Call for Nominations: Ombuds Services Director

Over the past year, the University of Nebraska at Omaha community has been fortunate to have the leadership of Connie Schaffer, Ed.D., in the role of director of Ombuds Services.

With Professor Schaffer's transition into her role as director of the Center for Faculty Excellence, she will also be transitioning out of the role of Ombuds Services director with many thanks owed for her service to the UNO community.

UNO is now seeking a current tenured, full-time faculty member at UNO to serve in the role of Director of Ombuds Services with nominations needed by June 30. Details on how to submit a nomination are included below.

About Ombuds Services

Ombuds Services assists students, faculty and staff members with addressing conflicts, problems and concerns that are university related. The office plays an important role on campus in terms of helping people resolve issues of concern within the campus community and identifying campus resources available to them.

The Ombuds Services director serves as one of UNO’s three University Ombuds and has additional responsibilities including:

• Maintain the operation, continuity, and integrity of Ombuds Services in keeping with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association.
• Hold staff meetings and offer continuing education opportunities for the Ombuds.
• Maintain consistent standards among the Ombuds of the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, informality, and independence.
• Establish regular communication with other UNO offices, individuals, and media in order to stay informed of developments and changes within the university.
• Inform UNO students and employees about the services provided by the Ombuds, coordinate publicity, and represent Ombuds Services to the university and community.
• Gather aggregate data on the number of contacts and issues brought to Ombuds Services and present an annual report to the Chancellor and Senior Vice Chancellor.
• Provide feedback, early warning “bottom up” information, and recommendations for constructive change to administrators and other high-level campus leaders.
• Oversee expenditures from the Ombuds Services budget.
• Maintain current professional knowledge and skills as an Ombuds through conference attendance and continuing education.
• Provide orientation and arrange for training for new members of the Ombuds team.

Of particular interest are individuals with the following skill sets:

• Knowledge about how the university functions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively with individuals who have diverse backgrounds, identities, and levels of status.
• Excellent communication skills including experience with problem solving, facilitation, and mediation.

The Office of Academic Affairs provides this position with a course release in the fall and spring semesters, a summer stipend and external training in the "Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice" established by the International Ombudsman Association.

Learn more about Ombuds Services.

How to Nominate

Nominations for Director of Ombuds Services can be sent to Candice Batton, assistant vice chancellor for faculty affairs, at emailing cbatton@unomaha.edu, by the June 30 deadline.

Full-time, tenured faculty are eligible to serve in the role. The nomination should include name and contact information and a brief (no more than one page) overview of the skills and experiences that the individual would bring to the position. Self-nominations are welcome.