Texas Tech University is accepting applications for a University Faculty Ombudsperson. The Texas Tech Faculty Ombudsperson is as an independent, neutral, confidential and informal resource for faculty members who have concerns arising from their work at Texas Tech. The Office is charged to facilitate resolution of conflicts, disputes, or complaints of faculty that are not easily resolved through their supervisors. The Ombudsperson advises faculty on the viability of complaints and issues; directs faculty to appropriate offices and resources to manage concerns; reviews relevant university rules and policies; and at times serves as an informal mediator in early-stage complaints. The Ombudsperson is an impartial party, not a faculty advocate. The Ombudsperson also may serve a fact-finding function or offer advice to conflicting parties; and the Ombudsperson will report on trends observed in faculty concerns.
The ombudsperson will be serving an increasingly culturally and intellectually diverse community and TTU encourages applications from people who share a commitment to diversity, equity, access, and opportunity. The Ombudsperson must be a full-time faculty member at Texas Tech University, which includes regular line faculty, Professors of Practice, Instructors and Librarians. However, a tenured member of the faculty is strongly preferred. Compensation for the Ombudsperson will be adapted to the type of faculty position the selected candidate holds; but the benchmark for compensation is one course release in Fall and Spring semesters and summer salary. Where Texas Tech policy allows, the Ombudsperson will operate in conformity to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsperson Association. It is expected the Ombudsperson will receive training from one of several Ombudspersons Associations, such as the International Ombudsperson Association.
The Office of the Faculty Ombudsperson is independent in its structure and function, and reports to the Faculty Senate and the Provost/ Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, both of whom will jointly provide operational oversight of the office.
Major areas of responsibility:
- The ombudsperson responds to issues, concerns, inquiries, and complaints either by request or on her/his own initiative and supplements, but does not replace, any steps required in formal internal or external procedures of Texas Tech University. Use of the Ombudsperson Office is not a required step in any grievance process or organizational policy.
- The Ombudsperson shall be neutral, impartial, unaligned, and objective in the performance of all duties. The Ombudsperson has no personal interest or stake in and incurs no personal gain or loss from the outcome of an issue.
- The Ombudsperson is an advocate for a fair and equitable process, not an advocate on behalf of individuals or the institution.
- The Ombudsperson shall not disclose and shall not be required to disclose any information provided in confidence or otherwise received in the course of performing her/his duties, except to address a serious risk of imminent harm or as required by law, judicial order, or other legal process. The Ombudsperson shall comply with institutional standards of privacy or confidentiality in the pursuit or provision of information.
- The Ombudsperson functions on an informal basis by such means as listening, providing and receiving information, reframing issues, developing options, referral, third party intervention, shuttle diplomacy, mediation, and systems change.
- The Ombudsperson does not take an active role in any formal institutional investigative or adjudicative procedures. The Ombudsperson may conduct informal fact-finding, or otherwise examine alleged procedural irregularities of a formal process and allegations about alleged acts, omissions, improprieties, and/or systemic problems.
- When a formal investigation is requested or warranted, the Ombudsperson shall refer the individual(s) to the appropriate offices or persons according to the formal Operating Procedures and Policies of Texas Tech University.
- The Ombudsperson shall produce an annual public report indicating the number and type of cases, general operations of Texas Tech University affairs, and any recommendations the Ombudsperson feels are in the best interest of the university. A copy of the annual report shall be distributed to the President's Office, the senior vice president for administration and finance, the provost/senior vice president for academic affairs, and the Staff Senate.
Required Qualifications:
• The Ombudsperson must be a full time faculty member at Texas Tech University, which includes regular line faculty, Professors of Practice, Instructors and Librarians. However, a tenured member of the faculty is strongly preferred.
• Must have excellent communication skills, the ability to manage detailed work, operate in an environment of confidentiality, understand university policies and procedures, and possess a good understanding of the resources and offices at Texas Tech University.
• Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across culturally and intellectually diverse university communities.
• Exceptional written, speaking, and listening skills.
• Strong work habits, organizational skills, and ability to coordinate multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to the efforts of a diverse team.
Application Process:
Applications will be reviewed beginning September 1, 2014 and will be accepted until the position is filled. Application must be made electronically through the Texas Tech University on-line application using the following link:
http://www.texastech.edu/careers/current-ttu-hsc-employee.php
Once logged in, should search for Req ID 1181 to apply.
Please submit the following documents online:
1. a current CV,
2. a list identifying three references with their contact information, and
3. a letter setting out how your background qualifies you for this position.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Ann Hawkins, Ann.Hawkins@ttu.edu or Dr. Michael Farmer, Michael.Farmer@ttu.edu after July 22, 2014. If you have difficulty negotiating the electronic application process, contact the TTU Talent Acquisition office at hrs.recruiting@ttu.edu or 806-742-3851.
