Several changes in the university ombuds office are being shared with the campus community this week. Ombuds Deanna Clingan-Fischer is retiring from the university Aug. 6.
Free, confidential ombuds services will continue to be offered to help employees resolve work-related matters. MWI, a nationally recognized ombuds and dispute resolution firm based in Boston, will offer remote services on an interim basis. More information about MWI, including a confidential communication form, is online or call 617-895-4026.
Two MWI ombuds are available now to work with Iowa State faculty and staff; employees may choose to work with either one:
- Dina Eisenberg, J.D., a seasoned mediator, and former corporate ombuds for Bank of America, loves to help managers and employees clarify their needs and goals and then explore workable solutions. She developed an understanding of the uniqueness of academic life from her time as ombuds for Berklee College of Music, Boston. Eisenberg can be reached at: dina-ombuds@mwi.org.
- Chuck Doran is an experienced ombuds, mediator and dispute resolution professional who's looking forward to working with faculty, staff and graduate students to surface and resolve matters facing the ISU community. Doran can be reached at: chuck-ombuds@mwi.org.
Informal resource for employees
As a reminder, ombuds services are independent, neutral and confidential. They are an informal resource for employees, but are not meant to replace an employee’s ability and responsibility to speak with their manager to informally resolve issues.
Oversight for the university ombuds office has shifted from the president's office to the office of the senior vice president and provost, becoming part of the responsibilities of associate provost for faculty Dawn Bratsch-Prince.
