Evaluation 1












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            8a: The contribution of the ombudsperson to higher education institutions 

            Daniel More (Israel) 
             
            Is the ombudsperson a foe or a friend to higher education institutions?


            The ombudsperson’s inquiries and recommendations may challenge or even impede the institut
            and its authority. I believe, however, its advantages, clearly outweigh the disadvantages:


            A. Reduction of tension: Students derive comfort that an objective and professional person

            examine their complaints, and should he deem those justified-would recommend to the instit
            accordingly. It reduces conflicts and diminishes hard feelings and tension.


            B. Communication: The Ombudsperson acts as mediator between the student and the institutio
            facilitate better communication between both parties.


            C. Deterrence: The very existence of an ombudsperson incentivizes institutions to consider
            students’ interests in their decision making.
             

            D. Effecting changes in practices and regulations. 
             
            Presenter(s): 

            Daniel More: Ombudsperson of Tel Aviv University and former law professor at the universit



            8b: The Value of the Ombuds' Narrative in Program Evaluations: Revisiting Larry B Hill's T
            Ombudsman (1977) 
            Natalie Sharpe (Canada) 


            Larry B. Hill’s “The Model Ombudsman” (1977) used a politico-anthropological perspective t
            the program's effectiveness in a complex bureaucracy. He examines the ombuds' casework app

            demonstrates its value in relationship building and policy reform. Hill’s systemic evaluat
            ombuds program "measure(s) the effects of the program against the goals it sets out to acc
            attempts to weight its potential costs in terms of the relationships to larger institution

            review:AA1978:80) As we use our ombuds' narrative to measure our qualitative and quantitat
            systemic reform, Hill’s seminal work is worth a revisit. 
             

            Presenter(s): 
            Natalie Sharpe: Director of Office of the Student Ombuds at the University of Alberta. She
            Graduate Ombudsperson, Undergraduate Ombudsperson and three ombuds student interns (two un

            one graduate). Natalie is also the Past President of the Association of Canadian College a
            Ombudspersons. 
            Natalie holds an Honour Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology, a Master’s Degree in Political 

            Certificates in Ombudsing, Mediation and ADR. She also teaches university courses on gende
            and work, women and unions, and ADR.