President appoints Ombudspersons

President Randel announced last month the appointment of Kyle Lakin as the University’s Student Ombudsperson and Jan Bouzek as Assistant Ombudsperson. The two will serve during the academic year of 2002-2003 and both will begin their appointments Monday, Sept. 30.

Lakin, who is concentrating in Classical Languages & Literatures, will begin his fourth year in the College in the Fall Quarter. During the past academic year, he served as the Assistant Ombudsperson. “The sound judgment, maturity and depth of understanding that he already has demonstrated will continue to greatly benefit this position,” wrote Randel in his memo to academic deans, officers and directors at the University.

Bouzek is a graduate student in the Social Sciences Division and has experience as a professional mediator working with the Center for Conflict Resolution.

Independent University officials appointed by the President, the Student Ombudspersons report to the President and are responsible for investigating and helping resolve student grievances, particularly in instances where regular channels or processes have not proved sufficient.

The Student Ombudspersons may be reached at (773) 702-8422 or via e-mail at: ombudsman@uchicago.edu or ombudsperson@uchicago.edu. The office, which will be relocating from the Reynolds Club to Ida Noyes Hall in the fall, remains open, by appointment only, for limited hours during the summer months.