Faculty Ombuds

The Faculty Senate, in cooperation with the provost, created the position of faculty ombuds to act as an informal, independent, neutral, and confidential agent in faculty disputes. The ombuds informally assists in resolving concerns or problems related to issues of faculty rights and responsibilities; acts as a confidential and informal resource for information, mutual communication channel, complaint receiver, and dispute resolution facilitator; fosters communication between members of the campus community; and promotes the values of fairness, equity, justice, equality of opportunity and mutual respect. All inquiries are confidential unless the faculty member specifically gives the ombuds permission to go to a third person. The current office holders are: Professor Patrick Beauchesne, who is serving a 3-year term as Faculty Ombuds, through June 30, 2026, and Professor Dale Thomson, who is serving a 2-year term as Faculty Ombuds, through December 31, 2026.

The most recent Faculty Ombuds Report covers the period of September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. Earlier annual reports are available beginning in 2017. All reports are located in Faculty Senate Dropbox folders.

The document, Policy and Procedures Regarding Faculty Ombuds Position, was approved as amended by the Faculty Senate on February 20, 2023. 

Any faculty member with questions or concerns is invited to contact the faculty ombuds. Please reach out to either Patrick Beauchesne, via email or at his office, CASL Building 3045E, or Dale Thomson, via email or at his office, CASL Building 3097