To: The Wellesley Community
From: President Paula A. Johnson
Re: 2018–2019 Ombudsperson
Date: October 22, 2018

After over seven years of service as our ombudsperson, Liz Lieberman will be retiring at the end of December. Liz is a graduate of Wellesley College and an emerita member of the Wellesley faculty, having taught in the Department of Chemistry and served as assistant dean of the College and director of the Office of Sponsored Research. Liz has brought thoughtfulness and discretion to her work, and I am grateful for the excellent service she has provided.

Through the end of December, Liz will continue to serve as a neutral, independent resource who will listen to and work with individuals to clarify interests and goals, strategize about handling problematic situations, provide information about College policy, assist with both written and verbal communication, identify other available resources, and/or facilitate conversations. In all situations, she will seek processes and resolutions that are equitable to all parties.

All faculty members, union staff members, and administrative staff members who have concerns arising from or affecting their work, or students who are having an issue with a faculty or staff member, may meet with Liz to talk about the problem. Conversations will be informal, off the record, and confidential, except in cases of sexual harassment or imminent physical danger. She has direct access to me if there are issues that warrant my attention.

Liz will be available to meet with community members on Tuesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. and between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. (or by appointment) in room 301, Clapp Library. You may contact her by email at ombuds@wellesley.edu (preferred) or at extension 3385. Additional information about the Ombuds Office and the role of the ombudsperson is available at the Ombuds Office website.

You may also call on these additional resources for consultation and conflict resolution: academic department chairs and program directors, the provost and dean of academic affairs, student life staff members, managers, department heads, the Human Resources Office, the interim director of Title IX/nondiscrimination initiatives, and the confidential Employee Assistance Program.

Early in 2019, I will provide further information about the continuation of the Ombuds Office.