Establishing the Office of Conflict Resolution Services and Ombuds

CPP recognizes that conflict is a natural, inherent part of life in a university where individuals with diverse ideas, knowledge, and identities are central to the work of teaching, learning and understanding our world. Further, as a part of the routine arc of university activities (such as promotion and tenure review, examinations, assessments, and project deadlines) as well as during times of institutional transition and change, stress levels within our community can increase, causing a rise in conflict. Healthy conflict may also occur as individuals engage in sharing diverging opinions in matters about which we care deeply. The university can empower members of our community to manage conflict effectively by intentionally developing individuals’ cooperative relationships and skills needed for productive dialogue and healthy work environments. The results of building our internal capacity to manage conflict will enliven a sense of community and belonging and enhance service to our mission. If we are successful in building this function, it will fill an essential gap in a coordinated set of aligned people-centered functions at the university that together contribute to a healthy campus culture and climate and a responsive, accountable institution that meaningfully puts our values into practice.

Vision and Purpose

The vision for Conflict Resolution Services & Ombuds is an accessible entry point for all community members (faculty, staff, students) at all levels of the university with a dual purpose of listening/providing guidance as well as building the capacity of individuals and groups to navigate and resolve conflicts through the deliberate practices involved in building community. The purpose is to promote mutual respect, civility, and support an ethical and responsive culture for members of the CPP community by providing confidential, impartial, and informal conflict resolution services, problem solving support, recommendations to appropriate resources and tools, and guidance on questions or concerns related to university structure, policies, procedures and practices. Central to achieving this vision and purpose is the development of a guiding “Principles of Community” statement in the coming year. CPP will be well served by undertaking an inclusive process to develop the Principles. It is recommended that this process be led by the Presidential Associate for Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer. With this statement complete, the proposed office for Conflict Resolution Services & Ombuds can then be charged with helping to advance widespread understanding of these principles as well as expectations for engagement in alignment with them.

Search Update

The Search Committee will be reviewing a renewed candidate pool early in Fall 2024. The campus will be advised of opportunities for engagement with finalists for the position. Additional information, including candidate’s photos, curricula vitae and survey forms, may be found on the Executive Search website. Please note that the website will be updated as we receive each candidate’s information.

Resources

The resources listed below are the principle contacts for each of the following populations until the Office of Conflict Resolution Services and Ombuds is open in Fall 2024:

Student Affairs at studentaffairs@cpp.edu

Confidential support may be accessed through Care Center or by contacting Survivor Advocacy Services at survivoradvocacy@cpp.edu.

Faculty Affairs at acad_personnel@cpp.edu

Confidential support for faculty may be accessed through CPP’s externally-administered Employee Assistance Program, Life Matters.

Employee Labor Relations at elr@cpp.edu

Confidential support for staff may be accessed through CPP’s externally-administered Employee Assistance Program, Life Matters.