Austin Community College, Office of the Ombudsperson

Join us as we welcome Amanda Dean, Director of the Office of the Ombudsperson at Austin Community College, to share the important role she plays in supporting faculty and staff. As ACC's inaugural ombudsperson, Dean provides a confidential, neutral, and independent resource to help employees navigate workplace concerns, improve communication, and explore options for resolving conflicts. She will also offer a broader look at the role of an ombudsman in higher education, explaining how these offices foster trust, fairness, and healthy organizational culture while remaining independent of formal grievance processes. Join us to learn how this unique profession helps strengthen colleges and universities through conflict resolution and collaborative problem-solving.