Ombuds

Ombuds services are offered throughout the SRCD Biennial meeting to provide a fair, equitable, respectful, and harassment-free environment for all.

What is an Ombuds?

The ombuds is available to listen to any concerns regarding unwelcome behavior, including incidents and allegations of harassment. An ombud will listen objectively, discuss options, and offer guidance on whatever you may be facing and, when appropriate, direct you to other resources available as participants of this meeting. All communications with the ombudsperson are confidential except when there is an imminent safety concern.

About the 2023 Biennial Meeting Ombuds

Jen G. Sims will serve as the ombuds for the SRCD 2023 Biennial Meeting. Originally from Chicago, Jen G. Sims now lives in Austin. Jen has her own consulting business focusing on conflict, coaching and ombuds work. Previously she was the Staff Ombuds Office for the University of Texas where she founded this office and directed it for more than six years. She is an ombuds because she believes people want to do good work and be respected for the work they do. Though conflicts are inevitable, they also offer opportunities for positive change, learning, and professional development. She has been an ombuds for more than ten years. Prior to becoming an ombuds, she served in a variety of administrative, teaching and research roles for the Hawaii State Judiciary and the University of Hawaii. Jen has experience in mediation, facilitation, counseling, coaching and training.

Her practice emphasizes informal methods with which to address situations that aren't working well for visitors. Jen applies skills of observation, deep listening, inquiry, sense making and assessment of patterns to uncover possible responses a visitor might consider. She tries to encourage taking multiple perspectives for a better understanding of the situation a visitor is dealing with.