role.
• Ombudsman 101 Plus (Oct. 28): A special program for organizations and entrepreneurs who want to get started.
  
• Specialized Course: Conflict Resolution (Oct. 29): This course is designed to view conflict as an opportunity to make us more effective as agents of positive change, primarily in the workplace, but in other settings as well.
• Specialized Course: Trust and the Ombudsman Process (Oct. 30): This course will explore the importance and development of trust throughout the Ombudsman Process, including working with the initiator, the respondent and the organization.

Trainers for these courses will include Howard Gadlin (National Institutes of Health), Wilbur Hicks (International Monetary Fund), Linda Wilcox (Harvard Medical Area), Kevin Jessar (American Red Cross), and David Talbot (Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.) Early registration closes September 25. (IOA Training Info.)

Boston University Selects First Ombuds

BU has appointed Francine Montemurro to create the first-ever Ombuds Office for the campus. Montemurro currently serves as the Ombudsman for Binghamton University, having founded the office in 1997. As the Ombuds for Boston University, Montemurro will serve as an independent, neutral, informal and confidential resource for faculty, staff and 30,000 students. (Binghampton News.)

Related posts: Notes on the IOA Annual (2007) Conference; Job Posting: Boston University.

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.

Profile of New Ombuds at Washington & Lee

Jane Ellen Reid was recently appointed the first University Ombuds for Washington and Lee and brings considerable experience in dispute resolution to the job. “We are fortunate to have someone with Jane Ellen Reid’s expertise to provide this new resource for W&L faculty and staff,” said W&L President Ken Ruscio.

Reid earned her BA in history from the University of Vermont and an ME from Northern Arizona University. She is completing PhD in conflict analysis and resolution from NOVA Southeastern University. Reid developed and directed the Ombuds program at Central Arizona College in the 1990’s. A faculty member at Eastern Mennonite University since 2006, Reid became the director of EMU’s mediation, facilitation and job-coaching program for faculty, staff and students in 2007. She also teaches introduction to conflict transformation at Bridgewater College, in Bridgewater, Va. (Rockbridge Weekly.)

Related post: Washington & Lee Unveils Ombuds Office.

OO Blogger: The "New Ombudsman"

Clayton Gilman's latest post muses on Ombuds finding their place in the traditional business landscape. Along the way, he offers this definition of the "New Ombudsman":

First, the “new ombudsman” is a progressive philosopher and an eclectic thinker. They are most likely a “boomer”, born of the 60’s movements and now, today, wise to the ways to not only live peacefully, but able to articulate, “practice what they preach” and technically translate education, knowledge and wisdom into a “new profession” to the benefit of others. Yes, some are lawyers, some are psychologists, some are social workers, teachers, retired from the profession they now “mediate” to; it’s an “inclusive” mix of professions and people. They didn’t know it, but looking back on their career and life they were using “ombudsmanship” all along and now want to make it their calling. They are technologically savvy, can grasp and get a handle on complex (Gordian Knot) circumstances and issues, they can do mental analysis faster than a computer, they are skilled “generalists” in their life and profession, their degrees and certificates are “translatable and applicable” in terms of value towards peace making regardless of what “others” tell them and they know it and are not deterred.

(Organizational Ombudsman Blog.)

This is an insightful and accurate portrait of the profession.

Prior posts: Clayton Gilman.

University of Hawaii Chancellor Clarifies Decision to Shutter Ombuds Office

In a letter to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, the UH Chancellor addresses the decision to close the Ombuds Office rather than continue with a reduced number of staff.

To the Editor:

As the Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported on August 13, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa regrets that budget reductions necessitate the closure of our Ombuds Office. We wish to clarify that UHM had intended to continue the efforts of the Ombuds Office after Neal Milner's departure. Had the budgetary issues not arisen, it was anticipated that Susan Park, who currently serves as the UHM Ombuds, would have taken leadership of the Office. Unfortunately, as we have stated, current fiscal realities facing UH Mānoa limit our abilities to support the program.

