Graduate Assistant, Office Ombuds

Title: Graduate Assistant, Office of the Ombuds

Employee Classification: GS

Pay Grade: GS 00

Division: Academic and Student Affairs

Subdivision: Ombuds

Department: Academic Programming and Services

Campus

Location:

Main Campus

The Office of the Ombuds at Eastern Michigan University is a confidential, independent, informal, and neutral space where community members can think through issues they are facing and provide feedback for improvement. A GA in this office will assist in the administration and day-to-day work of the Office of the Ombuds, provide objective and unbiased services to develop a fair and equitable university community, and facilitate student consultations related to university policies and procedures.

Conflict Coaching & Case Management:

• Ensure timely disposition, management, and resolution of all cases referred to the office of the Ombuds.
• Listen to and advise students on interpretations of university policies and procedures, the steps to take to resolve problems informally, and which formal and administrative options are available.
• Perform intake for case referrals involving policy and/or process concerns/violations.
• Facilitate case file management, which includes: creating electronic files using data processing software, providing follow up on case resolution, and destroying resolved case files and/or records in accordance with the Office of the Ombuds Charter.
• Meet with undergraduate students to identify barriers and develop resolutions to support students’ full participation in their success at Eastern Michigan University.
• Make appropriate referrals to internal or external resources when informal and/or formal options fail to work.
• Collaboratively communicate with staff/faculty and other University personnel to coordinate the effective implementation of reasonable case resolutions.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality in all forms of communication, complying with FERPA, university, and International Ombuds Association standards.
• Ensure adherence to University policies and confirm due process as it relates to institutional protocol.
• Assist with resolution and prevention of both academic and non-academic concerns.
• Review and evaluate University policies, protocols, and processes as indicated; make recommendations and lead initiatives for development and improvement as needed.
• Consult with students, faculty, and staff; parents and external constituents; police, personnel, and attorneys regarding the application of formal university processes.
• Provide consultation to, and participate as needed in working groups developing new and re-writing existing university policies and procedures.
• Evaluate case supporting documentation to determine and recommend appropriate concern resolution options to support students.
• Consistently demonstrate non-biased and objective judgment and decision making that is consistent with the goals and philosophy of the specified student affairs area as well as the larger University community.

Area Administration:

• Assist area coordinator with services, projects, and programs consistent with Ombuds goals and initiatives.
• Assist with coordination of annual program assessments and evaluate specified Ombuds programming and services.
• Assist with the development, implementation, prioritization, and maintenance of the Ombuds website, master spreadsheet, and social media accounts to achieve area goals.
• Make appropriate data-based policy and institutional change recommendations to the associate director.
• Assist in preparation and delivery of presentations on Ombuds issues and services and assist in providing training to university staff and faculty surrounding these issues and services.
• Assist in development of transition, orientation, support group, peer relations, student organization, and other co-curricular programs to support students in their success at Eastern Michigan University.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies and procedures related to the Office of the Ombuds.
• Assist the associate director in developing and providing programs and training on behavior and appropriate campus citizenship to students, staff, faculty, organizations, and related university constituents.
• Assist in preparation of scholarly contributions related to Ombuds and assist in preparation of presentations for professional conferences.
• Perform related duties as required.

Ability to work up to 20 hours per week (10 for 50%) is required; GPA of 3.0 or higher is required;
Admission and enrollment in a graduate program is required;
Maintenance of a 67% course completion is required;
Enrollment in at least 6 credits for Fall and Winter semesters is required.

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