Independent Campus Advocacy Offices records

Ombudsman

The idea of a Campus Ombudsman was introduced to the Academic Senate in 1967. After favorable exploration of the idea, the Senate voted to establish the position. A committee (3 Faculty members, 3 students, and an administrator) was appointed in Spring of 1968 whereas they interviewed and recommended for hire Dr. Robert Donaldson (professor of History) as the first Ombudsman for the campus (a one-year term by his request for 1969-70). The Ombudsman position was designed to be independent and therefore responsible to no person or office. The general function of the Ombudsman was “to hear requests, complaints and grievances from all members of the academic community and to assist in the settlement of these problems” through investigation and public disclosure, as the Ombudsman had no official decision making power (Report – “The Ombudsman at Sacramento State” (1969), (RG 006 Independent Campus Advocacy Offices records - Box 1, Folder 1). The campus Ombudsman position continued until 1973 when Donaldson asked for the position to be terminated in its current form, as he felt the office concept had changed and was not functioning accordingly to the original intent (“Job was to listen to people complain”, State Hornet, 5/12/1983, pg 3). As the position evolved it was moved into the Dean of Students Office, as it then represented primarily students and not faculty, until 1974/75. Currently student grievances are handled by the Student Grievances Review Committee under the Faculty Senate.

Women's Advocate

The Women’s Advocate position was first filled in December 1972 by Kathleen Barry. This was an administrative position that was supervised by the campus President and worked closely with the Women’s Advocate Advisory Committee. The Advocate was a liaison between the university administration and the student, staff, faculty and administrative women on campus. The incumbent communicated with campus administration on problems, procedures, and remedial actions necessary to improve the position of the women on campus mostly through the change of policies and procedures. This role also provided advocacy for women who experienced sex discrimination or sexist practices in the university (Advocate’s report found in RG 006 Independent Campus Advocacy Offices records - Box 1, Folder 9). The position was terminated in 1975.