Graduate Assistant, Office of the Ombuds

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.
  • 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.
  • Aid in the 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.
• 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.
  • Aid in the 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.
  • Aid in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies and procedures related to the Office of the Ombuds.
  • Aid in the development, implementation, and maintenance of programs and training on behavior and appropriate campus citizenship to students, staff, faculty, organizations, and related university constituents.
  • Aid in the preparation of scholarly contributions related to Ombuds and assist in preparation of presentations for professional conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.