While phrases like “conflict resolution” and “supportive listening” may be familiar, how those concepts relate to the University of New Mexico’s (UNM’s) Ombuds Services may not. In a world where discord is unavoidable, ombuds serve to help navigate and resolve disputes, from the personal to the professional to combinations thereof.
This Thursday, Oct. 11, the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Dispute Resolution Section Ombuds Committee invites you to the inaugural celebration of Ombuds Day, honoring a profession that has existed for centuries yet remains relatively unknown: the ombuds.
UNM’s Ombuds Services for Staff will host an open house this Thursday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by to learn about the services they offer, enjoy a “mediated menu” of snacks and recognize the great dispute resolution work being done on our campus.
What is an ombuds?
Ombuds—also known as ombudspersons, ombudsman, ombudsmen—are considered a valuable form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and provide significant benefit to organizations and their members. As confidential, impartial and independent conflict management professionals, ombuds offer responsive and respectful services designed to aid problem solving, develop options, and reduce the human and organizational costs of conflict.
These skilled individuals are uniquely qualified to serve as conduits for change through their ability to bring significant and/or repetitive issues to management’s attention in a safe and confidential way, and to present issues to leadership others cannot or will not discuss.
Read more about the role of ombudspersons and the creation of Ombuds Day here. For more information about the UNM Ombuds Services for Staff Open House, visit: ombudsforstaff.unm.edu