Job Posting: Office of Personnel Management

OPM is hiring a director for the Office of the Ombudsman in Washington, DC. The position is located in the Office of the Executive Secretariat and provides impartial, neutral, independent and confidential assistance to OPM customers and employees of the agency with issues of concern or complaints regarding quality and timeline standards, requirements and expectations or other matters affecting efficient operation.

The GS-15 position pays $123,758-$155,500 per year. Applications are due April 6. (Federal Government Jobs, Vacancy No.: ictap.)

Related posts: Secretary of State Clinton Promises Ombuds for Foreign Service Workers; COFO Collaborating With Federal Agencies Creating New Ombuds Programs.

Howard Gadlin on the Future of Mediation

Mediate.com has posted short interview with the Ombudsman and Director of the Center for Cooperative Resolution at the National Institutes of Health. Gadlin offers his perspective on the future of the mediation field and says that it will become another reasonably established profession, with protective guilds, credentialing standards and regulations.

He says it is not clear whether mediation will become a first-rate academic discipline despite the financial success of current credentialing programs. (Mediate.com.) 

The clip is under two minutes; surely there is more to the interview.

Related posts: NIH Ombuds Addresses the Complexities of Race-Related Conflict; University of the Rockies Hopes to Train Future Ombuds; CO-OP Board Announces First Class of Certified Ombuds

African Ombuds Meet Next Month in Angola

The African Ombuds and Mediators Association will hold its third general assembly in Luanda, April 12-15, 2010. The Angolan Ombudsman, Paulo Tijipilica, saidthat the theme “Ombudsman and Good Governance” was chosen due to the specific work of this figure, who checks the illegality and injustices in administrative acts.

Tijipilica said that during the event, participants will discuss issues related to economic, social and cultural rights in Africa. The AOMA conference coincides with the IOA conference in New Orleans. (AOMA Conf. Info.; Angola Press.)

Related posts: Angola to Host Conference of African Ombuds and Mediators.

I said some time ago that I'd piss on you grave.

But the penguin takes precedence.


Sco lost its last chance court case. Its fucking toast. Jury said no, Not yours.

I've had worse days. http://www.groklaw.net/ for details

Berkeley Lab Announces New Ombuds Program for Staff

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has announced a new Ombuds service for staff with work-related conflicts. The service will be provided by the UC Berkeley Ombuds Office, led by Sara Thacker, beginning on Thursday, April 1.

The appointment seems to mark a separation of the Lab's Ombuds and Workforce Diversity programs subsequent to the passing of Harry Reed who was instrumental in founding both offices. The new website for the Berkeley Lab Ombuds Office features a welcome video from Thacker. (Berkeley Lab News.)

Related posts: New Ombuds at Cal Berkeley; Scholarship Will Honor Late Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Ombuds.

Organization of News Ombudsmen Will Hold 2010 Conference in Oxford

The association for mainstream media watchdogs will convene May 12-15 at Reuters Institute, Oxford University in Oxford, England. The conference will feature a session on how news Ombuds cope with maintaining values and ethics in the new media landscape at St Anne’s College.

Additional details to be posted soon. Summaries and videos from the past few ONO conferences are also available online. (ONO Conf. Info.)

Related posts: Organization of News Ombudsmen Director Argues for 'Cyberombudsmen'; Organization of News Ombudsmen Revamps Website.

Tenth Annual ACR Conference Set for Chicago

The Association for Conflict Resolution will hold its tenth annual conference at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, September 1-4, 2010. This year's theme, “Many Paths: One Destination” recognizes the connections within and across ADR practice areas.

More details are forthcoming. (ACR 10th Conf. Info..)

Related post: 2009 ACR Conference Features Ombuds.

Google Voice Technology for Ombuds

Clayton Gilman's latest post at the Organizational Ombudsman Blog reviews Google Voice. He explains why Ombuds should consider this new phone service that utilizes VoIP telephone services and simplifies communications.

Gilman says that Google Voice is, “the perfect application for the New Ombuds small practice ‘single member’ owner or two member partnership with small support staff.” (The Organizational Ombudsman Blog.)

Related post: An Ombuds Guide to Internet Tools.

University of Florida Resumes Search for Student Ombuds

The public university in Gainesville opened a search for Ombuds an last October with the expectation of filling the position at the first of the year. UFL has reposted the announcement, but has limited the search to internal candidates. 

