Confidentiality and clarity are necessary in SU’s new Ombuds Office

Syracuse University’s newly implemented Ombuds Office is a welcomed resource for faculty, staff and graduate students to address questions and concerns about university policies confidentially.

The university has chosen Professor Emeritus Samuel Clemence, the former interim dean of Hendricks Chapel, to head the Ombuds Office as it searches for a permanent candidate. Clemence’s previous work with Hendricks Chapel is an encouraging indicator of his role in the Ombuds Office, boosting his credibility as someone who’s removed from university politics and has a greater understanding of on-campus cultures and needs for redressing.

While Clemence is unable to formally take action on behalf of complainants, he can assist them with filing paperwork to the appropriate offices. Without advocating directly on their behalf, an ombudsperson can provide faculty and students with the resources necessary to address their concerns in a proactive manner.

The Ombuds Office acts independently of the Office of the Provost, but it does still report to the Office of the Chancellor. Moving ahead, it should be made clear why the provost doesn’t have the same accessibility to information that the chancellor has. The administration should communicate that with the university community, be it at a University Senate meeting and subsequent follow-up email later this semester.

Overall, the office is a welcomed improvement to the current campus climate as part of his Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion. The future of the university is being cultivated through the ongoing Campus Framework and Academic Strategic Plan, so it’s an important time for community members to have a space to air concerns and have them addressed as the university’s endeavors progress.

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