Call for applications: Academic ombud
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 7, 2025) — The University of Kentucky is now accepting applications for a new academic ombud. The role of academic ombud, and the Office of the Academic Ombud, has had an important and respected history at UK for more than 50 years.
Only 29 senior faculty members have served as academic ombud at UK, many finding the job so rewarding they extend their terms.
The academic ombud is dedicated to the success of UK students. They provide students a safe, impartial space to seek support, address academic conflicts, apply fair standards and resolve any issues.
As the ombud practice has grown, organizations have formed to oversee best practices in the profession. The practice at UK encompasses the four standards established by the International Ombudsman Association (IOA): confidentiality, informality, impartiality and independence. The UK Office of the Academic Ombud has structured its practice to best serve the students, staff and faculty based on the IOA standards.
The role is open to tenured faculty members. The ombud facilitates resolution of complex academic issues related to student academic rights and problems concerning the commission of academic integrity issues. The ombud reports to the associate provost for academic affairs, within the Office of the Provost; the Office of the Academic Ombud and its services function independently of all colleges and instructional programs.
More information on the responsibilities can be found on the Academic Ombud website.
Applications and nominations will be accepted through May 13. For more information on the process, contact Shavonna Ross, director of operations in the Office of the Provost, at shav.ross@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.