KU to host academic ombuds from around the country


Thu, 06/23/2016

author

Erinn Taylor Barroso

LAWRENCE – University ombuds from around the country with gather at the University of Kansas this summer for two days of discussion and collaboration focused on the daily challenges they face on their respective campuses. The 14th annual Academic Ombuds Summer Meeting is an opportunity for academic ombuds to become better acquainted, to share concerns unique to their professional environments, and to support and learn from one another's experiences.

The meeting, scheduled for July 25-26, also provides the opportunity for new academic ombuds to hone their skills via the New Academic Organizational Ombuds Workshop. This event provides new ombuds with a vital overview of the ombuds role, including an introduction to the standards of practice that guide ombuds work. The general meeting will begin with a roundtable discussion of “hot topics” in the academic ombuds arena. A welcome reception will follow at the Oread Hotel.

Presentations and panel discussions on the 26th will cover a variety of topics, including campus climate challenges, trauma and trauma response, restorative justice, ombuds relationships in the workplace and how to communicate trustworthiness to the campus community. Presenters include:

Kellie Harmon, university ombudsperson, KU

Jennifer Brockman - director, Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center, KU

Precious Porras - director, Office of Multicultural Affairs, KU

Shannon Burton – associate university ombudsperson, Michigan State University

Dave Carver – student ombudsperson, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Sarah Klaper – university ombudsperson, Northern Illinois University

Jessica Kuchta-Miller – staff ombudsperson, Washington University in St. Louis

Registration for the meeting will close July 11. It is not required to be a practicing ombuds to attend, and anyone in higher education is welcome to register. More information can be found at the registration website.

The summer meeting continues in the tradition established under the special stewardship of Tim Griffin and Mary Ann Erickson at Northern Illinois University. In addition to Northern Illinois University, previous meeting sites have included the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marquette University and DePaul University.

About the University Ombuds Office

The mission of the KU Ombuds Office is to ensure that all members of the university community receive fair and equitable treatment. The Ombuds Office carries out its mission via two complementary approaches: (1) receiving and attempting to resolve individual grievances on a confidential, informal basis; and 2) supporting systems change that advance the goal of a fair conflict management system.

The University Ombuds office is a safe place where members of the campus community can seek informal, independent, confidential and impartial assistance in addressing conflicts, disputes, or complaints on an informal basis without fear of retaliation or judgment. The University Ombuds office adheres to the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. 

The Ombuds Office assists students, staff and faculty on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.

Thu, 06/23/2016

author

Erinn Taylor Barroso

Media Contacts

Erinn Taylor Barroso

University Ombuds Office

785-864-7261