Inside Iowa State

Nov. 2, 2007

Ombuds office in second pilot year

by Diana Pounds

The ombuds office, in 69 Physics Hall, began its second year of operation this fall. Two ombuds officers -- Grace Weigel and Ed Lewis -- provide confidential help to faculty, staff, and graduate and professional students who have work-related problems and disputes. (There are separate services for dispute resolution for merit staff.)

Weigel and Lewis work part time, mostly by appointment. Weigel can be reached at 4-0268, gweigel@iastate.edu, and Lewis at 4-8251, eclewis@iastate.edu. Weigel also maintains open office hours for walk-in clients on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The ombuds officers act as informal problem-solvers, helping to resolve issues and concerns before they become formal grievances. They may facilitate discussions between parties, make referrals to other campus services and, occasionally, recommend improvements to university procedures.

This is the second year of a two-year pilot of the ombuds office. More about the office is available online.

Ombuds office

69 Physics Hall

Ed Lewis, 4-8251, eclewis@iastate.edu

Grace Weigel, 4-0268, gweigel@iastate.edu