The Ombuds

by Micheal R. Hea

Do you have a problem with the system and no one seems to be helping you? Are you upset about a mark and the professor won't review it? Are you having a problem in residence? Is a fellow student making you uncomfortable and you don't know where tc turn? Is the administration continually losing your files? Do you have a concern about campus life and no one seems to be listening? If any of these situations sound like the types of problems you're encountering then you should know that your ombudsperson, Michael Klenavic, will try his best to help resolve the problem.

The ombudsperson is a student who runs in the general student elections held annually -- you didn't see my name on the ballot as I was acclaimed. It is my job to act as a mediator for a student who is having any type of problem with the administra- tion, staff, faculty, or another student. To quote from the UPEI SU constitution, Article XII sub-section 2, my role as the ombudsperson is to "Endeavour to aid any mem- ber of the UPEI SU who encounters difficulties with the University and/or with the UPEI SU." That is to say that I'm much like a defence lawyer, only a very poorly paid one. Ombudsperson's powers include being able to search through any files at the student union, being allowed to sit in at closed meetings of the student union executive, attending student judiciary committee hearings (which ’ hopefully will be up and running again this year), and being present at hiring board meetings, all in hopes of being better informed when

The Panther Prints September 10, 1996

person

helping students. Although I have all these privileges, I'm not allowed to vote in council so as to remain impartial. The UPEI ombudsperson generally deals with a variety of problems ranging from security to academic concerns. Some such problems are things like dead-bolts in #esidence, e- mail misuse,concerns about smoking in public areas, and academic appeals. As ombudsperson, I will make inquiries about different types of solutions and then try and mediate a reasonable solution between the parties. Of course, what's reasonable is completely in the opinion of the ombudsperson! When an obvious solution isn't present, I will dig deeper and try to find background information about continuing problems or campus concerns and then

_disseminate findings to the

relevant parties and adminis-

trators to help initiate

changes. Overall, it's a fun job which generally gets done behind the scenes without

-much fanfare, but it is an

important job for those who have run up against a wall and are frustrated with the system. While some prob- lems are too large for me to tackle, I should be able to direct you to the proper

person who can help you.

Of course, you are all wondering how you can get in touch with me if you do have a problem over the next year. The easiest and best way is to e-mail me at klenavic@cycor.ca or mklenavic@upei.ca I check my e-mail regularly. You can also call the Student Union office at 566-0530 and leave a message. I consider all problems confidential and handle them as such. When you leave a message you need only leave your name and a contact number or e-mail. Do not go into depth about the problem as the person taking the message may share your problem with others -- which is not always appreciated. Remember, I am also a student and thus have con- straints on my time, but I will do what I can to help. I will try to respond to problems within 48 hours. If] haven't responded within 72 hours, then it is most likely that I have missed your message and you should send it again.

So, to sum up, I'm Michael Klenavic, your UPEI SU Ombudsperson, and I'm here to help you. My e-mail is klenavic@cycor.ca or mklenavic@upei.caand you can leave messages at 566- 0530.

Dr. Elizabeth Percival Wins National Award

University of Prince Edward Island psychology professor, Dr. Elizabeth Percival, has received word that she will be the recipient of the 1996 Sarah Shorten Award. The Award, estab- lished by the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) in 1990, recognizes outstanding achievements in the promo- tion of the advancement of women in Canadian universi- ties.

Dr. Percival was the first woman appointed to UPEI’s Faculty of Arts more than twenty years ago. Ever since she introduced her first course in the Psychology of Women she has been a driving force behind wom- en’s initiatives on campus. She was instrumental in founding the Women’s Studies Group, she assisted in the opening of the Wom- en’s Centre on campus and was the first co-ordinator of the Women’s Studies Pro- gram. She has actively participated in establishing a Women’s Studies minor, two awards in Women’s Studies, and a Women’s Studies Newsletter.

She has dedicated herself to social change for women through research and action, making outstanding contributions as a teacher, scholar, and feminist activist. “Beth has shown tremendous leadership ability and organi- zational skills. She has helped to implement policies at all levels and of all na- tures, she has fought for legislation, she has published meaningful research, she has been part of countless educational initiatives and

she is noted for her dedicated service,” stated UPEI Presi- dent, Dr. Elizabeth Epperly. Dr. Percival is widely recognized for her ability to integrate women’s initiatives at the University with those inthe community through such programs such as a women’s film series, a “Voices of Women” lecture series, and a women’s literature group. She chaired the province’s first Advisory Council on the Status of Women, is a former vice- president and president of the

Psychological Association of

PEI, former president and board member of the Cana- dian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women and a founding board mem- ber of Media Watch (National Watch on Images of Women in the Media, Inc.)

In one of more than twenty letters of support of her nomination, a former student wrote: “In her classes, Dr. Percival goes above and beyond the call of duty to “teach” the required material. She adds a passion and sense of commitment to the women’s movement, which in turn allows us, as students, to feel we too CAN makea difference.”

Dr. Percival will receive the Sarah Shorten Award in November at CAUT?’s annual general meeting in Ottawa.

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