Message from the òòò½Íø Ombuds Team at MWI
Date: | October 2, 2025 |
To: | Members of the òòò½Íø |
From: | Peter L. Rousseau, Secretary-Treasurer |
This message is sent on behalf of the òòò½Íø Ombuds Team from MWI.
Introducing Ombuds Office Hours
This month, the òòò½Íø Ombuds Team will host a friendly, 60-minute Zoom “drop-in” session. No appointment needed — just drop by to have a confidential chat with the ombuds for up to 15 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis. This is an informal opportunity for all members, including student members, to learn how the ombuds resource works and how and when it might be relevant to you, as well as to receive early, supportive guidance on communication or workplace/academic challenges before they escalate. If you are unsure of how the ombuds can help or if your situation is appropriate for ombuds support, feel free to drop in and find out. If our brief discussion uncovers a more significant issue, we will be happy to arrange a full-length appointment for another time that works for you. Rest assured, all drop-ins will remain strictly confidential, including the identities of participants, given that the ombuds will meet with people one at a time, and the names of those in the waiting room are not disclosed.
This first office hour will be held on Wednesday, October 8 at 12:30 p.m. EST. Mark your calendars, and a Zoom link with instructions will be sent out prior to the time. We look forward to seeing you then!
What is the òòò½Íø Ombuds Resource, and How Can it Help Me?
The ombuds resource provides òòò½Íø members with an independent, confidential, impartial, and informal resource to manage, address, and surface concerns related to work or study. If you are curious to learn more about the ombuds resource, check out this that describes this free service.
Upcoming Workshops
We invite you to attend the MWI workshops being offered this fall.
Advocating for Yourself in Uncertain Times
Wednesday, October 15 - 1:30 p.m. EST
In moments of tension, change, or uncertainty, advocating for yourself can feel risky or even impossible. This interactive workshop empowers participants to ask for what they need or want with clarity and confidence. Grounded in conflict management principles and communication strategies, the session explores how to express needs, set boundaries, and engage in dialogue that honors both self and others. Register at .
From Contribution to Credit: Navigating Authorship with Confidence
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 – 12:00 p.m. EST
Authorship is more than a byline; it’s a reflection of contribution, credibility, and career trajectory. Yet, decisions around authorship can be fraught with ambiguity, power dynamics, and unspoken expectations. This workshop equips participants with the tools to navigate authorship conversations with confidence, fairness, and professionalism. Register at .