The Southern New Hampshire University Ombuds Resource
Independent. Impartial. Informal. Confidential.
If you experience any kind of workplace issue and you are not sure what to do or who to talk to, the ombuds team is here for you!
We can help with any workplace issue, including:
- Communication challenges
- Abrasive behavior
- Unethical behavior
- Microaggressions
- Perceived unfair treatment
- Perceived harassment/discrimination
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- Challenging group dynamics
- Accusations against you
- Fear of speaking up
- Confusing/concerning processes or procedures
- Any other concern, big or small
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In a confidential, off-the-record meeting, we will listen, explore different options for addressing your concerns, help you navigate relevant organizational resources, and coach you through how to effectively communicate your concerns to others should you choose to do so. We can also help facilitate informal discussions between two or more people when appropriate or work with groups experiencing conflict.
What is an ombuds? The term “ombuds” (pronounced “ahm–buhds”) comes from a Swedish term meaning “a person who has an ear to the people.” The ombuds team is an independent, impartial, informal, and confidential resource for SNHU faculty and staff. The ombuds team has two ombuds (Jai Calloway and Scott Deyo, see bios below) available to work with faculty and staff to effectively manage, address, and surface university-related issues. The ombuds team supplements and does not replace formal administrative channels.
FAQs
For answers to frequently asked questions about the ombuds resource, please see this page: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Visitor Resources
Here’s a bank of resources for articles, videos, tip sheets that can help you strategize and develop skills to help you overcome communication and conflict challenges.
About the Ombuds Team at SNHU:
SNHU faculty and staff should contact one of the ombuds below to discuss concerns and options for resolution.
Jai Calloway (pronounced “Jay-ah”) (jai-ombuds@mwi.org and 346-546-9396) is an experienced, people-focused ombudsperson with a mission to redefine the way people understand and work together by harnessing the power of difference. Jai has spent over ten years working and studying conflict resolution methodology and its intersection with diversity and inclusion within organizational settings. Jai previously served as Corporate Ombuds for Halliburton Oil Services and serves as an external organizational ombuds for small businesses cross-industry. She is an alumnus of the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law – Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution. Jai was Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section and was Chair of the International Ombuds Association Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Task Force. In addition to her work as an ombuds, Jai works as an organizational development consultant where her focuses are conflict resolution, employee engagement and diversity & inclusion. Book a time to talk with Jai here, by sending an email to jai-ombuds@mwi.org, or calling 346-546-9396.
Scott Deyo (scott-ombuds@mwi.org and 703-887-2687) has nearly thirty years of experience as an ombuds, mediator, and trainer, with significant expertise in higher education. He has served as an ombuds at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, supporting faculty, staff, and graduate students in resolving complex issues and fostering a collaborative academic environment. A Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP)® since 2010, Scott has mediated over 250 employment disputes and helped 4,500 individuals address 18,000 workplace concerns. In addition to his work in academia, Scott has held ombuds roles in federal agencies and led diversity and inclusion efforts as Director of Equal Employment Opportunity for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He holds a master’s degree from George Mason University and a bachelor’s from James Madison University and serves as Chair of the CO-OP® Board’s Professional Practices Committee. Contact Scott at scott-ombuds@mwi.org or 703-887-2687.
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