Yours truly,
Virginia S. Hinshaw
UH Mānoa Chancellor

(Via email from Gregg Takayama, UH Manoa Director of Community and Government Affairs.)

Prior post: Budget Cuts Force Closure of University of Hawaii Ombuds Office.

IOA 2010 Conference Call for Proposals

The International Ombudsman Association is seeking presentation for its fifth annual conference set for New Orleans April 7-10, 2010. The conference is intended to help attendees increase awareness, knowledge and skills in order to become more effective catalysts for change within their organizations. Organizers therefore are soliciting keynote and plenary speakers, workshops, presentations, and panel discussions relevant to this theme. (IOA 2010 Conf. Info.)

Washington & Lee Unveils Ombuds Office

The private liberal arts college in Lexington, Virginia has opened an Ombuds Office, primarily for workplace concerns. The Ombuds program was recommended in 2007 by an ad hoc task force that reviewed WLU policies and procedures for grievances. Jane Ellen Reid, who is the current director of the University Accord program at Eastern Mennonite University, has been appointed to the part-time position. A website for the WLU Ombuds Office debuted this week and promised that the Ombuds will act in accordance with the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. (WLU Institutional Priorities 2007-08, WLU Office Staff Employee Advisory Cmte Minutes 3/18/09, Ombuds Office; EMU University Accord.)

Budget Cuts Force Closure of University of Hawaii Ombuds Office

Yesterday UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw announced that the Office of the Ombuds will close on September 30, 2009 because of current and future budget cuts. (Honolulu Advertiser; Honolulu Star Bulletin.)

The office has employed three Ombuds, Neal Milner, Susan Park and Jen Graf, and one staff person, Lori Mina, since it was established in 2006. Milner, Park and Graf were active in IOA committees and conferences, and the UH Ombuds website was recently upgraded.

Related posts: University of Hawaii Touts Ombuds Office as Campus Safety Resource; U. Hawaii Ombuds Office Co-Sponsors Program on Organizational Change; University of Hawaii Releases Annual Report; New Websites Offer Resources for Ombuds.

Update 8/13/09: One Hawaiian blogger remarks:

Well there goes a useful service to UH Manoa’s community! Try to avoid having things on your mind that may bother you.

And may I remind everyone that this yahoo [Greg McMackin] makes a million bucks a year to coach UH Manoa’s Football Team?

(O/S Hawaii.)

Pelco Creates Ombuds Program

The video and security system manufacturer headquartered in Clovis, CA has appointed Anne Bacher as its Operational Excellence Ombudsman. Bacher began her career at Pelco in February 2006 as Executive Assistant in the Marketing Department and has worked on special . She earned an Executive MBA from Anna Maria College, MA from Cornell University, and BA from the University of Chicago. (Pelco Press; LinkedIn.)

New Model for Describing How Law Schools View ADR Courses

Michael Moffit, Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Oregon Law School, has published a new statistical analysis of the recent history of ADR within the legal academy. In addition, he suggests a compelling paradigm describing how law schools approach their ADR offerings.

Some law schools may become Islands of ADR—ones in which ADR is part of the school’s distinctiveness. Some law schools may ADR as Vitamins—requiring every student to take at least the recommended dosage. Some law schools may treat ADR as Salt—vital seasoning for many different offerings, but never consumed on its own. Finally, individual faculty members at some law schools may intentionally, but quietly, incorporate ADR as Germs into their courses.

The article will be published in the Ohio State Journal of Dispute Resolution and is available from SSRN. (Islands, Vitamins, Salt, Germs: Four Visions of the Future of Adr in Law Schools (and a Data-Driven Snapshot of the Field Today), via ADR Prof Blog.)

Federal Court Orders Production of Ombuds Records From IBM

A federal trial court in Oklahoma has ordered IBM to produce files from its Ombuds related to a dispute with a vendor. In 2005, IBM was contracting with two firms for accounting staff, Accounting Principals, Inc. and Pinstripe, Inc. When IBM sought to end the contracts, API and Pinstripe were referred to IBM's Global Procurement Ombudsman -- an objective and impartial office that assists in resolving procurement-related concerns and issues. At the direction of IBM's general counsel, the Ombuds conducted an investigation and submitted a report. IBM initially restored the contacts with API and Pinstripe. Later transferred the work to another vendor, Manpower, Inc.

