The AEA Ombuds: A Confidential Resource for Support, Respect, and Clarity
The AEA Ombuds serve as a resource for all AEA members. If you’re unsure how to respond to a challenging interaction, need support in preparing for a difficult conversation, or simply want a sounding board about the workplace environment, we’re here to help.
The American Economic Association’s Ombuds team offers a confidential, independent, informal, and impartial space for AEA members to reflect, raise concerns, and explore constructive options if or when issues occur. But you don’t have to be in conflict to contact us.
When you find yourself facing issues such as difficult working relationships, authorship disputes, harassment or discrimination, and other concerns about academic integrity, managing these situations can be complicated, confusing, and potentially damage your reputation. That’s where the ombuds can be helpful.
You can find more information about the AEA Ombuds program at aeaweb.org/about-aea/aea-ombuds.
What We Help With
Visitors seek the ombuds for a variety of reasons, from urgent issues to more thoughtful discussions about past or ongoing experiences and/or future plans. Typical topics include:
- Complex interactions with colleagues, supervisors, or conference attendees
- Concerns regarding boundaries or respectful behavior
- Experience or witnessing of harassment or discrimination
- Questions on how to raise a sensitive issue
- Clarification of processes and policies
- Guidance on managing disagreement or miscommunication
- Strategies for handling stress
- Reputation concerns
- Debriefing after a challenging event
These are a few sample topics, while the full range of topics is much broader. You don’t need to wait until a situation escalates before contacting the ombuds. The ombuds’ role is equally about preventive and proactive support as it is about handling active concerns. Many visitors meet with us to improve communication skills, reflect on workplace norms, or prepare for future discussions.
What to Expect
When you speak with an ombuds, it is always you who sets the agenda. We may ask a few clarifying questions and then genuinely listen to what’s on your mind. We’ll help you clarify your goals. We can help you brainstorm options to reach those goals, spot patterns, rehearse a conversation, or role-play how to respond to a tricky situation.
Having a safe space to think aloud is often helpful. The value lies in being reminded: you’re not alone, you’re not stuck, and you have options.
AEA’s Commitment to Fostering a Supportive Culture
The AEA Ombuds program is part of a broader effort to foster a more inclusive, respectful, and accountable profession. As society continues to confront issues related to equity, harassment, and professional culture, the ombuds role provides a zero barrier, person-centered resource for anyone wishing to address these concerns thoughtfully and confidentially.
Our work is guided by the IOA Code of Ethics, which encompasses commitments to respecting all individuals, being aware of power imbalances, and advancing fairness within organizational systems (IOA, 2022b).
We don’t solve problems for people, but we very often help them clarify, contextualize, progress, and find solutions. In doing so, we quietly support the wider culture of safety, respect, and professionalism that the AEA aims to uphold.
When in Doubt, Reach Out. We are Here to Listen.
You don’t need to be certain that something’s “wrong” to contact the ombuds. If you’re wondering, should I speak to someone about this? — that’s already a good reason to reach out to us. The conversation is confidential, free of charge, and meant to support your autonomy and well-being.
We’re here to listen authentically, help you explore options, and find ways to work towards a resolution.
To set up an appointment with an ombuds, visit this page.