Author: Carolyn Shaw

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.

Come participate in sustainability-themed events linked to our common read book this year: “Eat Like a Fish” by Bren Smith. Hands-on events include wheat-weaving, designing more sustainable meals, print-making and music-making with found objects, action plans to reduce the water footprint, and a tasting event. Learn more (and RSVP for limited capacity events) at wichita.edu/commonread.

“Seas, Soil and Sustainability”: 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at the President’s Residence. Capacity is 30 people. RSVP is required.
Learn about sustainable farming practices and make your own wheat weaving creation with a local artist.

“Ocean to Table: Designing a Resilient Food Future”: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 in 265 Rhatigan Student Center, Lucas Room. Capacity is 30 people. RSVP is required.
Explore the critical connections between marine ecosystems and global food security. This interactive design thinking experience challenges participants to empathize with the diverse stakeholders in our food chain. Design and develop creative, user-centered solutions to make plates, and the planet, more sustainable.

“Found Sound Symphony Experience”: 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 in Duerksen Fine Arts Center (at the Duerksen Amphitheater if weather permits). Capacity is 25 people. RSVP is required.
This experience will stimulate your sense of sound through participatory creations using real, virtual and recycled sound instruments. Join in this interactive experience where participants will reframe their understanding of both sound and song.

“Trash to Treasure”: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 in 221 McKnight Art Center. Capacity is 35 people. RSVP is required.
Attend a print-making workshop in the new print making studio and create your own sustainability themed print using found-objects.

“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. 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. 29 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room. Capacity is 30 people. RSVP is required.
This workshop discusses participants’ food experiences and foods that people may eat more of in the future. Samples will be provided.

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. Find support wichita.edu/ombuds.