After Three Decades, UC Irvine Ombuds Office Earns First Charter

Founded in 1978, the Office of the Ombudsman at the University of California, Irvine operated without a charter agreement until last month. Now, the office headed by Michael Chennault has a document that definitively spells out its purpose and scope of services, reporting line, standards of practice and extent of authority.

According to the new charter, the UCI Ombudsman practices to IOA Standards and also adheres to best practices within the University of California system, as delineated in the “Declaration of Best Practices for University of California Ombuds Offices.” This is notable development because it is rare that a well-established office is able to negotiate a charter agreement. (UCI Ombuds Charter.)

Related post: UC Irvine Appoints Ombuds Office Director; UC Riverside Enacts Ombuds Charter.