December 3, 2019
Employee Access to KSU Ombudspersons
Submitted by Jennifer R Wilson
A couple of weeks ago we announced the members of the 2020 Extension Agent Grievance Committee. The Extension Agent Grievance Committee is part of our system's formal grievance process. For this committee to be activated a formal grievance must be filed.
It's best when issues and disputes can be handled early on and in an informal manner, and K-State provides a couple of resources when help is needed. Employee Relations and Engagement has several functions designed to provide information and assistance to all University employees on a wide range of workplace issues. In addition to providing conflict and dispute resolution services, this department provides a variety of workshops and trainings to proactively create better workplace environments.
The K-State Ombudspersons are also available to help with dispute resolution. Ombudspersons are impartial faculty members or unclassified professionals who serve as a resource to facilitate communication regarding concerns related to employment. Ombudspersons can:
- Serve as a listener who will maintain a degree of confidentiality
- Provide information on university policies and procedures
- Facilitate communication and/or attend meetings to listen to concerns and/or seek resolution
- Provide guidance regarding the grievance process
- Advise about appropriateness of mediation and how to access it
Learn more about the ombudspersons here. Ombudspersons and Employee Relations and Engagement staff often work closely together to help address employees' needs. If you are not sure which resource to use, either can assist you in making that decision.