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About the Course
This interactive session supports ombuds professionals in developing a comprehensive philosophy of practice that integrates their personal and professional identities, theoretical foundations, values, and the specific organizational culture in which they work. A philosophy of practice is a guiding framework that articulates an individual’s beliefs, values, and approaches to their role, serving as a foundation for decision-making, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement. It is important because it enhances self-awareness and authenticity while providing clarity and consistency in navigating the complexities of organizational dynamics.
Participants will engage in a variety of interactive activities designed to foster deep reflection and collaborative learning. Through exercises like identity mapping, theory reflection, and organizational culture assessments, attendees will explore how their personal experiences and professional training inform their practice. Additionally, the session will address how to recognize when a philosophy of practice may need to change, such as shifts in organizational culture, changes in personal values or circumstances, or evolving conflict resolution needs. Participants will discuss strategies for revising their philosophies and adapting to new contexts.
By the end of this session, ombuds professionals will have developed a well-rounded and theory-informed philosophy of practice that is deeply connected to their personal identity, professional background, and the unique theoretical perspectives that shape their work. This philosophy will empower them to navigate their roles more effectively and contribute meaningfully to their organizations, enhancing their capacity to foster a culture of conflict resolution and support within their institutions.
Learning Objectives
After engaging in this session, participants will be better able to:
- Define Philosophy of Practice: Articulate the components and significance of a philosophy of practice in the context of their roles as ombuds professionals.
- Reflect on Personal and Professional Identity: Identify key aspects of their personal and professional identities and analyze how these influence their practice.
- Integrate Theoretical Foundations: Recognize and articulate relevant theories and frameworks that inform their conflict resolution approaches and decision-making processes.
Instructor
Shannon Lynn Burton, PhD, University Ombudsperson, Michigan State University
Shannon Lynn Burton, PhD became the University Ombudsperson at Michigan State University in July 2018 after serving previously as both the Assistant University Ombudsperson and later Associate University Ombudsperson. During her 25+ year tenure in education, she has cultivated a culture of academic and research integrity, guided students on goal setting and educational choices and ensured institutional compliance with federal regulations. After 11+ years as an ombuds, she seeks to make the office a touchpoint for building trust within organizations by creating a space where individuals, in particular students, can freely discuss their concerns in an environment that adheres to the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) Standards of Practice: confidentiality, informality, neutrality, and independence. Ultimately, her goal is to develop human capital in managing conflict and improve communication skills in line with the role and purpose of the ombuds office, as well as in line with the organization's mission. Since beginning her tenure as University Ombudsperson, Shannon has been appointed to several committees examining structures of safety and support including the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup, the Positive Workplace Alliance, the Workplace Bullying and Harassment Ad Hoc Task Force, the Virtual Harassment Think Tank and the Police and Public Safety Committee. In addition to her work as an ombuds, she has served as Research Integrity Coordinator and co-directed an academic integrity consortium, as well as facilitated faculty learning communities on academic integrity and served in multiple workgroups addressing the history and status of integrity within the institution.
Shannon serves the broader professional community through her work as one of the International Ombuds Association's (IOA) inaugural co-chairs for the Research and Assessment Committee and as Editor for the Journal of the IOA (JIOA). She was also asked in 2022 to serve as the Response Working Group Representative for IOA to the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education. Previously, she served on the IOA Title IX Task Force and the Contract Conference Ombuds Task Force. Additionally, Shannon is an active member of the American Bar Association's (ABA) Ombuds Committee, as well as the Michigan Caucus of Educational Ombuds. She regularly presents, researches, and consults on organization and administration in higher education, student development and learning theory, and the history and evolution of ombuds practices, as well as coaches and mentors new organizational ombuds. Most recently she wrote “Assessing the Establishment of Ombuds Offices in Professional Academic Research Associations” published in the JIOA (2021) and is currently co-editing The Organizational Ombuds: Foundations, Fundamentals & the Future, a handbook for the organizational ombuds profession to be published by the IOA in 2024. Finally, she created the ombuds program for the American Educational Research Association (AERA) in 2019 where she continues to serve as one of its two inaugural Co-Ombuds and has served as an Adjunct Professor of Management at Aquinas College since 2020 where she teaches courses on conflict resolution, group dynamics and ethics.
Shannon earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education with a Specialization in Global Urban Studies from Michigan State University. She also has a Master of Science in Academic Advising (Kansas State University), a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration (Michigan State University), as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (Grand Valley State University). In 2018, she also completed a graduate certificate in Dialogue, Deliberation and Public Engagement (Kansas State University). Shannon also is trained in social justice mediation, restorative practices, compassionate communication, collaborative discussion, and trauma-informed practices.
Additional Details and Event Policies
Ombuds Online Seminars focus on emerging topics of interest to ombuds, while others teach diverse skillsets that can enhance an ombuds’ practice. Seminars allow for a deeper dive and more interactive experiential learning formats than a webinar. You can register for a live seminar, or you can purchase that seminar on-demand.
Professional Development Hours (PDH)
This course has been submitted for 2.5 PDH pending approval.
Closed Captioning and Languages for Online Courses
IOA is dedicated to making meetings and content more accessible. All IOA Live Seminars will offer closed captioning. This service will also be available for IOA committee meetings upon request. Participation for all is encouraged; if you have any questions please email the IOA office at info@ombudsassociation.org.
This course is presented in English. Captions are available in English by default. Individual participants may choose to see their captions translated into one of the following languages: Arabic, Bangla (beta), Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Czech, Danish (beta), Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French (France), German, Hebrew (beta), Hindi (beta), Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian (beta), Polish, Portuguese, Romanian (beta), Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil (beta), Turkish, Ukrainian, or Vietnamese.
Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to info@ombudsassociation.org. All cancellation requests received 21 days in advance of the event start date, will be issued a refund less a $10 USD processing fee. No refunds will be given thereafter except in the event of extenuating circumstances. Requests for registration cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to info@ombudsassociation.org.
Substitute attendees will be permitted. Substitution requests must be in writing via email to info@ombudsassociation.org no later than two days before the event's start date. If you have any questions, please contact the office at info@ombudsassociation.org.
Nonpayment Policy
Full payment of registration fees is required 7 days before the start of a course. If payment is not made prior to the start of the course, event details will not be released to you and your registration may be canceled. The IOA office will contact registered individuals with a balance due before canceling their registration. If you have any questions, please contact the office at info@ombudsassociation.org or by phone at +1-206-209-5275.
Subject to Change or Cancellation
All IOA Courses are subject to change and/or cancellation.
IOA asks that all registered attendees confirm system requirements and test their computers prior to the start of each virtual session. If the Zoom or other platform used experiences a failure that is beyond our control, IOA may reschedule the session. If an attendee experiences a technical failure on their end, and the session is being recorded, attendees may watch the recorded session. If the session is not recorded, no refund will be issued.
Recording Acknowledgement
Each virtual session may be recorded. These recordings may be provided for later viewing and may be used for promotional purposes, advertising, and other print and online materials at the sole discretion of IOA. By registering for a virtual session you consent to be recorded by IOA when attending live sessions.
Participant Agreement
IOA asks that all participants of any IOA course review the Organizational Values and Community Norms prior to attending.