Laura Smythe has served as the university's ombuds since April 2022. Photo by Christopher Gannon.
The basics
Laura Smythe ("Sm-eye-th"), university ombuds
Years at Iowa State: Two (previously she served in same role at the University of Idaho)
Education: Doctorate in law (1997); master's degrees in Latin American and Iberian studies (1992) and political science (1991) from the University of Wisconsin, Madison; and bachelor's degree in Spanish (1990) from the College of Wooster, Ohio
Notable experiences: Smythe began her career as a private-practice attorney. Since 2003, she has operated her own consulting firm focused on organizational culture, conflict management and service as an external ombuds. Currently she is one of two ombuds appointed to serve the International Ombuds Association community.
Iowa State's ombuds services are independent, impartial and confidential for faculty, P&S and merit staff, postdoctoral scholars and graduate and professional students. They are an informal resource for employees and are not meant to replace an employee's ability and responsibility to speak with their manager to informally resolve issues.
Q: You've said the ombuds office is 'deliberately unique.' What does that mean?
We are an independent office and not affiliated with any unit, department or college. Our meetings and conversations are confidential and not shared with anyone at the university. The one exception is if we learn someone is in imminent risk of serious harm. We are mandatory Title IX reporters.
We spend our days talking with people who are stressed and in conflict, facilitating conversations between people who are struggling to communicate constructively, advising about resources, coaching individuals in leadership positions, offering trainings and listening. We do not judge or advocate. Visitors can rest assured that we won't favor somebody or some unit over another. We are a safe place to explore options. Visitors retain full agency to decide what they want to do after consulting with us about their options.
Q: What type of trainings do you offer?
We offer trainings that focus on how people interact and communicate with one another. Training sessions are scheduled by request and designed for the learning objectives of the group. Check out our list of available trainings. If you, or your group, don't find what you're looking for, please reach out to our office. I'm always developing new trainings.
Q: What are the most common misconceptions about the ombuds office?
There seems to be a myth that reaching out to the university ombuds somehow escalates matters. I'd love to dispel that myth. We're intended to be a safe space to explore concerns, identify possible solutions or resources and do it without anyone necessarily knowing you visited our office. In fact, we embrace opportunities to work with people proactively rather than reacting to a situation that has become tense and difficult.
The other frequent misconception is that we file and investigate formal complaints. Sharing a complaint with us is different than sharing it with a supervisor or university human resources. We do not file complaints or reports or use the information we hear in any way except to explore with the visitor what they want to do. Sometimes we work with an entire unit or group on culture and climate. To do that work, we may meet individually with group members to build trust and understand their perspective. While that may feel like an "investigation," the information gathered is used only within the group for their learning and reflection. It does not become part of anyone's file or record.
Q: When should someone reach out to your office?
If you are struggling with a colleague, supervisor, supervisee, major professor or graduate or professional student, please consider reaching out to us. If we cannot help, we will guide you to other resources on campus. We would rather have you reach out than not.
We welcome proactive conversations about how to handle a difficult conversation or situation, or to serve as an impartial ear. Most people are uncomfortable with conflict. I've studied, researched, practiced and taught conflict management for more than 20 years. I'm here as a resource designed to parallel other formal options. Visitors do not give up their rights to formal solutions by speaking with our office.
Q: What are the limitations of the ombuds office?
Because we do a lot of listening, we are sometimes confused with counselors. We are not counselors, psychiatrists or psychologists. Our experience is rooted in conflict management skills, best practices in communication, and developing psychologically-safe workplaces.
We are not advocates. Because we are an impartial office, we cannot, and do not, advocate for anybody or any group.
We do not serve undergraduate students.
