More than Mediation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas’ Office of Student Mediation and Conflict Resolution is changing its name to University Ombuds Office. This name change reflects the broader range of conflict resolution services provided by an ombudsperson.

So what is an ombud? The Swedish government established the first ombud in the 1800s to help its citizens navigate their way through a complicated bureaucratic system. Today, an ombud is an impartial practitioner of conflict resolution who provides confidential and informal assistance to constituents.

The profession has grown significantly in universities, as well as private and public organizations, over the past 20 years. A university ombuds office provides a safe, student-centered place for all its constituents to share and resolve issues of interpersonal and organizational conflict and concern. Issues brought to the ombud may be addressed on an individual, group or organizational level. Ombuds assist in the clarification of issues and the generation of options for resolution. Their offices operate independently as a supplement to existing administrative or formal grievance procedures. Ombuds do not act as advocates for either side in a dispute, but do advocate for fair process for all parties involved. Their goal is to promote an inclusive, civil campus climate through collaborative dialogue.

However, the University Ombuds Office provides more than conflict resolution services. The ombud, Sue Theiss, gives educational presentations in classrooms, and holds workshops for students and employees on conflict resolution theory, practice, and skills. Each year, the ombud provides feedback to administrators and members of the campus community regarding systemic concerns, making recommendations for change.

University Ombuds Office also participates in collaborative projects with other offices, such as the restorative justice program, administered through the Office of Community Standards and Student Ethics. Through restorative justice, victim-offender mediation and group conferencing, the ombud provides an opportunity to create a dialogue that repairs the harm caused to the victims, educates the perceived offender and decreases recidivism. Participation in diversity initiatives such as Safe Zone Allies and Difficult Dialogues, and projects including the Classroom Civility survey, provide an avenue for the director of the ombuds office to continue her commitment toward creating an inclusive and civil campus community for all students.

For more information regarding the University Ombuds Office, please check out our Web site (soon to be updated and renamed) at: http://smcr.uark.edu, or call 575-4831.