Greetings Higher Education Colleagues,

My name is Laura Zuppo, and I am a Doctoral Candidate and Student-serving Ombuds at the University of South Florida. I am conducting a qualitative research study exploring the experiences of collateral or dual-role student-serving ombuds in higher education.

For the purposes of this study, a collateral or dual-role student ombuds is an individual who is directly employed by their institution and who serves students while also holding one or more additional roles or responsibilities on campus. Ombuds who also serve faculty, staff, and other constituents are invited to participate.

Who is eligible?

I seek current or former collateral or dual-role student ombuds who:

• Work (or worked) at an institution of higher education in the United States
• Have at least two years of experience as a collateral/dual-role student ombuds
• Try to operate in accordance with the IOA Standards of Practice

If you know someone at your institution who may meet these eligibility criteria, I would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this invitation or introducing me to them.

What does participation involve?

Participation includes two virtual interviews (45-60 minutes each), focused on professional experiences, perceptions of role conflict, and ethical considerations.

Commitment to confidentiality

To protect participants and institutions:

• I will not ask questions about confidential case-related content
• Pseudonyms will be used for participants and institutions
• Interview transcripts will be securely stored and destroyed in accordance with the University of South Florida Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements.

Interested in participating?

If you are interested in participating and meet the eligibility criteria, please complete this brief screening survey.

If you have any questions about the study, please contact me directly:

• Phone: 727-644-8791
• Email: [email protected]

Thank you for your time, support, and the important work you do each day.