During this unique time of uncertainty amid COVID-19, it’s clear that students and employees across the world are being impacted by tough decisions and are navigating new ways of operating, connecting and achieving success. It’s also undeniable that these changes are naturally causing tension – tension as new processes are being quickly adapted, ways of communicating are being shifted, and expectations are being managed. As a NEOMED student and employee, one of the resources that you have available to you as you work through this unique time, is the Office of the Ombuds.
The Office of the Ombuds is supported by Dr. Angela Dash. Dr. Dash is a mediator of 22 years, a facilitator, a professional certified coach, and a deliverer of trainings. As the ombuds, she serves as a third-party neutral resource available to all NEOMED students, faculty, and staff to assist in the informal and effective management of issues related to your work and/or academic experience. The use of the Office of the Ombuds is off-the-record, and with only a few exceptions, users of the service have the choice of their discussions and their use of the service, to be kept confidential from others.
Issues discussed with and assisted by the ombuds range from simple, practical difficulties to sensitive, complex issues and can be virtually assisted through various options, including: one-on-one conflict coaching and problem solving with a neutral thought partner; third party facilitated discussions involving multi-party disputes; requesting information on a user’s behalf; and providing feedback to leaders while protecting user anonymity. The Office of the Ombuds also provides virtual and in-person workshop delivery to strengthen communication and conflict management competencies as well as the facilitation of team strengthening retreats.
Below are highlights of how the Office of the Ombuds can assist you in support of your success as we survive and thrive during COVID-19:
- For Leaders. As leaders, you can seek support as you weigh tough decisions as well as manage how to best lead and support your team in a time of significant change and uncertainty.
- For Employees. As employees, you can seek support as you work through difficulties related to changes in processes, operations, expectations, working relationships and behaviors that impact your and/or other’s work experience or ability to effectively support the mission of NEOMED.
- For Students. As students, you can seek support as you work through difficulties related to changes in processes, operations, expectations, working relationships and behaviors that impact your and/or other’s academic experience or success.
You are invited to learn more about the Office of the Ombuds by visiting www.neomed.edu/ombuds and you can conveniently schedule an appointment, online, at angeladash.as.me/ombuds. The link to the online scheduler can also be found on NEOEMD’s website. Dr. Dash also accepts virtual walk-ins by simply calling her at 330-281-0339.
Are you on Instagram? Consider following the ombuds at @NEOMEDOMBUDS.
-Submitted by Angela Dash