The position reports directly to the Provost and serves the student body of 50,000. UFL seeks candidates with a graduate or professional degree and five years of university experience. The position will pay $50,000 to $75,000 based on qualifications and experience, and will begin July 1, 2010. Until then, the position is being filled by Tommie Howard, who has served as the Assistant Ombuds for several years. (UFL Jobs.)

Prior: Job Post.

ENOHE-ACCUO 2010 Conference Embraces Diversity of Ombuds Practice in Higher Education

The 2010 joint conference of the European Network for Ombudsmen in Higher Education and the Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons in Vienna promises a rich array of information for Ombuds.

The conference takes place in Vienna, May 19-21, and has the theme: "Common objectives, different pathways: Embedding Ombudsman principles and practices into Higher Education institutions." Here is a summary of the detailed agenda:

May 19 -- Pre-Conference Workshops

• Mediating Student Complaints: Learning by Doing (Mike Reddy, UK and Jenna Brown, USA)
• Things I Wished I had Known When I Started as an Ombudsman (Clifford Picton, Australia and Tim Birtwistle, UK)
• Challenges to Impartiality (Nora Farrell, Canada)
• Core Curriculum for the Development of Scientific Integrity: Lessons to be Learned for Higher Education Ombudsmen (Gerlinde Sponholz and Helga Nolte, both Germany)

May 20 -- Morning Presentations on Governance in Higher Education

• The Importance of the Use of Language, Terms and Titles in Higher Education Life for Faculty and Students (Tim Birtwistle, UK)
• Conflict Management Revisted: Remarks and Observations on the Status of the University Ombudsman (Wolfgang Weigel, Austria)
• Independence and Governance: (In)Compatible? (Ram Gidoomal, UK)
• Online Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment: Revising a University Protocol (Natalie Sharpe, Canada)
• Complaint Management, Students Rights and the Principle of Public Access to Official Documents: Experiences from Sweden (Christian Sjöstrand, Sweden)

May 20 -- Afternoon Sessions on European Higher Education in Times of Changes: The Importance of Ombudsmen

• European Ombudsman, Mission and Role in European Funding (Gundi Gadesmann, Belgium)
• Implementation of ISO Certifcation and Quality Management within the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education & Research (Christian Pichler-Stainern, Austria)
• Establishing an Ombudsman for the Lifelong Learning Programme in Austria – Challenges and First Experiences (Karl Andrew Müllner, Austria)
• Building Bridges: University Ombudsmen and University Co-Operation in the Post-"Bologna" European Higher Education Area (Pilar Abad, Spain)
• Ombudsmen: Defining Students' Rights – Student Representatives - Defending Students' Rights (Andrea Blättler, Switzerland and Luis Adolfo Veliz Cornejo, Peru)

May 21 -- Morning Sessions on Building Fair, Respectful and Supportive Environments

• Latin American University Ombudsmen: Building better Environments and Fostering Social Change (Leoncio Lara, Mexico)
• The Pathway Project – An Ombudsman’s Roadmap for the Years to Come (Robert Behrens, UK)
• Dealing with Systemic Issues: Strategies for Solutions in the University Context (Martine Conway, Canada and Sandro Vicini, Switzerland)
• Small and Beautiful: How Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences are Dealing With Student Complaints: The Example of the FHWien-Studiengänge der WKW (Monika Petermandl, Austria)
• The Ombudsman Powers and Tasks in Relation to Higher Education Stakeholders (Doris Kiendl-Wendner, Austria)

May 21 -- Afternoon Sessions on Embracing Diversity

• Higher Education Ombudsmen and Diversity Issues: Considering the Australian Point of View (Ray Morley, Australia)
• New Approaches to Conflict Resolution: The Importance of Cross Cultural Awareness for Ombudspersons (Adrienne Clarke, Canada and Nadine Le Gros, Canada)
• Building Diverse University Communities (Cathryn Heslep, Canada)
• Restorative Justice: A Viable Option for Non-Academic Misconduct? (Robyn Jacobson, Canada)

Social events are planned for the evenings.  Conference registration is € 250, excluding social events.  (2010 Joint ENOHE-ACCUO Conference Info.)

 

Related posts: ENOHE (2008) Conference in London; ACCUO Annual Conference in May 2008; ENOHE (2009) Annual Conference in Germany; Canadian and European Higher Ed Ombuds Will Convene in Vienna.

