Author: Carolyn Shaw

Are you curious about taking the LSAT, applying for law school or exploring what type of law career you might pursue? Join the Department of Political Science for a legal careers panel with three political science alumni at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 in 261 Rhatigan Student Center, Olive Room.

Erin Omole is a licensed attorney and the director of education and training at the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR). Matthew Agnew is the founder and managing partner of Agnew Law LLC, a business, healthcare and real estate law firm serving clients throughout Kansas and Texas. Rachel Vande Kieft is an associate at Polsinelli, where she focuses her practice on financial services litigation and represents lenders in complex commercial disputes.

Disagreements happen, even in the best workplaces. The Faculty Ombuds can help you explore resolution options, improve communication and preserve professional relationships in a safe and supportive environment.

The Faculty Ombuds program offers a confidential, impartial and informal space to talk through workplace concerns. Whether it’s a conflict, a policy question or just something that doesn’t feel right, the Ombuds are here to help you think it through.

Department chairs and academic leaders can consult the Ombuds Office for support in managing departmental dynamics, resolving disputes or referring faculty to appropriate resources. You don’t have to handle it alone. Resources are available at wichita.edu/ombuds.

Faculty and staff are invited to join an on-campus training session facilitated by Donna Louden, who brings extensive experience as a trainer and as a member of the International Ombuds Association, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. April 3. This workshop provides practical, everyday skills that can improve your work environment and strengthen campus connections.

What you’ll gain:

• Greater confidence in approaching and managing tough conversations
• Techniques for active listening and building trust
• Insight into how an Ombuds-style perspective promotes a healthier, more equitable workplace
• A chance to discover whether future Ombuds involvement might be right for you

If you’re interested in learning about the Ombuds role — or simply want to enhance your everyday communication and problem-solving — this introductory session is the perfect place to start.

Reserve your spot by contacting Dr. Carolyn Shaw, professor of political science, at carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu.

The Faculty Ombuds helps faculty explore options for addressing concerns in a way that supports fairness, equity and respect. Working with ombuds can foster a more inclusive and collaborative university community.
Learn more about the Faculty Ombuds at wichita.edu/ombuds.

Early conversations can prevent small issues from becoming major problems. Faculty ombudspersons are available to help faculty address concerns informally, before they rise to the level of a grievance. Connect confidentially at wichita.edu/ombuds.

Faculty and staff are invited to join an on-campus training session facilitated by Donna Louden, who brings extensive experience as a trainer and as a member of the International Ombuds Association. This workshop provides practical, everyday skills that can improve your work environment and strengthen campus connections.

Why attend?

• Build confidence in navigating difficult conversations
• Gain tools for active listening and fostering trust
• Understand how an ombuds approach can support a more positive, fair workplace
• Explore whether future ombuds service might interest you

Whether you’re curious about the ombuds role or want to strengthen your everyday communication toolkit, this introductory training is for you.

Mark your calendars now for 12:30 to 3 p.m. April 3.

Contact Carolyn Shaw at carolyn.shaw@wichita.edu to reserve your place today.

The Faculty Ombuds program can clarify policies, explain available university resources and guide you to the right place to address your concern. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start — let the Ombuds help.

Come participate in sustainability-themed events linked to the Common Read book this year: “Eat Like a Fish” by Bren Smith. Space is limited so RSVP soon.

• Water Sustainability: Conserving Our Most Precious Resource: 12:30-2 p.m. Thursday Oct. 23 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room. Capacity is 40 people, so RSVP is required. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn more about water sustainability, calculate their water footprint, discuss strategies to conserve water and develop a personal action plan to reduce their water footprint.
• Kelp is the new Kale: 12:30-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 in 262 RSC. Capacity is 30 people, so RSVP is required. The workshop discusses food experiences and foods that people may eat more of in the future. Samples will be provided.