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Ombuds position open to faculty and staff

April 23, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University is searching for a new person to fill the position of University ombuds, and both faculty and staff members are encouraged to apply.

A university ombuds' role is to provide confidential advice and nonpartisan assistance in solving problems and resolving disputes. An ombuds is independent of the university's formal administrative structure and cannot impose solutions, but can identify options and strategies for resolution. The four guiding principles of an ombudsman are confidentiality, independence, neutrality and informality.

WMU has the distinction of having one of the oldest such University offices in the nation. The WMU office was first established in 1970.

Details on the full-time position are available in a job posting on the internal postings listed on WMU's Human Resources Web site at www.wmich.edu/hr/careers-at-wmu.htm. The position will be posted until 5 p.m. Monday, April 28. Qualifications include employment at WMU for at least three years and communication, conflict resolution and problem solving skills

Applications are now being accepted and forwarded to a campuswide search committee charged with helping to fill the position. The office is now held by Dr. Thomas Bailey, who has served in a half-time capacity since Janauary 2007.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

WMU News
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