Martha Patrick Named University Ombudsperson

Martha Patrick has been named to head UMass Amherst’s Ombuds Office, which provides confidential, impartial, informal and independent resolution services for students, faculty and staff.

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In her new lead role as university ombudsperson, Patrick draws upon 25 years of experience in higher education, including service as an ombudsperson at UMass since 2010.

Patrick has earned CO-OP certification through the International Ombudsman Association and has specialized training in mediation, facilitation and conflict coaching. Prior to joining the Ombuds Office, she spent a decade as the university’s community relations director, building bridges between the campus and local communities, negotiating community partnership agreements, and working to resolve town-gown issues. Previously, she served as the founding director of the Rainbow Center at the University of Connecticut, and as a supervisor for a community mental health agency in Holyoke. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College and a master’s degree in higher education from UMass Amherst.

Patrick said, “It is an honor to do this work providing members of the campus community with a confidential space for constructively resolving conflicts and concerns. In the ombuds field we call those who use our services ‘visitors’ to underscore our neutrality. We aren't counselors or advocates, and talking with an ombudsperson does not put anything on the record. We listen, ask questions, and work to help visitors understand the university's policies, norms and resources. In some cases we can act as an intermediary, mediate a dispute, or facilitate a difficult conversation. We can help people weigh their options, but any next steps are up to the individual. Every situation is unique.”

Patrick also emphasized that "ombuds practice strict confidentiality related to individual concerns while also serving the organization by looking out for systemic issues and trends. The institutional feedback we provide gives organizational leaders important information about emerging concerns." 

The UMass Amherst Ombuds Office was established by the Faculty Senate in 1969, making it one of the oldest public university ombuds offices in the country. Since then, ombuds programs have become a popular resource within higher education and in a variety of other organizational settings including corporations, nonprofits and government agencies. 

The services of the Ombuds Office are available to current members of the UMass Amherst community. Confidential appointments can be made by calling 413-545-0867 or by sending an email to ombuds@umass.edu.