After filing suit, API and Pinstripe sought to compel production of the report by IBM's Ombuds. IBM objected on the grounds of attorney-client and attorney work product privileges. In evaluating these arguments, the court characterized the role of the IBM Ombuds using the standards enunciated by the American Bar Association:

Generally, an ombudsman works outside of normal line management structures and directly to upper management. An ombudsman is not an advocate for the complainant, nor is his role to defend the corporation he works for. His role is that of an impartial neutral, seeking the best resolution of the dispute.

The court therefore concluded that the the primary purpose for which the documents were created was not anticipation of litigation, but a separate business purpose (fostering more a open, effective, and productive relationship with suppliers). In addition, the court observed that any of the Ombuds documents do not appear to contain communications seeking legal advice. The court therefore ordered IBM to produce most of the materials produced by its Ombuds. IBM did not raise any other legal arguments that would have protected the Ombuds' work. (Accounting Principals, Inc. v. Manpower, Inc., 07-cv-636-TCK-PJC, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 66428 (N.D. Okla. July 28, 2009) and Pinstripe, Inc. v. Manpower, Inc., 07-cv-620-GKF-PJC, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 66430 (N.D. Okla. July 28, 2009); Tulsa World; see also summary at Mayer Brown.)

Texas Ombuds to Consider Governance Issues

The Ombuds of Texas convene tomorrow in Austin for their bi-monthly meeting and will consider a proposed organizational structure. In addition, Dan Sullenbarger, Ethics and Compliance Officer for Marathon Oil, will offer thoughts on "How an Ombuds Can Help the Organization Surface." (Ombuds of Texas.)

DC Council Pulls Plug on Schools Ombuds After Less Than Two Years

The District of Columbia Council has eliminated the Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education after just 20 months. Having become a political pawn in a struggle between DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and the Council, the DC Public Schools Ombuds was closed to balance a $400 million budget shortfall for 2009-10. (Washington Examiner; Washington Post.)

The DCPS Ombuds Office debuted in January 2008 with support from the Mayor and community. After a protracted job search, Tonya Vidal Kinlow, a former DC school board member and lobbyist, was appointed the first Ombuds for public education. She hired three staff members and began issuing monthly reports in August 2008. Although Kinlow was criticized from slow and irregular reporting, her office managed a growing caseload. Kinlow left unexpectedly in December 2008 and was succeeded by Interim Ombuds Jeff Ross. The DCPS Ombuds office will wrap up operations and close by the end of September 2009.

Prior posts: DC Mayor's School Plan Includes Ombuds; Despite Some Council Concerns, Mayor Continues to Back Ombuds for DC Schools; Job Posting: DC Schools Ombuds; DC Council to Consider Public Schools Ombuds; More Details Emerge Regarding DC School Ombuds; DC Schools Struggle to Hire Ombuds; DC Schools Appoint First Ombuds; DC Schools Ombuds Reports on Progress; DC Schools Ombuds Reports Growing Case Load; DC Schools Ombuds Lasts Just 14 Months; DC Schools Appoints Interim Ombuds; Local Politics Threaten DC Schools Ombuds; Washington Post Conflates Ombuds Reporting Line With Neutrality; Budget Deficit Threatens DC Schools Ombuds.

Article on University of Miami Ombuds Program

The campus newspaper at UM profiles the four decade old Ombudsperson and University Troubleshooters Program. As University Ombuds, Dr. Gail Cole-Avent oversees the program and addresses the administrative/non-academic concerns. Jon Baldessari is the University Troubleshooter for Department of Residence Halls and V. Chunoo is the Academic Ombuds. “The ombudsperson facilitates a voluntary process. We listen, answer questions and interpret University policies,” said Cole-Avent. “Ultimately, the goal is to educate students and identify resources that will help them resolve their concerns.” (Miami Hurricane.)

