Ombudsperson - Vancouver, Canada - University Canada West

University Canada West

Verified Company

Vancouver, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

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Description

Position Job Title:
Ombudsperson

Location:
Vancouver, BC

Reports To:
President

About University Canada West:

University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented, dynamic, and growing institution that was founded in 2005.

Based in Downtown Vancouver, the university is defined by its close connections to the business community and a commitment to outstanding student services.

Here, at UCW, we connect recognized, well-established specialists and ambitious young professionals, so they learn from each other and thrive in our diverse environment.

Together, we strive to create and maintain working environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

We are privileged to do this work on the unceded, traditional territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

We thank them for having cared for this land since time immemorial, honour their graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here, and iterate our dedication to valuing the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples and communities.

Position Overview:

The Ombudsperson is a resource, primarily to students, to assist in understanding how to navigate challenge experienced in their educational journey.

The Ombudsperson reports to the President and acts as a confidential resource and support to students.

The Ombudsperson acts impartially and objectively, neither as an advocate for individuals, nor as a defender of the University, but rather as a seeker of procedural fairness and reasonable outcomes.

The Ombudsperson is independent of UCW's formal administrative structure and all other departments.

Specific Responsibilities:

Establishes procedures for receiving administrative, academic and individual complaints from the university community
Assists inquirers in obtaining and providing relevant information regarding university policies and procedures.
Manages data of complaints of injustice and unfairness within the community
Designs and organizes training programs for the community in dispute/conflict resolution, negotiation skills and theory, civility, and related topics.
Meets with students (inperson or virtually) to discuss their challenges and provide guidance of avenues to seek resolution.
Identifies and explain relevant university policy, procedures and practices.
Where possible, identify informal processes and avenues for issue resolution. This service may involve mediation of conflicts if the parties involved consent to participating in such activities.
Refers students to other parties, services or community resources.
Acts as a confidential and impartial support to students alleged to have breached academic integrity or student rights and responsibilities policies. This support may include, at the request of a student, attending meetings and/or review panels regarding allegations of misconduct.
To prepare the student for such meetings,
To silently observe and record the outcomes of the scheduled event, and
To ensure the student understands the possible impact of decisions arrived in formal processes and their possible options should their situation meet the grounds for appealing decisions.
Investigates, evaluates and make recommendations to the University regarding identified systemic issues or barriers which have been reported by students.
The Ombudsperson provides an Annual Report to the University community
Provide clarification and guidance to faculty, chairs, administrators and support staff on University policy, procedures and practices.
Review concerns regarding university policy and practices that may create unintended or unnecessary barriers to student engagement in learning and campus engagement opportunities.
Recommend to the President or advisory committee adaptations or amendment of university policies and practices.

Competencies:

Excellent knowledge and adherence to the principles of fairness and natural justice.
Excellent knowledge of the services provided under the auspices of the Office of the BC Ombudsperson.
Good knowledge of the BC Personal Information Protection Act and the BC Human Rights Code.
Good understanding of an academic setting, collegial governance, university governance and the principles of academic freedom.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Excellent research, analytical reasoning and problemsolving skills.
Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
Good public speaking skills.
Ability to deal effectively with clients in crisis and to diffuse emotional situations and conflicts.
Ability to exercise tact, sensitivity, and discretion.
Ability to investigate and negotiate problems that are complex and political in nature.
Ability to think critically and creatively.
Ability to diplomatically deliver unwelcome messages to stud