The University of Wyoming’s Office of the Ombuds held an open house on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024 to introduce its new location in Knight Hall room 241.
The Office of the Ombuds provides an alternate method of conflict resolution for students, staff and faculty alike.
“The idea is to provide a safe space for people to come and talk about whatever they want to talk about,” said Ombudsperson Nellie Haddad, the driving force behind the office.
She introduced herself as “a confidential, informal, impartial, independent conflict resolution specialist.”
The description separates her office from other conflict resolution resources on campus. Haddad is not a mandatory reporter under Title IX, so any issues she addresses remain confidential.
The Office of the Ombuds is also not required to investigate issues, nor is it obligated to any group over another.
“Organizationally, the Office of the Ombuds does report to the Office of the President. So there’s a strong connection to the president so that ombuds can advise him on, kind of trends and issues that are happening around the university,” said Kelsey Kyne, chief of staff for the Office of the President.
Despite this connection, the Office of the Ombuds is not involved in any formal UW complaint process, so individuals can address their issues without fear of retribution.
“It’s a little bit of a unique situation,” said Kyne.
The Office of the Ombuds provides a novel combination of conflict resolution and support, guiding clients to the resources they need.
“Ideally we’re the go between,” said Patricia Bradford, graduate administrative assistant for the office.
Despite her emphasis on informality, Nellie Haddad highlighted her office’s professionalism.
“I’m not a lawyer, I’m not a therapist, and I’m not anybody’s mother,” she said, smiling.
She began her career as an English professor at the University of Montana, before moving into administration and later pursuing masters degrees in international relations and conflict resolution and mediation.
When asked what she strives for, Haddad answered “That people embrace conflict.
“Conflict is the way change happens. If we didn’t engage in conflict, nothing would happen, we would all stay the same, right? Because, because stasis wins.”
Currently, Haddad and Bradford are the only two people working for the office.
“We’re small obviously,” said Bradford. According to Haddad, it takes about three years for an organization like the Office of the Ombuds to start seeing a real impact.
Nonetheless, the future of the office looks promising. A few minutes into the open house, a prospective client stopped in to schedule an appointment.