Related posts: Interim Ombuds at U Miami; Two New Ombuds at University of Miami.

Job Posting: Fanshawe College

The London, Ontario community college has reposted its advertisement for an Ombuds. The position has been changed from 30 hour per week to full time. Other job details remain the same. Applications are due by August 21. (Fanshawe Job Posting.)

Prior: Job Posting.

New Ombuds at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Earlier this year, Adelina "Nina" Gomez became the first Ombuds for UCCS. Gomez is an Ombuds part time and remains a faculty member in the Department of Communications. “In many cases, conflicts boil down to how we communicate,” Gomez said recently. “Effective communication skills are often about listening -- and listening effectively.” She earned her BA and MA from Western New Mexico State University, and PhD from University of Colorado-Boulder. (UCCS Communique.)

MIT Ombuds to Speak at University of Arizona

On September 11, 2009, Toni P. Robinson, an Ombuds for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will present a seminar at the University of Arizona. The program, “Difficult Times, Difficult Conversations…An Ombuds Perspective,” is free for the entire UA community and is hosted by the UA Ombuds Program. (Seminar Invitation.)

Job Posting: National Institutes of Health

NIH is accepting applications for a Deputy Ombudsman to fill the vacancy left by Kevin Jessar. The GS-15 position provides conflict resolution services to NIH employees and gives advice to the NIH Director and senior administrators on a broad range of NIH workplace issues. The Deputy Ombuds reports directly to Ombudsman and Director of the Center for Cooperative Resolution, Howard Gadlin, one of the leaders of the profession. At least one year of experience with conflict management is required. The position pays $120,830-$153,200 per year. Applications are due August 20, 2009. (USA Jobs; Federal Government Jobs.)

Related posts: Perspective on Ethical Standards for Federal Mediators and Ombuds; NIH Ombuds Addresses the Complexities of Race-Related Conflict; New Ombuds at American Red Cross.

Update: FOIA Ombuds Ready to Hire Staff

The FOIA Blog says that the National Archives & Records Administration will be posting job announcements later this summer for the Office of Government Information Services. The positions are expected to be mid-to-senior (GS-13/14) level Management Analysts and an Attorney Advisor with a background in FOIA compliancy, law, and information and/or public policy. (FOIA Blog.)

Prior post: FOIA Ombuds Appointed.

Montana State University Posts Annual Report

Nancy G. Dodd, University Ombuds for MSU, has published a report covering the activities of her office for the 2007-08 academic year. Dodd said she handled 46 cases, the first decline in the history of her office. She also reported that usage is equalizing somewhat across campus and groups. (MSU Ombuds Office.)

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign President Calls for Admissions Ombuds

Weeks of hearings into allegations of corruption by UIUC admissions officials, have lead to calls of reform. A seven-point proposal by the university's outside legal counsel suggests the elimination of a special category for well-connected students, an open appeals process for applicants denied admission and an Ombuds as the only official to handle inquiries about admissions decisions. This plan has been endorsed by the current President and his two predecessors, and the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune. (Urbana News-Gazette; Chicago Tribune.) There has been no mention of the fact that UIUC had an Ombuds office until the early 1990's or that two other UI campuses have Ombuds programs.

Related post: Student Trustee Seeks Reinstatement of Ombuds at U. Illinois Campus.

Progress Briefing from New DoD Ombuds

Scott Deyo, the Ombuds for the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, has published an overview of his office, which opened just five months ago. Reporting directly to the Inspector General, the Ombuds is fully authorized to engage all members of the DoD OIG community at all levels. Deyo plans to draft a charter for the office, implement a communication plan, meet on-on-one with senior managers, develop outreach materials, create a confidential, online submission and evaluation forms, and prepare mid-year and annual reports. (DoD OIG Ombuds Briefing.)

Related posts: Department of Defense Announces First Ombuds for Inspector General.