University of Georgia to Evaluate Ombuds Program After Two Year Trial

Two years after UGA created an Ombuds Office in response to allegations of harassment by faculty, a University Council committee is calling for an independent evaluation of how allegations are now being addressed by the office.

In the Spring of 2008, several cases of sexual harassment were uncovered by the campus newspaper, The Red and Black. University President Michael Adams eventually announced the creation of an Ombuds office and a change in how harassment cases would be handled.  Ultimately eight UGA employees were sanctioned for their misconduct.

When the UGA Ombuds office was established for a two-year pilot period, there were some concerns. Although most Organizational Ombuds offer confidentiality except in cases of imminent harm, the UGA Ombuds had the obligation to report violations of the university's non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy. In addition, some UGA faculty voiced concerns about the independence of the new Ombuds Office.

The three UGA Ombuds contacted by the Red and Black declined to discuss specific cases. They did reveal that some visitors have been referred to UGA's Equal Opportunity Office. Only two reports have been sent from the Ombuds office to EOO; one involved a student concern and the other a staff complaint. Shay Little, Ombuds for students admitted to being surprised that there have been the very few cases involving non-discrimination and anti-harassment issues. However, the latest annual report, shows only 13 student cases for the campus with an enrollment of 35,000.

In October 2010, the President’s Office will formally review the first two years of the UGA Ombuds program to determine any changes that should be made. Steve Shi, Director of the EOO, said he would recommend the program continue, but doesn’t know what changes may occur. Members of the review committee are expected to produce a report by next spring.

In a companion opinion piece, the Red and Black Editorial Board called on the university to promote greater awareness of the Ombuds Office. (Red and Black article, editorial.)

Related posts: University of Georgia Petitions for Staff Ombuds; UGA Student Newspaper Endorses Ombuds Office Proposal; UGA to Hire Three Ombuds; UGA's New Ombuds Program Fails in Several, Critical Aspects; UGA Professors Question Independence of New Ombuds.

Ombuds are Important Tool for Dealing with Toxic Boss

An article in the Economic Times gives employees advice for dealing with toxic bosses. HR expert Adil Malia says the first step is getting a reality check from coworkers. If the problem is not you, but a toxic boss, she advises getting human resources involved.

After that:

• Consult the Ombuds;
• Keep a professional attitude and focus on your work;
• Avoid gossip;
• Continue respecting your manager, be personable;
• Never publicly react or confront the toxic boss’s insinuations; and
• Develop your Plan B.

The last resort, according to Malia is approaching the CEO. (Economic Times.)

Related posts: When the Boss is a Bully or Jerk; Handling a Tyrant Boss.

Taiwan to Host 2011 Australasian & Pacific Ombuds Conference

After ten years of offering, Taiwan will host the 26th Australasian and Pacific Ombudsman Region Conference in 2011. APOR is a regional group of the International Ombudsman Institute. Taipei officials with Control Yuan, an investigatory agency that monitors the other branches of government, said improved relations with Hong Kong lead to the agreement.

The announcement came at the first general meeting of the Pacific Ombudsman Alliance and the 25th annual APOR conference last week in Canberra, Australia. (China Post; Australia Commonwealth Ombudsman Press Release.)

Related posts: Pacific Ombudsman Alliance Launches; IOI Secretariat Relocating to Vienna; IOI Amends Rules to Permit Regional Proxy Voting.

University of Calgary Appoints First Ombuds for Students

The U of C has named Robert Clegg as its first-ever Ombuds for nearly 30,000 students. The process of creating the Ombuds program started three years ago when student leaders realized that Calgary was one of the few campuses without an office.  Although terms of reference have not been finalized, the search process quickly identified Clegg, who has been the Ombuds for Graduate Students since 2008, as the leading candidate.

Clegg earned his BA from Washington State University, JD from Gonzaga University and LLM from the University of Washington. He began his legal career in Seattle, Washington in 1997 where he worked for over 10 years as a licensed US immigration and tax lawyer. (University of Calgary News; The Gauntlet News.)

Prior: Job Posting.

Job Posting: Federal Student Aid

The FSA Office of the Ombudsman is hiring a Management and Program Analyst to serve as Team Leader in the Washington, DC area. As an External Ombuds, the position uses the values of independence, impartiality, confidentiality and informality to resolve student loan disputes and analyze case data for potential of program improvement.

