Brad Holland, University of Virginia Ombuds
The University has a powerful resource ready to offer help.
Do you have a work-related challenge or need advice with an issue? Do you need an objective listener who can help you address a problem? It may be time for you to reach out to Brad Holland, University of Virginia Ombuds.
The University Ombuds is an independent, confidential* resource available to assist faculty, staff, and students in resolving problems, complaints, conflicts, and other issues when normal processes and procedures have not worked satisfactorily.
Now it’s even more convenient to speak with Holland. In response to incidents across the Health System, he is now holding regular office hours every Tuesday in McKim 1173, from 1-5 p.m.
Ombuds services include listening to your problems and concerns, and exploring options to resolve them; focusing the attention of University officials on the complaint; making inquiries into concerns already heard but not satisfactorily resolved; providing information on resources within the University that may help you; serving as a neutral party to solve problems and resolve conflict (without taking sides); and identifying problem areas facing faculty, staff, and students and recommending changes in University policies and procedures.
Holland says that his job is to help people solve issues themselves. “I can help people find where to get help,” says Holland. “If they don’t want to go to those places or, if after they’ve gone to those places they are still unhappy I’ll try to help in other ways. When people come to see me, I listen. I ask questions. I get a feel for what’s going on. Together, we brainstorm what we can do to address the problem. Sometimes I help two people come together to talk about their issues, so that they may come to solution that works out for all parties. I am willing to do whatever I can to assist.”
Hollland wants you to know that he is available to help. You can reach him by email or via phone at 434.924.7819. You can visit him in his McKim 1173 office on Tuesday afternoons or at 2015 Ivy Rd, room 305. Holland is also willing to meet people wherever they want; on the Corner, in their department, or anywhere on or off Grounds. “I want people to feel that they have an option to come to me, and that we can address a problem without making a Federal case out of it. I find that people want to fix things and I like to help them find those real solutions.”
For more information, visit www.eocr.virginia.edu/ombuds.
*confidential, except for Title IX (sex/gender) disclosures
Susan M. Pollart, MD, MS
Ruth E. Murdaugh Professor of Family Medicine
Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development
Filed Under: Operations