The search for an assistant director of conflict resolution services in the UO ombuds office has been narrowed to three people, who will be introduced in “Meet the Candidate” forums July 26-27.

This newly created position will have two roles: overseeing the conflict resolution services program, which has been without a director for more than a year, and assisting with the caseload of the ombuds program, a position that previously existed on an interim basis.

The new hire will provide services to students such as restorative justice and mediation, and conflict resolution training services for individuals and student groups as well as informal ombuds services. The person will also develop outreach and training programs for students and assist the university ombuds with employee cases.

The final candidate will be chosen by the end of July and begin work in August.

The three finalists were selected from a strong group of diverse candidates from across the United States. Their names will not be made public until the day of the forums, when they will be introduced and give a short presentation about their background, accomplishments and ideas they would bring to the position. Afterwards, the floor will be open to questions from the audience.

Candidate application details are not available, but people are welcome to contact the ombuds office to find out about the position requirements or job duties. After each forum, an evaluation form will be handed out to gather comments on the candidate.

This is a position dealing primarily with students, so any student input will be considered carefully.

The first forum will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, in the Lewis Lounge, located on the fourth floor of the Knight Law School. The second and third will be at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, in the Metolius River Room on the first floor of the Erb Memorial Union.

For any other questions, contact the ombuds program administator, Becky Couch, at 541-346-6400 or ombuds@uoregon.edu.