The GS-13 position pays $89,033-$115,742 per year. Applications are due April 2. (Federal Government Jobs, Job Ann. No.: FSA-2010-0144.)

Related posts: Top Accreditation Official Joins Dept. of Education, FSA Ombuds Office; Staffing Arrangement at Federal Student Aid Ombuds Office Raises Conflict of Interest Concerns.

UCLA Ombuds Office Marks 40 Years of Service

The Office of Ombuds Services at the University of California Los Angeles will host an open house March 31 to celebrate more than four decades of service to the campus.  An article in the staff and faculty newsletter profiles the office headed by Kathleen Canul and including Brenda Woods-Patin, Katy Kolodziejski, Thomas Griffin and Tom Kosakowski.

Canul said that staff use the Ombud's Office more than faculty, but when faculty do come in, their problems are often more entrenched. Among staff and students, women are more more frequent visitors. (UCLA Today.)

Related posts: New Ombuds at UCLA; Pepperdine Law School Revives Ombuds Course.

Alumni of the UCLA Ombuds Office are an impressive bunch and include Howard Gadlin (NIH), Sean Banks (Shell), Reese Ramos (Sandia NL),  and Jennifer Moumneh (UC Irvine).

Job Posting: Wayne State

The public research university in Detroit has reposted its announcement for a Research Ombuds. The position will serve as a designated neutral or impartial dispute resolution practitioner for issues related to Sponsor Program Administration, and reports to the Vice President of Research, with a dotted line reporting relationship to the Director of Business Affairs.

Applicants should have a Master's degree in business management, industrial/organization psychology, law or similar professional program. Still using an outdated job description, the posting requests membership in the now defunct TOA or SPIDR. The salary range is $51,300-$87,300. Open until filled. (HERC Michigan.)

Prior: Job Posting.

Job Posting: Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is hiring three Senior Ombudsman Specialists to work in Schaumburg, Illinois; Jacksonville, Florida; and Dallas, Texas. The GS-13/14 positions are External Ombuds and provide the Office Director and Office of the Ombudsman staff with technical expertise in assisting customers with loans at failed financial institutions.

Applicants must have demonstrated expertise in finance, accounting and economics and applying analytical techniques to evaluate the soundness and value of assets held by a financial institution. The positions pay $77,677-$151,868 per year and are limited to a two-year term. Applications are due April 1. (Federal Government Jobs, Job Ann. No.: 2010-HQD-B1704.)

Related posts: FDIC Ombuds Reports Strong Growth in Visitor Traffic; FDIC Ombuds Creates Unit for Bank Customers.

Civil Rights Group Endorses New Ombuds Office at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a non-profit group that advocates for civil liberties in academia, has hailed the opening of an Ombuds office at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Adam Kissel, Director of FIRE's Individual Rights Defense Program, said:

If this office is essentially like the one on Cal Poly's sister campus in Pomona, it promises to be an excellent addition to the services available at Cal Poly. ... I met with Ms. Ponce when I visited Cal Poly a few weeks ago. I informed her that several years ago, I interviewed and evaluated candidates for the University of Chicago's now 42-year-old, awkwardly named Office of the Student Ombudsperson and that I know from personal experience that such offices can be very successful. So long as Cal Poly sticks with a fully neutral mission, I wish much success to the Ombudses (yes, that is the plural form) at Cal Poly.

(The Torch.)

Related posts: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Promises to Restore Ombuds Program; Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Hires an Ombuds.

Oklahoma State Appoints New Ombuds

In January 2010, Pauline Harris was appointed the Ombudsperson for the Oklahoma State University System, an institution comprising four campuses, two medical centers and 33,000 students. Harris concurrently serves as the Coordinator for Diversity Education in the Office of Institutional Diversity Department of Affirmative Action, a position she has held since January 2009.

Her private sector experience includes over ten years of corporate human resource and executive coaching experience. Harris earned her BS from Pittsburg State University, MA and EdD in Occupation Adult Education from Oklahoma State University.  The position was previously held by Carolyn Hernandez, who also served as Director of Affirmative Action and Title IX Coordinator.  (Oklahoma State Profile; Speakers in Arkansas.)

