IOA has developed a highly successful format of education, skill building, and theory that combine to provide both the new and experienced Organizational Ombudsman practitioner with a practical approach to addressing problems in his/her respective environments. Each Professional Development program focuses on the needs of the Organizational Ombudsman at a particular experience level, and provides demonstrations or role play, theory, and education appropriate for that level. Video segments are used to enhance the case studies and Ombudsman situations.

A training manual designed for use with each program serves as a continuing source of reference. Completion Certificates are provided for those who complete each program. Early-registration discounts are offered for each course. IOA members receive a discounted registration rate.

All of IOA's trainers, while volunteers, are experienced Organizational Ombudsmen. The use of a team approach in all their training provides participants with a variety of dispute resolution styles and techniques.


Ombudsman 101 Course:
Ombudsman 101 provides basic information and training for the Organizational Ombudsman by emphasizing the principles of confidentiality, neutrality, independence, and informality. The course will enable the Organizational Ombudsman, persons interested in becoming an Ombudsman, or anyone desiring to establish an Organizational Ombudsman function to act with purpose, understanding, and effectiveness when working with the individual and the organization. The 2 ½ day course focuses on how the Ombudsman works with the visitor to the office as well as how they act as a change agent within their organization.

• Generally offered 3 times a year
• Prerequisite: None
• Maximum attendance: 50 participants.

Ombudsman 101 PLUS Course:

• Generally offered 3 times a year as an extension of Ombudsman 101
• Prerequisite: Completion of Ombudsman 101.
• Maximum attendance: 50 participants.

Intermediate Course:

• Generally offered once a year.
• Prerequisite: Completion of Ombudsman 101 and 6 months of experience as a practicing organizational ombudsman.
• Maximum attendance: 20 participants

Advanced Course:
A Series of courses created for the experienced ombudsman.

• Generally offered once a year.
• Prerequisite: Completion of Ombudsman 101 and 2 years of experience as a practicing organizational ombudsman.
• Maximum attendance: 20 participants.

Specialized Courses:

• Generally 1 or 2 specialized courses are offered at each location.
• Prerequisite: may vary depending on course, generally Ombudsman 101 is required.
• Maximum attendance: may vary depending on course, generally 35 participants per course.

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2010 Professional Development Opportunities
Click here to download the complete "Professional Development Opportunities Brochure" which includes detailed abstracts for each course

SUMMER
June 2010
June 10-12, 2010
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA USA
Click here to register for the June Professional Development Courses

• Ombudsman 101
• Ombudsman 101 Plus

INTERNATIONAL
September 6-8, 2010
UNESCO
Paris, France
Click here to register for the June Professional Development Courses

• Ombudsman 101
• Specialized Course: Mediation and the Ombudsman

FALL
OCTOBER 2010
October 25-29, 2010
Hyatt Regency Toronto
Toronto, ON, Canada
Click here to register for the October Professional Development Courses

• Ombudsman 101
• Ombudsman 101 Plus
• Master Class

International Attendees, note new travel regulations:
Effective January 20, inbound travelers to the United States from Visa Waiver Program countries may be denied boarding by the airlines if they haven't complied with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Electronic System for Travel Authorization program. Click here for details.

Prerequisites:
Each course will list the prerequisites for that course. The prerequisites have been determined by the instructors so that the majority of course attendees are on the same level of understanding and knowledge.

Maximum Attendance:
Each IOA course lists the maximum number of attendees per course and will be adhered to. In order to present a quality Professional Development session the instructors have set the maximum number to ensure you receive the full benefit of the materials. We ask that you do not make your hotel reservations or travel plans until you have received a confirmation from the office that you are registered for the course. On-site registrations are not accepted. IOA will maintain a 'Wait List' if a course reaches the maximum enrollment. 'Wait-List' registrants are admitted on a first-come-first-served basis and will be kept apprised of their status.

Cancellation Policy/Refunds:
Notice of cancellation must be in writing via facsimile or e-mail. Cancellation by telephone is not allowed. To cancel via e-mail, send the cancellation notice to: info@ombudsassociation.org. To cancel by fax send to +1 (908) 842-0376. If you must cancel your registration, you are encouraged to send a substitute to take your place. Please contact the office and notify us of the change so we can arrange for a name badge and certificate. If you cannot find a substitute to take your place, please refer to the cancellation policy shown below.
10 business days prior to the course = 100% refund
5-9 business days prior to the course = 50% refund
0-4 business days prior to the course = No refund
Note: IOA will not be responsible for the safe-keeping of equipment, supplies, written material or other valuable items left in a function room or guest room.

Method of Payment:
Checks or money orders should be in United States funds, payable to the International Ombudsman Association. Credit cards are accepted. No electronic funds transfers (EFT's) are permitted. Note: Your registration cannot be confirmed until payment is received.

Dress Code:
Business or Business Casual

Subject to Change or Cancellation:
All IOA Courses are subject to change and/or cancellation. We ask that you do not make your hotel reservations or travel plans until you have received a confirmation from the office that you are registered for the course. If you do not receive a confirmation either in the mail or via email please contact the administrative office to check the status of your registration. Course agendas are constantly being updated by the instructors to ensure that the most current materials are presented. If pre-registration attendance is below half of the maximum attendance, instructors may cancel the course.

Certificates of Completion:
Any person who does not complete the entire Professional Development course will not be issued a certificate. You may request to make up the missed sections for 101, Advanced or Intermediate. A make-up course must be taken within one year of the original course. Specialized courses may not be made up since they are not repeated within the year and may change each time they are offered.

ALL MAKE-UP REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE IOA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AND MUST BE APPROVED BY THE INSTRUCTORS. Make-Up Request Forms are supplied with the course materials on site. Please complete the request form and, if possible, have an instructor sign the form on-site prior to leaving.

A mandatory $50 fee will be charged for processing the registration, to cover the cost of food, and space in the class. A mandatory $20 fee will be charged for a new/revised binder and hand-out materials may vary depending on when the original course was taken and if there have been revisions.