Graduate Assistant, Office of the 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

General Summary

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.

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.
• 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

N/A

Special Instructions:

Please include a resume with your application.

Appointment Percentage:

100%

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI285885289