WESLEYAN STUDENT OMBUDS
2022-2023 Academic Year
** This is a paid student job open to all students regardless of work study eligibility **
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Student Ombuds Position Description
The Wesleyan Student Ombuds Program was informed and inspired by student voices and began in Fall 2021.
Student Ombuds are available to talk with students about their concerns related to experiences in the classroom, with their athletic team, or within other parts of their academic and campus life at Wesleyan. Each Ombud serves as a neutral and confidential* peer resource focused on empowering students to successfully navigate the institution and advocate for themselves in moments of conflict, particularly when there are power dynamic considerations. Although separate from the University’s Ombudsperson for staff and faculty, these Student Ombuds are trained to use similar conflict resolution and restorative justice practices. Student Ombuds will provide information about resources, offer perspective, and advise students as they explore and navigate their options for resolving concerns.
***APPLICATIONS FOR 2022-2023 ARE DUE TUESDAY, APRIL 19TH***
Student Ombuds will be selected to represent various academic areas of the institution (i.e., each academic division and Athletics) and will be compensated $15/hour for their work, with between 5 and 8 hours of work each week. As 2022-2023 will be the second year of this new program, Student Ombuds will play a role in shaping its future.
Student Ombuds report to Dr. April Ruiz, Dean for Academic Equity, Inclusion, & Success
Duties include:
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Serve as a confidential*, neutral thought partner for students considering their options for resolving an issue, especially when the other party is in a position of power in relation to the student
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Hold a safe and supportive conversational space, simply listening and serving as an impartial sounding board
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Provide insight on managing challenging conversations
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Share information about campus resources
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Explain institutional policies and processes, including those regarding how to make a formal complaint to the University
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Communicate any patterns of concern to university leadership
*The Student Ombuds stand with survivors of sexual misconduct, though they do not serve as a confidential resource for these matters.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
TIME COMMITMENT:
Duration: Academic year 2022-2023
Hours per week: 5-8
Training: Wednesday 8/31/22 through Friday 9/2/22 (Fall classes begin Monday 9/5/22)
Tentatively 10:30am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm each day of training
Student Ombuds should plan to arrive on campus on Tuesday 8/30/22
**Applicants should take note of any conflicts they might have with other training or programmatic responsibilities during this timeframe**
WORK RESPONSIBILITIES
Regular team meeting: 1 hour per week
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Brainstorming and problem-solving
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Discussion of any patterns observed
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Outreach and workshop planning
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Ongoing training and learning from campus partners
Meetings with students: Approx. 1-4 hours per week
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A mix of by-appointment meetings and first-come, first-served drop-in spaces on campus
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Outreach visits with groups of students (via various programs and student organizations) to spread the word about the Student Ombuds resource
Programming: Varied, based on demand; approx. 0-2 hours per week
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Deliver informational sessions or facilitate other activities focused on conflict management, constructive communication, and relevant campus resources
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When invited, participate in meetings or events across campus that are relevant to the work of the Student Ombuds program
Administrative work: Approx. 1-2 hour per week
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Responding to student emails
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Clearly documenting program details (e.g., numbers of student appointments, general categories of concern, program attendance)
HIRING PROCESS
Applicants should
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Have experience as a peer mentor, tutor, or mediator in high school and/or college.
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Have experience partnering with people who are different from them, including, but not limited to, across difference in gender, generation, culture, socioeconomic background, sexuality, race, mental health experience, citizenship, physical ability, and beliefs.
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Have a commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice.
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Feel energized by the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a new program, understanding the possible long-term impact of that work and the flexibility necessary in such a role.
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Understand the importance of — and commit to maintaining — confidentiality.
Applications include:
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Submit the “basic application” in Handshake to be recorded in the Student Employment system as an applicant (Search for Job # 6240334 )
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A completed Google form, which will ask for the following uploads:
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A resume highlighting any relevant experience
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A brief cover letter sharing why they are interested in and prepared for this role.
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Some applicants will be invited to take part in an interview through which they will be asked to share more about their experience, their motivation for applying, and what they hope to contribute to and learn from the Student Ombuds program’s second year.
Individual Student Ombuds will be selected with the aim of assembling a team that represents a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We aim to ensure each academic division and athletics are specifically represented.
TO APPLY:
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Submit the basic application in Handshake by Tuesday, April 19th at 11:59pm
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Complete the application form by Tuesday, April 19th at 11:59pm (https://forms.gle/CRK336ZGNML7p3xr8)
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If invited, participate in an interview in early May
Please direct any questions to Dean April Ruiz at aruiz01@wesleyan.edu
The 2021-2022 Student Ombuds are listed here: https://www.wesleyan.edu/inclusion/student-ombuds.html