Helping hand: Metzger named first central faculty ombuds

Bonnie Metzger, professor of nursing, has been appointed to the newly created position of central faculty ombuds. Provost Paul N. Courant made the announcement April 16.

(Photo by Biomedical Communications)

Metzger, who will begin her appointment June 1, will represent the University in providing ombuds services to faculty. She will work to facilitate the resolution of faculty problems and complaints with respect to policy administration or conflict resolution.

"I am excited by the opportunity and somewhat humbled by the responsibility of actualizing this new University venture," Metzger says. "During the review process, the possibilities and challenges of the position began to assume form, and as they did I found that the opportunity to participate in the development of the role in and for the University was an excellent match for career changes I was seeking."

Among Metzger's duties will be to meet with faculty members, assist in determining the nature of complaints or problems, advise on policy, and explore avenues for redress. When appropriate, she will work with faculty members and administrators to mediate and facilitate the resolution of issues.

"The primary function of any ombuds is to assist in resolving problems, managing and resolving conflicts, and promoting justice and fairness within the institution," says Metzger, a registered nurse and member of the American Academy of Nursing. "One of my first goals will be to change the current culture so that 'ombuds' becomes the initial consideration when problems first bloom."

Metzger comes to the position with knowledge of the University's ombuds system, having served as a volunteer faculty ombuds for the School of Nursing from 1999-2003. She will carry a 30 percent appointment, and the position is funded for a two-year trial period, Courant says.

"I am very optimistic that this new venture will be a success, and that the position will be made permanent," Courant says. "The ombuds will be a great resource to the University's faculty. Bonnie Metzger is an outstanding leader, who I am confident will work very well with the faculty. I greatly appreciate SACUA's [Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs] time and thoughtful feedback during the selection process."

SACUA proposed during summer 2003 the creation of the ombuds position. Courant met and discussed the position with SACUA during the search and hiring process, and the committee met with three finalists earlier this month.

"Not only was the position developed with strong support of the provost, he carefully listened to faculty input," says Dr. Charles Koopmann, SACUA chair and associate chair of the Otorhinolaryngology Department. "We look forward to working with the central faculty ombuds and feel the position will be of benefit to the faculty."

Metzger earned her bachelor of science in nursing (1965) and master of nursing (1969) degrees from the University of Washington, and her doctorate from U-M in 1982. She became assistant professor of nursing in 1983, and was promoted to associate professor in 1986 and professor in 2002.

"I am very optimistic that this experiment will be a success because of the positive and enthusiastic support and offers to assist I have already received from Provost Courant, SACUA and many others," Metzger says.