WELCOME Guest Blogger Ombuds Thomas Kosakowski– EngagingConflicts.com
From time to time, a Guest Blogger will share voice at Engaging Conflicts. Previous Guest Bloggers are introduced here. Today we welcome Guest Blogger Thomas Kosakowski. Tom is Claremont Graduate University’s first University Ombudsperson.
Tom majored in economics and minored in art at Occidental College. After working as an economist for eight years, Tom earned his law degree from Loyola Law School, where he was an editor of the Entertainment Law Journal and a member of Phi Delta Phi. In nine years of law practice, Tom represented and counseled clients in state and federal actions and in California State Bar disciplinary matters. Tom has also been an associate ombudsperson at UCLA and interim director of the ombuds office at UC Riverside. You can find out more about him and ombuds at his personal blog, The Ombuds Blog, with news and information for and about organizational ombuds. Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of his blog — congratulations, Tom! His site compiles and he covers (it seems like) all things ombuds, including primary resources for creating an ombuds office and links to (seemingly all) US and some international corporate and institutional ombuds offices. It’s a key resource, and perhaps the key resource.
Tom has written a 10-part series for Engaging Conflicts on “10 Things Lawyers Should Know About Ombuds.” Here’s the series list:
1. Organizational Ombuds Are Different Than Classical Ombuds
2. The ABA Has Endorsed Ombuds
3. Ombuds Assert Their Communications are Privileged
4. Ombuds Protect Their Independence
5. Ombuds are Neutral and Impartial
6. Ombuds Avoid Formal Processes
7. Ombuds are Increasing in Number
8. Ombuds Don’t Keep Records
9. Title revised to: Ombuds Are Not Agents for Notice
10. Ombuds Provide Upward Feedback
The series will start soon. It’s part of the Engaging Conflicts‘ Taking Peacemaking Public series.
As Tom notes on his blog, equally appropriate for his posts here:
I am a University Ombudsperson, Mediator, and Attorney. The material in this blog does not reflect on any matters I have handled or am currently handling. This information should not be construed as legal, medical or psychological advice; readers should consult their own professionals for advice.
Welcome, Tom! We look forward to your series!
Tom:
Your ombuds statement in Enbgaging Conflicts (Dec. 1) notes that ombuds are increasing in number. A university president in New York state, discussing ombuds in higher ed, stated exactly the opposite–that many colleges have recently eliminated ombuds positions.
OK, I’m now uncertain. A recent article about the appointment of an ombuds at North Texas State indicated that the number of higher ed ombuds in higher ed has increased (over what time?) from about 130 to close to 200. Any hard data about this matter?
Gary-
I promise more details in part seven of my series. Although some institutions have closed ombuds offices, more have opened than closed over the long term. the trend reflects the slow but steady growth of ADR in our society.
-Tom