Job Posting: University of Ottawa

North America's largest bilingual university is hiring its first Ombuds. The position will serve all of the university community, including the 38,000 students. The ideal candidate will have considerable knowledge of dispute resolution practices, principles and operational processes, and experience with diverse staff and multiple unions.

Qualified applicants are expected to be fluent in both English and French and must possess a university degree in addition to relevant certification or diploma in the field of conflict resolution, and/or relevant experience. No salary indicated. Applications are due April 9. (uOttawa Careers; Odgers Berndtson; via Edmonton Journal.)

Related posts: University of Ottawa Considering Ombuds Program; Update: University of Ottawa Planning for Ombuds Program.

Job Posting: Cleveland Clinic, Florida

The Cleveland Clinic, one of the world's largest private medical centers, is hiring an Ombudsman Manager to be stationed in Weston, Florida. In addition to resolving patient problems, the position will provide ongoing training and support to Ombuds staff and represent the Ombudsman Department throughout the state and nationally.

Applicants should have at least "five years extensive public relations experience preferably in an Ombuds capacity in an interdisciplinary patient care setting." No salary or closing date indicated. (Cleveland Clinic Careers.)

Certification Exam Registration Deadline is Wednesday

March 31, 2010 is the last day to register for the certification examination to be offered at the IOA conference in New Orleans. 

The Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioners has scheduled the test for early in the morning on April 8, so that examinees will not miss any conference sessions. Pre-registration is required: No one will be admitted to the exam without advanced registration. (CO-OP Exam Registration.)

Related posts: First Ombuds Certification Exam: 96% Pass Rate; CO-OP Board Announces First Class of Certified Ombuds.

IOA Issues RFP for Website Development

The International Ombudsman Association has a issued a Request for Proposals to establish a contract with a qualified vendor to provide internet management services.

IOA seeks to upgrade its website in several respects:

• Implementation of a “content management” system which would allow for greater flexibility in managing and editing our site;
• Creation of a searchable database for the site, including a more user-friendly indexing of members and member organizations;
• Reorganize and increase the resource content of the “Member’s Only” section to become more user-friendly;
• Creation of hyperlinks to relevant collegial resources; and
• Integration of useful streaming video components.

The deadline for submitting proposals is Friday, April 16, 2010. (IOA RFP for Web Services.)

Related posts: Red Cross Ombuds Unveils Video; New Gallaudet Website Features Video Welcome; An Ombuds Guide to Internet Tools; Coke Adds Life to Ombuds Website.

FCO Surveying Members on Training Needs

Between March 17 and 23, the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman is surveying its members on their training needs. 


The SurveyMonkey instrument will assess interest in subject matter, instructional methods, availability of budget, duration of training, geographic location, and other topics. (FCO Training Needs Survey.)

Related posts: FCO Names New Administrator; FCO Selects New Board and Officers.

York University President Asks Ombuds to Review Student Elections

In the face of complains about the recent York Federation of Students elections, President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri has asked the University Ombudsperson to conduct a review.

Professor and Ombuds, John D. McCamus will review the experience with the 2010 YFS elections and report on whether there are changes in the election procedures, processes or practices that should be implemented in future elections in order to ensure transparency, fairness, and the avoidance of conflicts. McCamus was appointed to the position less than a year ago after the university split the duties of campus Ombuds and director of the Centre for Human Rights. (Terms of Reference for YFS Election Review.)

Related posts: York University Names New Head of Reformed Ombuds Office; New Ombuds at York University Defends Impartiality.

John F. Kennedy University Opens Ombuds Office

The private university with four campuses in the California Bay Area, has unveiled an Ombuds program for students, employees and faculty. The website states that the JFKU Ombudsman, "is guided by the Standards of Practice and the Code of Ethics of the International Ombudsman Association."

An Ombuds program was identified as a high priority initiative by a JFKU diversity task force in 2009. The university's website does not identify who serves as the Ombuds. (JFKU Ombuds, JFKU Diversity Action Plan.)

Alfred University Posts Updated Ombuds Terms of Reference

The small private university in Western New York has published a revised definition of its Ombudsman role. The changes bring the position into line with IOA standards and eliminate the responsibility of the Ombuds for deciding grade disputes.

In addition, the position now serves university employees. Gary B. Ostrower, Phd., has served as Alfred's part-time Ombuds since 2007. (Alfred University Ombuds Description.)

