Austin Community College (ACC) has named Amanda Dean director of the college’s new Office of the Ombudsperson.

The office was created to serve as a confidential, neutral, informal, and independent forum for ACC employees. The ombudsperson’s role is to listen to faculty and staff concerns, help identify options and next steps, facilitate communication between parties, clarify policies and procedures, and discuss resources. 

“ACC is founded on the good work of our faculty and staff. It’s important that we provide them a safe outlet to talk in confidence and share concerns about any campus issue, problem, or dispute,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “Join me in welcoming Amanda as our first ombudsperson. With her support and guidance, we’ll create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone at ACC.”

Dean holds a master’s degree in Conflict Management and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She is the co-founder of the Emerging Ombuds Network, a group that advocates for and supports the development of emerging ombuds and the ombuds profession, and a member of the International Ombudsman Association. She served as the Assistant Ombudsperson for Students and Postdocs at the University of California, Berkeley, a pioneer institute for ombudspersons in higher education. 

“I am excited to be serving the Austin Community College district as the inaugural ombudsperson to help staff and faculty navigate the changes that are affecting their ACC lives,” says Dean. “I believe strongly in the service an ombudsperson can provide to a community and the mission of ACC.”

The creation of the ACC’s Office of the Ombudsperson aligns with the college’s strategic goals and ongoing efforts to ensure effective and efficient operations. The ombudsperson cannot participate in any formal process, make or keep records, conduct investigations, advocate for an individual or party, or tell people what they should do. 

ACC faculty and staff may make an appointment online at Calendly.com/acc-ombuds.

The ombudsperson reports to the Office of Finance and Administration. Dean’s appointment was effective in early June.