What to do while the ombudsperson is on leave
As you may know, I will be on leave for the spring 2015
semester, starting December 22, 2014. I’ll be back in the office June 1. So
what can you do if an issue comes up and there’s no ombudsperson?
UMKC Ombudsperson website
Visiting the Ombudsperson’s website (http://www.umkc.edu/facultyombuds/)
will link you with many resources that could be helpful resolving your
issue. In particular, the page, “News and Good Stuff to Know” contains
information about what to do if you’re facing an issue with a student,
experiencing disruptive or threatening behavior, and information about how
to enroll in the
Ombudsperson Blackboard site,
which serves as the main repository for useful information.
UMKC Ombudsperson Blackboard Site
What’s in the Blackboard site? In the “Content” area
you will find tips on how to
�
Manage your supervisor
�
Get along with others
�
Navigate performance appraisals
�
Deal with student incivility
�
Help colleagues deal with the loss of a loved
one
Additionally, a series of short “Tegrity” presentations
is accessible describing how to have “crucial conversations”
Still need help? Here are a few other possibilities:
UMKC Mediation Services
Mediation Services (http://www.umkc.edu/mediation/)
gives people in conflict a way to talk directly about their issue in an
informal, voluntary and confidential meeting. The mediator won’t tell people
whether they are right or wrong or what to do, but will help all parties see
more options and hopefully resolve their situation.
UMKC HR’s Employee Relations office
The professionals of HR’s Employee Relations Office (http://info.umkc.edu/hr/employee-relations/)
will assist you in work-related issues and help resolve complaints. They can
also help you access UMKC’s Employee Assistance Program (http://info.umkc.edu/hr/employee-relations/employee-assistance-program-eap/),
which provides professional counselors to help with a breadth of personal or
work concerns.
Faculty Affairs
The Office of Faculty Affairs (http://info.umkc.edu/facultyaffairs/)
handles academic grievances. If a faculty member believes s/he has been
harmed by a violation of university policy, this office may be of use.
UMKC Counseling Center
UMKC’s Counseling Center (http://www.umkc.edu/chtc/)
is a counseling and psychological resource for students, faculty and staff.
This is a good place to start if you require psychological counseling,
crisis intervention, or help with substance abuse.
UMKC Office of Affirmative Action
(http://info.umkc.edu/hr/affirmative-action/)
is the place to start if you feel you have been discriminated against on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability
status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by
law.