Related post: New Ombuds at St. Bonaventure.

Update: University of Missouri, Kansas City Opens Search for Faculty Ombuds

UMKC is conducting an internal search for its first Faculty Ombuds. The part-time position works only with faculty and reports to the Provost for a two-year term. The job description generally follows IOA best practices, with one significant exception:

"When called upon by the provost, the Ombudsperson will conduct informal reviews and will recommend appropriate action." An earlier report that the position would be limited to matters from UMKC's School of Arts & Sciences appears to have been incorrect or the scope of the position has been increased. (UMKC Provost Blog; UMKC Ombuds Position Description.)

Prior post: University of Missouri, Kansas City, Will Create Ombuds for Some Faculty.

New Cable Series Highlights Work of Mediator

The USA Network has ordered a new original series about a mediator. "Facing Kate" follows Kate Reed, a frustrated litigator turns away from the bureaucracy and injustice in the legal system to become a neutral.

"This is someone who lives in a world of a constant conflict," said USA president of original programming Jeff Wachtel.  "With traditional lawyers, it's always one wins, one loses; in mediation, the goal is to have win-win." The Hollywood Reporter broke the story and tagged mediators as 'the ultimate anti-lawyers.' (THR.)

If this show succeeds, maybe my friend will have more luck pitching his show about an Organizational Ombuds.

Related posts: Tim Gunn: Ombuds?; I'm Not the Only Lawyer-Turned-Ombuds.

Job Posting: Texas Tech University

TTU is hiring its first Assistant Ombuds for Students. The newly created position will be responsible for meeting with students, outreach and education, strategic planning, assessment, and assisting the Ombuds for Students, Drew Canham, with the daily operation of the office.

Some travel and evening hours required. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree and four years professional work experience. The position pays $29,000-$44,000 per annum. No closing date indicated, but the position has been posted since February 26. (TTU Jobs, Position No.: T92226.)

Related posts: Texas Tech Fetes Retiring Ombuds, Introduces Successor; Texas Tech Ombuds Updates Name.

Could an Ombuds Progam Have Saved Lehman Bros.?

According to the New York Times, formal channels at Lehman Bros. failed to alert senior management about issues that ultimately lead to the compay's demise.  John Zinsser deconstructs the situation further and argues that an Ombuds program could have saved the investment bank.

Think for one moment about an alternative scenario. Mr. Lee approaches the Lehman Organizational Ombudsman, a skilled professional, operating a properly structured program, with appropriate reporting lines to the Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee. The issues are safely raised. Lehman’s board leads a responsible set of counter measures. The Investment Bank does not collapse. The rest of the financial system is concerned, but not at risk. The Bailout is not required, or only at a fraction of the amount actually spent in our reality.

How different would the economy, our political situation, our future be, had this alternative scenario occurred?

Zinsser says that an effective Ombuds would have cost pennies on the dollar compared to the ultimate loss. He also points out that the Times article appears facing an update on financial regulation reform legislation. He urges Senator Dodd to require Organizational Ombuds for the financial sector. (Conflict Benefit Blog.)

Related posts: House Passes Bill to Create Two New Federal Ombuds Programs; Why Doesn't the Ethics Resource Center Acknowledge Ombuds?; Ombuds as Solution to the Financial Meltdown.

Making Smart Choices in New Orleans

A timely article from Concierge.com offers advice on what not to do in New Orleans. So if you're attending the IOA conference in about three weeks, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Don't ... Spend the night on Bourbon, Instead ... Head to Frenchmen Street and the lesser-known watering holes;
2. Don't ... Buy or wear beads all year, Instead ... Experience Carnival in all its glory; 
3. Don't ... Spring for a carriage ride, Instead ... Walk around the Quarter or take the streetcar;
4. Don't ... Look for Cajun food, Instead ... Embrace the Creole canon;
5. Don't ... Fear the tuba, Instead ... Seek out the local brass bands;
6. Don't ... Eat a Lucky Dog, Instead ... Have late night dinner at the Verti Marte;
7. Don't ... Swelter in the summertime, Instead ... Take on the subtropical temperatures or wait for the cool-down;
8. Don't ... Get bamboozled by voodoo, boas, and beads, Instead ... Shop the length of Magazine Street;
9. Don't ... Fear the oyster, Instead ... Belly up to the city's best raw bars; and
10. Don't ... Forget the hidden scars of Katrina, Instead ... Volunteer and listen to the locals' stories.

