July 23, 2015

Dear Campus Community,

At the June Board of Trustees retreat, the Executive Committee of the Board approved the selection of Paul Kuerbis as the next ombudsperson, effective August 17, 2015. Paul was recommended by both Staff Council and the Faculty Executive Committee.

Paul brings much experience to this role, having served as both a faculty member and a leader in the college's administration. Paul joined the Education Department in 1973. In addition to working with prospective teachers, he taught in the Biology Department, directed the MAT Integrated Natural Sciences program and was the recipient of numerous National Science Foundation and state of Colorado grants. With others on campus, Paul founded the Learning Commons in Tutt Library in 2004. From 1999 until his retirement in 2012, he directed the Crown Faculty Center. Paul has been a leader within higher education as well. Among his many roles, he served as a trustee with the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation and as chair of the Project Kaleidoscope Advisory Board.

The Ombuds Office was created in 2010 to provide an informal, confidential, independent, and off-the-record channel of communication for faculty and staff to resolve workplace issues. The ombudsperson is neutral and advocates for the fair and equitable treatment of all members of the community. A visitor to the office can discuss issues or concerns confidentially without further disclosure or formal action. When appropriate, the ombudsperson may discuss with the appropriate officers of the college changes that may prevent workplace issues from becoming significant or recurring.

I am grateful to outgoing ombudsperson Libby Rittenberg for her service over the past three years. During this time, Libby helped to build and nurture our community with compassion and thoughtfulness.

Thanks to the campus community for helping with this important process by submitting nominations to Staff Council and the Faculty Executive Committee. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Jill