Important Update about the Ombuds at DU
Dear Staff, Faculty, and Students,
I’m writing to share the news that, effective June 30, 2020, the ombuds position at the University of Denver will be discontinued. A list of confidential and other resources at DU can be found below. Jenna Brown, DU’s dedicated ombuds since 1999, plans to retire at the end of this month.
A trusted resource at DU, in Colorado, across the United States, and beyond, Jenna is known for her deep knowledge of university policies and practices, as well as her generous warmth, intense engagement in best practices in the ombuds field, and for her commitment to the DU community.
“Jenna has a talent for connecting the dots and connecting people to what they need to be successful and reach resolutions,” says Jerron Lowe, interim vice chancellor for human resources. “The University was made a better place thanks to her service.”
In addition to the impact she made at DU, Jenna has been a leader and driver of the ombuds profession around the globe. An elected member of the board of directors of the European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education, Jenna was also a frequent presenter representing DU at professional conferences in the U.S. and abroad.
Jenna has published several peer-reviewed articles and papers in professional journals, including the Journal of the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds, the Journal of the International Ombudsman Association, and the European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education.
During her time at DU, Jenna has hosted domestic and international study groups about important topics in higher education, such as approaches to communication, effective complaint handling and resolution, trauma-informed practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Jenna is also the recipient of the Pete Small Award, the highest award conferred by the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds, for substantive contributions to the caucus, demonstrated excellence in academic ombudsing, and in recognition by fellow ombuds as a leader who has advanced the profession.
Jenna will be deeply missed and I hope you will join us in wishing her all the very best in the next chapter of her life’s journey.
Sincerely,
Nancy Nicely
Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff
Office of the Chancellor
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CAPE (Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Empowerment)
https://www.du.edu/health-and-counseling-center/cape/
Employee Assistance Program, SupportLinc
https://www.supportlinc.com/
Health and Counseling Center
https://www.du.edu/health-and-counseling-center/counseling/index.html
Student Outreach and Support
https://www.du.edu/studentlife/studentsupport/index.html
The Cultural Center
https://www.du.edu/culturalcenter/spiritual-life/index.html
ODEI: Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
https://www.du.edu/diversity-inclusion/
DSP: Disability Services Program
https://www.du.edu/studentlife/disability-services/index.html
Faculty and Staff Support Network (this program will launch from the Provost’s office this summer)