Kostelnik, Franco named to faculty ombuds roles
09 Oct 2019
Marjorie Kostelnik, professor of child, youth and family studies (left), and Rodrigo Franco Cruz, associate professor of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences, are the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's new team of faculty ombuds.
Kostelnik and Cruz are training with national ombuds organizations and developing a program for Nebraska that will be introduced to campus in January. Both will provide support to all members of faculty, with Kostelnik having an office on City Campus and Franco on East Campus.
"It's important faculty know that when we say every person and every interaction matters, this includes them, as well," said Judy Walker, associate vice chancellor for faculty and academic affairs. "Marjorie and Rodrigo care deeply about our university and will be an excellent resource for our faculty."
A faculty ombud is someone who faculty members can talk to about workplace issues in complete confidence, listens to concerns as a neutral party and serves as an advocate for fairness and equity. The new ombud team will provide an additional level of support to faculty members outside of the formal grievance process.
"I am excited to have a team that is supported by both the offices of the Executive Vice Chancellor and the IANR Vice Chancellor," said Richard Bischoff, associate vice chancellor for faculty and academic leader success. "I am confident this team will provide outstanding support to our faculty community."
About the Ombuds
Child, Youth and Family Studies
College of Education and Human Sciences