English faculty member becomes first to fill ombudsman position

Gene Wright, a professor of English now on modified service, has been named the university's first faculty ombudsman. Wright was nominated by the Faculty Senate to serve in the recently created position, then his nomination was approved by Howard Johnson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and he was appointed by President Norval Pohl. Wright began serving in the new position in February.

"The university needs this position because faculty need someone they can turn to with any problem relevant to the work-place," Wright says. "The ombudsman fills that need."

As ombudsman, Wright says he serves primarily as an independent, confidential, neutral and informal resource of information for faculty on the UNT campus. He will assist any faculty member who has questions or problems concerning faculty academic rights, responsibilities and the working environment.

Wright says that for more than 20 years, the Faculty Senate and the provost's office worked to create the position that was approved by the president last year and is funded through his office.

"The goal of the office is to promote fairness and justice in the policies, procedures and practices of the university," Wright says. "The ombudsman also needs to be available to all faculty who wish to talk, treat them with respect and dignity, be truthful and hold all communications in the strictest of confidence. He also needs to be independent and impartial. Following such principles should make UNT a more open and fair place to work."

The ombudsman is available for consultation in Wooten Hall, Room 161, during all academic sessions. A faculty member can call the office at (940) 565-2248 and leave a confidential message or visit Wright for a confidential discussion. He can be contacted by e-mail at ombudsman@unt.edu to set up an appointment but he cannot use e-mail for confidential communication. 

For more information about the ombudsman's duties and responsibilities, consult the UNT Policy Manual, No. 15.1.34.

BY MAGAN HENDON inhouse@unt.edu

Other web references

• UNT Faculty Ombudsman policy

Other featured articles in this issue

• Refined UNT brand to be unveiled April 27 at public campaign launch
• Former UNT regent and donor dies at 92
• Regents pick construction managers for Denton, Dallas buildings
• UNT, Nuconsteel sign research agreement
• Work is under way to secure funds for 2005-06 faculty salary market adjustments
• Check UNT's policy before accepting a second job
• Six faculty recognized during UNT's annual Honors Day celebration
• Law school proposal moves forward
• Staff council reps elected

homepage