SNU has initiated the ‘Ombudsperson’ service to address various difficulties members of the campus community face in working with each other. The Ombudsperson will work towards creating a healthy campus culture by addressing cases of interpersonal distress reported by any campus member - including students, faculty and staff - and will help mediate or resolve those problems. If needed, the service can conduct further investigations of a matter in order to offer a satisfactory resolution for the parties concerned. Here are some more details about the newly launched service.
Q. What is an ‘Ombudsperson’?
A.We named this system after the term ‘Ombudsman’, which refers to the official public advocate system within certain organizations of various countries. Until now the SNU Human Rights Center has been responsible for fielding various complaints in addition to addressing human rights issues. As many of these complaints involve not only interpersonal conflict, but may also stem from unsound policies or inadequate physical or cultural infrastructure, we have created the Ombudsperson system in order to address those specific issues.
Q. How is it different from other organizations within campus?
A.Along with the Human Rights Center, the Center for Campus Life & Culture, Faculty Council, Labor Union and Student Council have all been working to address the hardships of our campus community members. Each of these institutes, however, is limited to its designated scope. This is why we have instituted the position of the Ombudsperson, with the specific goal of mediating conflicts between campus members and offering solutions for resolving an issue before it becomes too grave.
Q. Who acts as the Ombudsperson?
A.We have appointed as Ombudspersons faculty members who have considerable expertise in human rights issues and experience in university administration. They are Professor Lee Jang Gyu of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Professor Lee Joon Koo of the Department of Economics and Professor Joo Moon of the Department of Sculpture (College of Fine Arts).
Q. When should I consult the Ombudsperson?
A.You may consult with the Ombudsperson for any situation which you find difficult to address on your own, or hesitant about sharing elsewhere. Interpersonal conflict between members of the same lab, difficulties due to an unreasonable policy, or issues of research ethics are all matters the Ombudsperson can help with. We aim to enhance the rights of school members and create a human rights-friendly campus culture.
Q. How can I ask for help from the Ombudsperson?
A.You can contact us via email (ombuds@snu.ac.kr) or phone (880-2007~2010), or visit our office on campus (Building 153, Room 413).
Source: https://www.snu.ac.kr/snunow/snu_story?md=v&bbsidx=131337
Written by Hyunjoo Lee, SNU English Editor, legohj1001@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Professor Travis Smith, Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations, tlsmith@snu.ac.kr
