What is an organizational ombudsman? Tune in and listen to Linda Falkson and Adam Kleinbergerfrom the Cornell University Ombudsman Office, as they talk about how their office helps people regarding a problem or conflict, as part of the caring community serving students, faculty and staff. They offer an explanation of the ethical principles that guide their work-- independence, neutrality, confidentiality and informality and how they are helpful to those that visit with them by offering a safe place to discuss their concerns.

Linda Falkson joined the Cornell Ombudsman's Office in 2008. Prior to receiving this appointment, she served as Cornell's Associate Judicial Administrator and then as Deputy Judicial Administrator for ten years. In this capacity, she adjudicated alleged Code of Conduct violations and she collaborated with community partners regarding the living and learning environment for students. Falkson sought to further serve the Cornell community by helping individuals in the Ombudsman Office. Before her employment at Cornell, she engaged in general legal practice, including criminal defense, and in prosecution. Falksonreceived a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Adam Barak Kleinberger came to the Ombudsman Office in 2011. He began his study of conflict resolution in 1990 at the United World College, learning with students from over 70 countries. Kleinberger gained experience at the Consensus Building Institute in Cambridge, MA, mediating in Massachusetts' district courts, and working with students, faculty and staff at City University of New York (CUNY). Kleinberger's research has focused on improving mediation skills through the use of improvisation and clowning. He holds a BA from Brandeis University, an MA in Dispute Resolution from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and a diploma from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.

For More Information: Cornell Office of the University Ombudsman: http://www.ombudsman.cornell.edu, International Ombudsman Association: http://www.ombudsassociation.org, The Ombuds Blog (News and Information For and About Organizational Ombuds): http://ombuds-blog.blogspot.com