Student Ombudsperson

Job Title:

Student Ombudsperson

Physical Location:

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

$86,249 - $103,148

Basic Function:

Assist students with resolving university-related concerns, complaints, and grievances. Interpret policies and procedures for students and other members of the University community. Reports to Senior Vice President for Student Life.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

Not applicable.

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Provide assistance in resolving student-related university concerns, complaints, and grievances through interpretation of university policies and procedures and the utilization of formal and informal resolution strategies for current, former, or potential students.

Keep abreast of changes to university policies and procedures; review and recommend policy and procedure changes when appropriate.

Serve as a mediation resource and consultant to faculty, staff, and administrators working through challenging student-related conflicts; assess situations, recommend appropriate resolution strategies, and when appropriate, facilitate or coordinate mediation involving students.

Facilitate impartial, confidential mediation and conflict-resolution processes between enrolled students, helping participants identify concerns, clarify interests, communicate effectively, and develop mutually acceptable resolutions to disputes.

Market the services of the Office of the Student Ombuds through presentations and outreach programs.

Respond to, advise, and otherwise consult with all levels of university academic and administrative personnel, including but not limited to the President, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, college/school/regional campus deans and associate/assistant deans, academic department chairpersons, unit directors/associate directors, and individual faculty members.

Apply acquired expertise and judgment to a wide range of academic and non-academic institutional policies, regulations, and issues that directly impact students, including student conduct, academic progress, due process, grade grievances, financial aid, campus safety, registration, student Bursar’s accounts, and catalog interpretation.

Develop and support the implementation of specific informal and formal strategies designed to assist students in the resolution of university-related concerns and issues.

Guide, manage, and collaborate on situations and issues, often of high significance and sensitivity, to effective resolution.

Serve on the Care Team for students of concern; serve on other university committees consistent with the scope of this position.

Track and report student, faculty, and staff usage of office as a resource and the outcome of complaints for assessment purposes.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

Not applicable.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in higher education or a relevant field. Seven years of experience in higher education.

License/Certification:

None.

Knowledge Of:

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

University policies, procedures, and resources

University organizational structure and academic governance

Conflict resolution and mediation techniques

Skill In:

Student-centered customer service

Proven written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

Managing multiple issues, projects, and assignments *

Basic helping skills, including recognition of behavioral distress signals *

Handling sensitive and personal information *

Partnership-building with students, faculty, staff, parents/families, and the community *

Evaluating, interpreting, and applying complex requirements and policies of both academic and non-academic nature *

Tactfully and effectively handling confrontation situations

Ability To:

Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and impartiality

Apply broad institutional perspective, utilizing a proactive style of leadership that encourages cooperation *

Work independently and as part of a team

Analyze situations and develop solutions *

Navigate through complex organizational hierarchies *

Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding to a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and various constituencies

Apply knowledge of Kent State University policies, systems, and organizational structures to ensure compliance.

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Terminal Degree

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, ski ls, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

None.

Working Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM or otherwise discussed with leadership.

Additional Information:

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

Must pass a security check.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.