Ombudsperson Task Force
Based upon a series of discussions in the Pacific University shared governance system during the 2021-2022 academic year at the behest of the Faculty Senate, the President’s Council would like to move forward with an ombudsperson role to serve the university employees.
On September 8, an ombudsperson ad hoc task force was approved by the University Council to develop a position description and charter for the role.
Membership
CHAIR
Alyson Burns-Glover, Professor, Psychology (CAS), one of two faculty members
SECRETARY
Brandy Pestka, Associate Professor, Physician Assistance Studies (CAS), representing Faculty Senate (selected by its members)
Todd Tracewell, Journeyman Electrician, Facilities (Forest Grove Campus)
1 representative from the Staff Senate (selected by its members)
Open, Director of Human Resources
1 representative from HR (selected by the Office)
Christian Calderon, Asst. Professor & Faculty Coordinator (COB)
2 Faculty members (elected by the faculty from different colleges/library and none from the same college as the Faculty Senate representative)
Lisa Downing, Compliance & HIPAA Privacy Officer, Finance & Administration (Hillsboro Campus)
Hope Villanueva, Student Loan Advisor, Business Office (Forest Grove Campus)
2 staff members at large (elected by the staff representing different campuses and none from the same department)
Jennifer Yruegas, General Counsel, will act as a consultant to the group.
Scope
The Ad Hoc Task Force for an Ombudsperson will examine existing policies and procedures that guide employment at Pacific and seek input from employee groups to determine the ways in which an ombudsperson may best assist employees. Note: The ombudsperson is not being considered to support students at this time, because of a comprehensive and well-established support structure already in place within Student Affairs.
Tasks
The Ad Hoc Task Force for an Ombudsperson will undertake the following tasks by the end of the 2022-2023 academic year:
- Review of Faculty Senate-led discussions about the ombudsperson role reflected within the shared governance minutes and materials during the 2021-2022 academic year
- Review of ombudsperson scope and duties at peer academic institutions
- Consideration of legal and/or employment laws and compliance that have a bearing on the ombudsperson role
- Develop a position description for the role of ombudsperson
- Develop a charter for the role of ombudsperson
- Bring forward the position description and charter for final approval by the University Council