By Ellen Miller, IOA Executive Director

Greetings IOA Members & Supporters,

Thank you for the very warm welcome and the many kind messages I have received. I am now well into my third week at IOA, learning about the organization’s many committees, task forces, and projects, and attending the March Virtual Foundations course this week. One thing is very clear: I am so impressed with the tremendous energy and engagement of our members.  

I wanted to draw your attention to a few specific items:

1. IOA’s 2022 Practice Survey just opened!

Please take a few minutes to complete this important survey for the profession and IOA. Regardless of your practice setting, or how much of your day goes to ombuds work, this survey is for you. And if you haven’t had a chance to see the fun video the Practice & Compensation Survey Subcommittee prepared, it is worth a look!

Watch the Video

Take Survey

2. Title IX Issues:

The US Department of Education has finalized its proposed amendments to Title IX and we expect a Notice of Proposed Rule Making to be issued in the next 60–90 days. We have new work to do in light of this. If you are a US Academic Ombuds or work with Academic Ombuds, please share your perspective and experiences by joining our review group. For more details, read my related blog post. This will be a limited-term project. 

Learn More

3. IOA Ombuds Request For Proposals

As you may recall, the IOA established a pilot Ombuds Program back in April 2020. You will not be surprised to learn that the pilot was a great success, so we have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to continue and refined the Charter. Per the Charter, the IOA Ombuds will be available to consult with visitors in connection with the IOA Annual Conference and any IOA meetings and activities. The Ombuds will also be available to consult with visitors about any other issues that involve or that could have an impact on IOA, its members, the profession, or concerns they may have related to their ombuds practice.

If you are interested in this role, please view the RFP to learn more. Responses are due Thursday, 7 April. The Membership Committee will review proposals and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors to award the new contract which is set to begin in June.

View RFP

Please feel free to reach out: via email ([email protected]), phone +1 (619)-943-0792, or via LinkedIn. I look forward to meeting you, learning about your important work, and helping build this tremendous organization and profession.  

With Warm Regards, 

Ellen Miller

IOA Executive Director