The University of New Hampshire doesn’t have one. Neither does UMaine Orono.
Their campus operators didn’t even recognize the word.
An ombudsman [om-buds-man] is somebody who tries to work out problems the easy way, according to Nolan Thompson.
“When there’s tension, people can sometimes step on each other’s toes hard,” Thompson, who works as USM’s ombudsman. “I try to help people address those issues informally.”
Thompson said his office can help any member of the USM community who has a problem. He works with students, faculty and staff.
“I’m the ombudsman for everybody from Richard Pattenaude to the last evening shift Facilities Management person,” said Thompson.
He said he sometimes deals with students who have problems with a professor. Others may have missed an important financial aid deadline and need help. He speaks to employees who are upset about something in their department. Or faculty who have issues with the administration.
But in Thompson’s one and a half years on the job he really hasn’t dealt with many problems.
Last year (from September to August) his office handled 26 cases.
“Last year things were slow,” he said. “I think a lot of people didn’t know about what I do.”
By comparison, Central Connecticut State Ombudsman Adolfo Chavarro was a bit busier last year. His school has similar enrollment figures and a similar ratio of commuter students as USM. However, last year his office handled over 500 such cases.
But Thompson said this year’s number of cases is on the rise. Already since September, his office has handled 18.
Thompson said he wants to get the word out that he’s here to help.
He sent out 1,700 fliers, made brochures, contacted the campus newspaper and spoke at welcome events.
Thompson said his services are 100 percent confidential. He even destroys any notes he takes during the case when its concluded.
“This is a great thing for the University to have,” said Kathleen Roberts, executive director of Campus Diversity and Equity. “It’s evolved into helping staff, faculty or students who run into issues making their way through the system. The ombuds is somebody who can help guide them. It really reduces all kinds of escalation.”
Thompson acknowledges that many companies value ombudspeople for their ability to diffuse potential lawsuits.
“Ombudspeople have been known to save institutions lots of money in legal debt,” he said.
Still, Thompson said his job is to stay objective and help people to find the best solution to their problems. In some instances, he coordinates mediation where two parties can come together and work out their problems.
He said he’s always available when help is needed.
“My phone is available 24-7,” he said.
Thompson can be reached at 780-4073.
Executive Editor Steve Peoples can be contacted at: [email protected]