University Ombudsman

Upon the recommendation of the University President, the Senate established the office of Ombudsman on February 17, 1988.

The Ombuds, a member of the AAUP bargaining unit, is elected to office by both the AAUP membership and SUOAF membership of the University (March 23, 1988), and shall:

1. Work independently, confidentially, and objectively to help students, faculty, and staff find solutions to problems encountered at the university. 
2. Have direct access to the President. 
3. Report to the Senate (with constraints of confidentiality). (The Senate clarified this to mean to make appropriate and adequate reports, one at the last meeting of each semester, and to accept appropriate Senate recommendations). 
4. Receive agendas and follow-up documentation of the President’s Council, Academic Council, and Administrative or other Councils and meet with the Provost/Academic Vice President and Finance and Administration Vice President as necessary to address problems brought to the Ombuds. 
5. Receive one and a half (1.5) load credits of reassigned time per semester for a period of two years. (This reassigned time may be renewed for no more than an additional two years if the WCSU President and the WCSU-AAUP President agree to the continuation.) 
6. Have a two-year term of office but shall not be eligible for re-election or reappointment for more than four consecutive years. 
7. Represent AAUP members, SUOAF members, and students on appropriate issues. 
8. Be guided by principles of the International Ombuds Association for organizational ombuds best practices.  

 Approved by the University Senate on October 19, 2022