(MSNBC.com.)

Related posts: IOA Annual Conference Marks Fifth Anniversary With Promise of Rebirth, Rebuild and Respond; Follow the IOA Conference on Twitter.

Update: One Name Added to the List of First Certified Ombuds

The Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioners has added another name to the list of newly certified Ombuds. Scott M. Deyo of the U.S. Department of Defense has been added to the list of 20 individuals from 13 different organizations who have passed the qualifying exam and demonstrated one year of experience and compliance with the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. (CO-OP Directory of Practitioners.)

Prior post: CO-OP Board Announces First Class of Certified Ombuds.

Job Posting: Eaton Corp. (India)

Eaton Corporation is hiring a Field Ombuds for its India operations. Based in Pune, the position serves as a neutral dispute resolution practitioner for employees throughout India. Initially, the position is responsible for launching the Ombuds program following IOA standards, including the development of materials, employee training and web page development.

Travel will be extensive during the launch of the program and thereafter will be approximately 50%. A bachelor's degree is required and an MBA is preferred. Demonstrated experience dealing with employee issues at senior levels of an organization is required. Preferred qualifications include a minimum of 10 years of field HR or management operational experience; experience supporting multi groups, international locations and varied functions in business matters; and proficiency in Hindi and English.  No salary or closing date. (BrassRing, AutoReqId 33265BR.)

Related posts: Eaton Names Ombuds Director; Job Posting: Eaton Corp. (China); Eaton Ombuds Issues Annual Report; CO-OP Board Announces First Class of Certified Ombuds.

New York ACR Panel on the Emerging Role of Ombuds

On March 16, the Greater New York Regional Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution presents a program on "Emerging Role of the Corporate, Organizational & Transnational Ombuds."

Panelists will examine critical issues facing the Ombuds in a struggling national and world economy, with job insecurity, employee unrest and changing corporate and organizational philosophies.  Expected to appear are Marsha L. Wagner, Columbia University Ombuds Officer; Janis Schonauer, Corporate Ombudsman, AllianceBernstein L.P.; and Johnston S. Barkat, Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Ombudsman & Mediation Services. The cost for non-members is $25 and the event is at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. (ACR-GNY Events.)

COFO Collaborating With Federal Agencies Creating New Ombuds Programs

At its February meeting, the Coalition of Federal Ombudsmen heard from several government administrators developing new programs.  Mindy Fleisher from the Patent and Trademark Office gave details about the development of an external Ombuds. Barbara Malebranche updated the efforts to create an Ombuds program in the Office of Personnel Management, including a charter and prototype website.
Megan Kenney from the IRS National Taxpayer Advocate’s Office summarized a survey of Federal external Ombuds offices. Bob Manley of the Department of the Navy Alternative Dispute Resolution Office advised that he has been tasked with establishing a Procurement Integrity Ombudsman program. Newly elected CoFO Chairperson Wendy Kamenshine said that supporting new Federal Ombuds programs would remain a priority for the organization. In addition, CoFO will work to formalize its relationship with the Interagency Alternative Dispute Resolution Working Group and to identify Ombuds offices/functions in the Federal government. (CoFO Meeting Minutes.)

Related posts: CoFO Continues Work on Thorny Issues Facing Government Ombuds; CoFO Elects Officers; US Patent Office Seeks Input on Ombuds Program; Job Posting: Office of Personnel Management.

CO-OP Board Announces First Class of Certified Ombuds

The Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioners has announced the names of the first Ombuds to become certified. Nineteen individuals from 12 different organizations have now passed the examination and have demonstrated they have at least a year of experience and practice to the IOA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

• Evan R. Arrowsmith, Eaton Corporation
• Thomas W. Barnette, American Express
• Carol L. Breslin, Chevron Corporation
• Victoria Brown, University of Central Florida
• Ilene Butensky Brehm, Eaton Corporation
• Mary Chavez Rudolph, University of Colorado Denver
• Melissa Connell, University of Colorado Denver
• Joan Elaine Engel, Career Concepts, Inc.
• Sylvia L. Powlis Garvin, Career Concepts, Inc.
• Sharon Lanier, Munroe Regional Medical Center
• Bathabile K. S. Mthombeni, Columbia University
• Lisa M. Neale, University of Colorado Denver
• David Richardson, Kaiser Permanente
• Janis Schonauer, AllianceBernstein
• John A. Simonetti, Eaton Corporation
• Albin W. Swenson, Chevron Corporation
• Marc Vaucher, United Nations
• Richard G. Wall, Chevron Corporation
• Theodore R. Williamson III, The Coca-Cola Company

The next CO-OP examination will be offered during the IOA annual conference in New Orleans, April 8, 2010. (CO-OP Directory of Practitioners.)

