Faculty Senate

The Faculty Officer will serve as an independent, neutral and impartial, confidential, and informal resource for faculty at Texas A&M International University. The Ombuds Officer will strive to adhere to the professional ethical principles and best practices as defined by the International Ombudsman Association.

The Faculty Ombuds Officer will function as a confidential, neutral resource for faculty to raise and clarify issues and concerns, identify options, and request assistance to informally resolve workplace conflicts. When informal resolution of conflicts fail, or when informal resolution is not advisable, the Ombuds Officer will counsel faculty members regarding their options for formal action and direct them to the appropriate university rules, resources, and offices.

Please read the Ombuds Newsletter for more information!

November newsletter

Randel Brown, Ph.D. 
TAMIU Ombuds Officer
PLG 314F
956.326.2679
956.206.4231

Ombuds Officer Purpose

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Independence

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Neutrality & Impartiality

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Confidentiality

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Informality

The Faculty Ombuds Officer will inform the Provost and the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate of the type, volume and severity of the conflicts and issues she or he observes and those brought to their attention. This information will be useful in guiding policy decision‐making for the continual improvement of fairness and respect at Texas A&M International University.

Services 

Faculty will be able to seek guidance regarding concerns at any time, without fear of reprisal. The Faculty Ombuds Officer will hear individual or broader systemic faculty concerns confidentially. Whereas the response of the ombuds officer will be tailored to the dynamics of the situation and the nature of the concerns, generally the ombuds officer’s role will be to assist parties in reaching informal resolutions that are consistent with the rules and policies of the university.

The ombuds officer may supplement, but not replace or interfere with, formal processes available to the university community. The ombuds officer does not serve notice to the University, cannot impose remedies or sanctions, or enforce or change any policy, rule, or procedure. However, the ombuds officer may serve as a communication resource and catalyst for institutional change for the university by reporting trends and identifying opportunities to enhance policies and procedures.

More specifically, the Faculty Ombuds Officer will:

• Provide faculty members with individual assistance with university related conflicts or concerns
• Listen impartially and give unbiased feedback
• Provide a confidential place to collaboratively explore complaints, clarify issues, and consider options
• Point faculty toward available services and resources
• Assist with early problem‐solving, to minimize the escalation of conflict
• Encourage and empower employees to find their own solutions to problems
• Provide support for addressing work place problems
• Facilitate communication when conflict arises
• Serve as facilitator in group problem‐solving
• With the employees consent, consult with university units and departments to obtain more information about issue and explore options about the issue and explore options for conflict resolution
• Suggest the redirection of matters to formal channels when appropriate
• Identify and report about campus trends and problem areas
• Make recommendations regarding changes in policy and procedure
• Advocate for and model fairness and a healthy work environment

Limitations 

•  The ombuds officer does not have any formal decision making capability, or the ability to determine “guilt” or “Innocence” in any matter.
• The ombuds officer does not offer legal advice and does not act as an advocate or representative of any individual or entity.
• The ombuds officer does not offer psychological counseling.
• The ombuds officer steps aside when a grievance is filed.
• The ombuds officer does not arbitrate or adjudicate grievances or disputes.

Appointment Process and Qualifications of the Faculty Ombuds Officer 

The Faculty Ombuds Officer is a part‐time appointment based on Faculty Senate Executive committee recommendations to the Faculty Senate, appointed / reappointed by the Provost with the approval of the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate. Identities of the candidates for this position are to be kept confidential until a final appointment is made. Release time of 3 SCH per semester is recommended. Term of service to be two calendar years; may be reappointed. Important qualifications for the Faculty Ombuds Officer include:

• Tenured full time faculty member.
• Faculty members with administrative duties (Department Chair level and above) shall not be considered for this position
• Knowledge of university policies and resources
• Extensive cross campus experience
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to be objective and neutral
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Commitment to promote ethical conduct in the performance of the Faculty Ombuds Officer role
• Understanding of cross‐cultural values.