University of Colorado at Boulder Chancellor Richard Byyny has announced a pilot Faculty Ombuds program for the 1997-98 academic year, following a recommendation by the Boulder Faculty Assembly to create a program.
Two recently retired faculty members will each serve as part-time Faculty Ombudspersons. Robert Fink, former dean of the College of Music, and Jack Kelso, professor emeritus of anthropology and former director of the Farrand Hall Residential Academic Program, will share the post.
Both Fink and Kelso will provide a confidential, informal communication and information service and non-adversarial, independent dispute resolution for complaints initiated by faculty. Their work is intended to augment, rather than replace, existing conflict resolution services already on campus.
The Ombuds Office, under the direction of Tom Sebok, provides similar services for the entire Boulder campus, including students and staff members.
Fink and Kelso will report to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and have also established a working relationship with the Ombuds Office, which will provide administrative support.
The Faculty Ombudspersons also may work collaboratively with the Ombuds Office professional staff in some cases, if all parties agree. Kelso and Fink will be available 18 hours a week during the fall semester and 24 hours a week during the spring semester.
Appointments may be made by calling 492-0868. All contacts are confidential.