Update 3/14/10: One Name Added to the List of First Certified Ombuds.

Related posts: IOA Unveils Certification Program for Organizational Ombuds; First Ombuds Certification Exam: 96% Pass Rate.

Enjoy Mediation Blog: Interview With Chuck Howard

Jeff Thompson, a conflict expert in NY who writes the Enjoy Mediation Blog, has posted a 19-minute interview with Chuck Howard, author of The Organizational Ombudsman.

Howard talks about his new book and how he became an expert on Ombuds practice. Thompson draws out important details about the contours of Ombuds assertion of confidentiality and privilege. Howard also explains that he did not intend for the book to become a textbook, he has heard that it is already in use in several programs. (Enjoy Mediation.)

Update 3/31/10: Howard is interviewed by the Hartford Business Journal.

Related posts: Ombuds News Round Up at Enjoy Mediation; ABA Publishes First Book About Organizational Ombuds; IOA Annual Conference Marks Fifth Anniversary With Promise of Rebirth, Rebuild and Respond.

Job Posting: Office of Personnel Management

The OPM is filling more than just two positions for its Office of the Ombudsman in Washington, DC. The current posting for the OPM Ombudsman's Office seeks to fill a "few" vacancies at the GS-11, 12 and 13 levels.

The OPM Ombuds program serves customers and employees. Applications are due March 15, 2010. (USA Jobs, Job Ann. No.: 10-197-LED.)

Prior: Job Posting.

Job Posting: General Electric Health Care

GE is hiring a Global Ombuds Manager for its Health Care division. Based in Wauwatosa, WI, the Ombuds Manager is a key member of the GEHC Compliance organization, responsible for building and sustaining the global Ombuds network across GEHC.

The position works closely with GE's Americas Ombuds and corporate officers, including the Chief Compliance Officer. Preferred qualifications include a law degree or MBA, strong computer skills, knowledge of integrity policies, familiarity with GE or health care business operations, and local residence. No salary or closing date indicated. (Jobtac.)

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

Scholarship Will Honor Late Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Ombuds

The University of California Berkeley has created a new student award to honor Harry Reed, the former Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Ombudsperson. The annual award in the amount of $5,000 will be given to two SAGE (Student Achievement Guided by Experience) Scholars. Reed was a longtime employee at LBNL and established the Lab’s diversity office in 1993. In 2006, he was named the Lab’s Ombuds. Reed passed away on July 20, 2009. (SAGE Scholars Program.)

Related post: Berkeley Lab Ombuds Named to UC Diversity Council.

CUPA-HR Panel Promotes Ombuds as Tool Against Bullying

At its latest conference, the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources was overwhelmed by the demand for a session on designing and implementing anti-bullying and faculty incivilities programs.

The panelists, including Toni Robinson, Ombuds at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said that an Ombuds program was one of the most effective tools to to prevent, identify and address bullying on campus. Robinson explained that Ombuds, “teach people how to say things in a better way, to get better results from people.” A summary of the panel presentation appears in the March 2010 issue of Women in Higher Education. (Women in Higher Education.)

Related posts: Study Finds Workplace Bullying Widespread; Workplace Bullying More Harmful than Sexual Harassment; Expert: Workplace Bullying Should Not Be Mediated; January Meeting of Texas Ombuds Will Highlight Bullying Issues.

Friday Poll: Why Aren't You Attending the IOA Conference?

Although hundreds of Organizational Ombuds and others will gather at for the International Ombudsman Association's fifth annual conference April 7-10, 2010, many will not attend. This week's poll seeks to know why readers are not going to New Orleans.

Update: Early bird registration has been extended to March 19.



Related posts: IOA Annual Conference Marks Fifth Anniversary With Promise of Rebirth, Rebuild and Respond; Follow the IOA Conference on Twitter.