Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA)
IOA Journal Volume 15, Issue 1
Can Ombuds Prevent PhD Students From Dropping Out?
Paul Herfs
30 December 2022
Abstract:
This article describes all kind of problems PhD students might encounter during their PhD-trajectories. Because of these problems many PhD students leave universities without finishing their thesis and without PhD degrees. It leads to great losses of human capital. The author, who worked for 16 years as a university ombuds at a Dutch research university, is very experienced in the guidance of PhD students whose trajectories got stuck. Based on his experiences he describes interventions of an ombuds that might lead to diminishing dropout among PhD students. Although most of his experiences are accumulated at a Dutch university the described problems of PhD students could occur at universities all over the world. The same goes for ombuds interventions and solutions.
A Book Ombuds Can Use: A Review of How to Be an Equity Mindset Leader
Charles Liu
23 September 2022
Abstract:
In this review of Samuel Cohn’s book Race, Gender, and Discrimination at Work, I summarized Cohn’s foundational principles to cultivate an equity mindset to eradicate discrimination in the workplace. The book highlighted many key points that the Ombuds can use to continue to “Promote dignity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging” across the organizational spectrum, and sustain excellence in the workplace.
Book Review: Bridges not Blockades: Transcending University Politics
Julia L. Farmer
16 June 2022
Abstract:
This review of Bridges not Blockades: Transcending University Politics offers an overview of the book’s content. It then reflects on how ombuds might find areas of commonality with many of the volume’s contributors and use the book as a resource for thinking about ways to frame their own offices’ utility. In addition, the review identifies areas in which ombuds practice might diverge from the suggestions found in certain essays.
Reconsidering the Ombuds as Advocate or Subversive Bureaucrat: Exploring the Foundations of the University Ombuds
Ryan Smith
31 March 2022
Abstract:
In 1968 and again in 1969, practitioners and scholars of the ombuds concept in higher education gathered to discuss this new idea. From these gatherings, a conference proceeding was published called The Ombudsman in Higher Education: Advocate or Subversive Bureaucrat. These meetings were the first dedicated to the topic of ombuds in higher education, and the resulting conference proceedings provided the first comprehensive document dedicated to the role. This paper seeks to analyze these proceedings in order to better understand the theoretical foundations of contemporary ombuds practice and research. Additionally, this paper also examines early definitions and considerations of the ombuds role.
Survey Results on Creating Academic Ombuds Offices: An Analysis and Extrapolation of Comments from Working Academic Ombuds
Diane Van Hoose
4 January 2022
Abstract:
This study explored needs, benefits, and pitfalls associated with funding, creating, and maintaining Ombuds offices and services on college and university campuses. Online responses of 76 working academic ombudspersons to a six-item survey tool were analyzed for recurring themes.
Five themes were identified as: 1) Improving campus functionality, 2) Dispersing information, 3) Identifying problems and concerns, 4) Raising awareness of cost-effectiveness and value of services, and 5) Maintaining and developing professionalism. The knowledge gained from this study may be used in decision-making by existing programs, and by academic institutions and state legislators, when considering sustaining or creating academic Ombuds services.
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About the JIOA
The Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) is a peer-reviewed online journal for scholarly articles and information relevant to the ombudsman profession. As members of a relatively new profession, we continually strive to understand, define and clarify the role and function of the professional organizational ombuds.
The JIOA will help foster recognition that what we do for our agencies, corporations, colleges, and universities is worthy of study. While we must vigorously protect the confidentiality of our interactions, we can still study and be studied to understand what we do and how we do it; what works well and what doesn't work; what our options are; how social, technical and legal changes may impact us; what the profile and career development of ombuds professionals might be, and other matters of interest.
The JIOA can facilitate a greater interest in ombudsing, enhance our professional standing, and serve to give us a better understanding of our dynamic roles and the impact on our institutions and agencies. The Journal also will allow IOA members, other ombuds, and other professionals to reach out to their colleagues with their ideas, research findings, theories, and recommendations for best practices and to engage in ongoing discussions of critical issues.
Learn more about the JIOA and the manuscript submission process.
If you have any questions about the JIOA please contact the co-editors via email at [email protected].
- Shannon Lynn Burton, Michigan State University
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