Mason’s ombuds team hosts regional gathering, outreach events

Body

George Mason University’s Office of the University Ombudsperson hosted a program for academic ombudpersons at the Potomac Science Center on Oct. 20. This gathering was an opportunity for ombuds from around the region to share and learn from each other’s experiences.

Group of academic ombudspersons pose together at the Potomac Science Center
Mason’s Ombudsperson Kimberly Jackson Davidson (pictured front, second from right), Program Coordinator Sarah Ahmed Atif (front, center), and other academic ombudspersons from Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland gathered at the Potomac Science Center for a day of professional development and collaboration. Photo provided.

Mason’s Office of the University Ombudsperson celebrated its first anniversary this fall with a series of outreach events. As ombudsperson, Kimberly Jackson Davidson provides an independent, informal, impartial, and confidential resource to students, faculty, and staff. The ombuds fosters an environment of respect, honesty, fairness, and integrity and bolsters a supportive working and learning climate at the university. 

The anniversary celebration coincided with Mason’s formal adoption of the ombuds charter in October 2022. Since then, the office has addressed over 140 specific situations and served more than 160 visitors.