09-20-95 Hollingsworth Takes New Assignment

HOLLINGSWORTH TAKES NEW ASSIGNMENT, OMBUDSERVICES PHASED OUT

     COLUMBUS -- A report recommending that the Office of 
Ombudservices at The Ohio State University "be phased out as 
soon as administratively convenient," has been accepted by 
President E. Gordon Gee.

     The final report of the Committee to Review Ombudservices 
also calls for an assessment of the interrelationships of the 
many dispute resolution mechanisms now in place on campus.  The 
review would determine whether there are problems not being 
addressed in the system and how the system can be improved.

     Richard A. Hollingsworth, currently assistant vice president 
for student affairs and dean of students, soon will join Gee's 
staff as special assistant for campus life.  His first assignment 
will be to implement the recommendations of the report.

     In making the announcement, Gee said: "I want to apply 
Rich's considerable experience and insight to a wide range of 
issues impacting the quality of life of faculty, staff and 
students. I am confident that Rich will not only implement a 
smooth transition in Ombudservices, but also will help us develop 
a clearer sense of institutional values and a greater sense of 
community.  I am delighted that he is taking on this new 
responsibility."

     The report had recommended that an appointment be made of 
what the review committee called "a wise old owl... to assess 
the extent to which problems are not being addressed in the 
system" and how the system can be improved.

     Hollingsworth's appointment will be effective Sept. 29.  He 
also is an adjunct professor of educational policy and 
leadership.  He has been with the university for 23 years.

     Hollingsworth said, "My goal over the next year will be to 
examine the degree to which our systems are accessible, 
coordinated, non-duplicative and, most importantly, responsive at 
a human level to the needs of all members of our community.

     "My energies will be directed at assisting the experienced 
and dedicated Ombudservices staff in finding new job placements, 
and overseeing the transition to other resources for persons who 
utilize the office.  I will consult with the leadership of the 
University Senate regarding the transition.  Before the doors are 
closed, we will identify an alternative mechanism through which 
any member of the community can pursue resolution of disputes."

     In its final report, the review committee found that only 
four ombuds offices remain in comparable universities nationwide, 
none in the Big Ten.  It also reported that, since ombuds offices 
were created in the late 1960s, "mechanisms to resolve conflict 
have proliferated" at Ohio State.

                            #

Contact: Malcolm Baroway, executive director, University 
Communications, (614) 292-6895.


[Submitted by: Von Reid-Vargas (ereid@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
               
Thu, 21 Sep 1995 08:28:06 -0400]
All documents are the responsibility of their originator.