University of Rhode Island

Kingston, Rhode Island

TO:	Faculty Senate Executive Committee
FROM:	Vincent Rose, University Ombud
DATE:	February 20, 2004
SUBJECT:	Selection of a Student Assistant to the Ombud

I am requesting that the Faculty Senate Executive Committee recommend that the Faculty Senate amend section 2.39.10 of the UNIVERSITY MANUAL, which pertains to the appointment of a student assistant to the Ombud. Historically, there have been times when no student candidates have come forward and the Ombud, in concert with the Office of the Provost, has recruited a student for the position. By moving the date to an earlier one, it would be possible to recruit a student, if necessary, before the students leave campus for the summer.

In addition, if the student assistant has been doing a satisfactory job during the first year, continuation in the position permits the student to be more effective especially in the beginning of the fall semester, which is a period of great activity for the Ombud's Office.

For these reasons, I recommend that section 2.39.19 be amended to read as follows (changes are in bold):

NEW

2.39.19 Student Assistant. The Ombud shall be assisted by a student appointed by the President by July 1 each year in accordance with the procedure outlined below. In March of each academic year, the Student Senate and Graduate Student Association shall conduct searches for their nominees to the position of Student Assistant to the Ombud. The searches shall be conducted in a manner established by each organization. The names of no more than three nominees from each group shall be forwarded to the current Ombud by April 15. Finalists for the position shall be interviewed by a committee composed of the Ombud and a representative of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The committee shall be convened by the Ombud and shall make its recommendation to the President no later than June 15. The Ombud's Student Assistant shall perform his/her duties in consultation with and under the direction of the Ombud, shall serve a one-year term, and shall be eligible to succeed himself/herself without a search. The Ombud's Student Assistant shall receive a stipend of $1000. per semester, to be paid by the University.

EXISTING

2.39.19 Student Assistant. The Ombud shall be assisted by a student appointed by the President by July 1 each year in accordance with the procedure outlined below. In March of each academic year, the Student Senate and Graduate Student Association shall conduct searches for their nominees to the position of Student Assistant to the Ombud. The searches shall be conducted in a manner established by each organization. The names of no more than three nominees from each group shall be forwarded to the current Ombud by May 1. Finalists for the position shall be interviewed by a committee composed of the current Ombud, the newly appointed Ombud, and representatives of the President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Student Senate and the Graduate Student Association. The committee shall be convened by the current Ombud and shall make its recommendation to the President no later than June 15. The Ombud's Student Assistant shall perform his/her duties in consultation with and under the direction of the Ombud, shall serve a one-year term, and shall be eligible to succeed himself/herself. The Ombud's Student Assistant shall receive a stipend of $1000. per semester, to be paid by the University.