University of Lethbridge Appoints First Ombuds

The Faculty Association for the publicly research university in Alberta, Canada, has appointed Scott Allen as its first Ombuds Officer. Allen was elected at the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association's annual meeting on April 18, 2011 for a two year term. He will serve approximately 620 academic staff, including faculty, professional librarians, academic assistants, and lecturers. The Ombuds role is defined by Terms of Reference that require confidentiality, independence and informality.

Allen is an Assistant Professor and the Associate Chair of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, where he teaches cognitive psychology, social cognition, and research methods. He earned his AB from the University of Victoria and a PhD in Psychology from McMaster University. (ULFA Ombuds; Faculty Bio.)