| Home |
| Principles Mission Statement Ombuds Advisory Committee |
| About Frequently Asked Questions Our Staff Resources and Links Annual Reports Contact Us/Appointments |
| Alternative
Dispute Resolution Mediation Restorative Justice |
| Evaluate Us |
| 1205-K Girvetz Hall Santa Barbara, CA 93106-7210 Phone: (805) 893-3285 Fax: (805) 893-8919 |
 |
About
“Ombuds” or “ombudsman” is a Swedish term. According to one scholar, it refers to a "person who has an ear to the people." In the United States and Canada, ombuds agencies have been created to assist citizens, consumers, and employees who wish to address concerns about administrative actions. A number of universities have established ombuds offices in response to demands for an impartial and confidential place to express and identify concerns, develop resolution options, get information, manage conflict, and learn more productive ways of communicating. The UCSB Office of the Ombuds was established on campus in the 1970’s as an alternative channel for communication and dispute resolution. When the Office briefly closed in 2003, Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas commissioned a task force to review the functions of the Office. With the full support of the Executive Vice Chancellor and the task force, the Office officially re-opened in January of 2005. Click here to read the 2004 Task Force Report on the Ombuds Office. |
