Michele Rasmussen: Message to Students about Applications for Student Ombudspersons, 2013-2014

October 30, 2013

To:           Students
From:       Michele A. Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University
Subject:   Applicants Sought for Student Ombudspersons, 2013-14

Date:        October 30, 2013

Applications are being accepted from registered full-time graduate and undergraduate students for the positions of Student Ombudsperson and Associate Student Ombudsperson for the 2013-14 academic year.  The term of the office for both positions will be from the fall quarter 2013 through the spring quarter 2014.  Interested students should send an email confirming their intent to apply to DOS-university@uchicago.edu no later than Wednesday, November 6.  Completed applications (a letter of application, resume/CV and the names and contact information for two references) must be submitted to DOS-university@uchicago.edu  by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13.  Review of applications will begin immediately.

The Ombudsperson is a part-time, salaried official of the University, appointed by the President to investigate student grievances when the existing channels of communication or dispute resolution have proven unsatisfactory.  The Associate Ombudsperson, also part-time, works closely with the Ombudsperson and is paid on an hourly basis.

The specific duties of the Ombudsperson and Associate Student Ombudsperson are:

  •   to determine the facts in each case;
  •   to refer complaints to the appropriate departments of the University;
  •   to suggest remedial steps in the settlement of a complaint;
  •   to work with the student and the administrator or faculty member in seeking a satisfactory resolution;
  •   and to call attention to any injustices and abuses of power or discretion.

Additional responsibilities include ensuring the smooth functioning of the Office of the Student Ombudsperson and its website, meeting regularly with University administrators and participating in professional development opportunities.

Successful applicants will demonstrate maturity, excellent judgment, responsiveness, independence, fair-mindedness, impartiality, extensive knowledge of the University, and strong writing skills.

Please refer to http://ombudsperson.uchicago.edu/page/application-and-selection-procedures for complete application details.

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