Navigating Independence

16 July 2026

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT / 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET / 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM CET

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Register Today!

Registration Rates:


Member/Group Member $50
Student Member $50
Retired Member  $50
Non-Member $250
 

About the Course and Learning Objectives

The Challenge of Independence: Our Most Essential Standard

Listed first among the fundamental principles in the IOA Code of Ethics, independence is the cornerstone of effective ombuds practice. It is, perhaps, our most essential standard. At the same time, independence is a challenge, or even an incongruity. “How can you be independent if the organization is signing your checks,” the shrewd visitor asks.

This seminar will provide opportunities for shared reflection on independence conceptually and as a matter of practical concern. Participants will be able to:

  • Describe and interrogate our shared understanding of independence based on the IOA Code of Ethics, the IOA Standards of Practice, and a range of additional sources
  • Describe and analyze how independence functions in appearance, purpose, practice, and decision-making for ombuds
  • Develop language to explain independence to non-ombuds in ways that are authentic, specific, and digestible
  • Create effective responses to case studies exploring the inherent tension between independence and organizational life with respect to accountability, professional relationships, and other challenges

Instructor 

Josh Canzona, PhD is the Associate Ombuds at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he serves a constituency of more than 40,000 community members. He has published on communication theory in the ombuds context for the Journal of the International Ombuds Association, and he is the current chair of the Recertification Committee for the Ombuds Certification Program. Josh also holds a PhD in Religious and Theological Studies from Georgetown University where his academic work focused on interreligious understanding and dialogue.


Additional Details and Event Policies

Ombuds Online Seminars focus on emerging topics of interest to ombuds, while others teach diverse skillsets that can enhance an ombuds’ practice. Seminars allow for a deeper dive and more interactive experiential learning formats than a webinar. You can register for a live seminar, or you can purchase that seminar on demand. 

Professional Development Hours (PDH)

This course has been submitted for 2.5 PDH pending approval. 

Closed Captioning and Languages for Online Courses

IOA is dedicated to making meetings and content more accessible. All IOA Live Seminars will offer closed captioning. This service will also be available for IOA committee meetings upon request. Participation for all is encouraged; if you have any questions, please email the IOA office at [email protected].

This course is presented in English. Captions are available in English by default. Individual participants may choose to see their captions translated into one of the following languages: Arabic, Bangla (beta), Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Czech, Danish (beta), Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French (France), German, Hebrew (beta), Hindi (beta), Hungarian,  Italian,  Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian (beta), Polish, Portuguese, Romanian (beta), Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil (beta), Turkish, Ukrainian, or Vietnamese.

Cancellation Policy

Notification of cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]All cancellation requests received 21 days in advance of the event start date will be issued a refund, less a $10 USD processing feeNo refunds will be given thereafter except in the event of extenuating circumstances. Requests for registration cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected].

Substitute attendees will be permitted. Substitution requests must be in writing via email to [email protected] no later than two days before the event's start date. If you have any questions, please contact the office at [email protected].

Nonpayment Policy

Full payment of registration fees is required seven (7) days before the start of a course. If payment is not made before the start of the course, event details will not be released to you, and your registration may be canceled. The IOA office will contact registered individuals with a balance due before canceling their registration. If you have any questions, please contact the office at [email protected] or by phone at +1-206-209-5275.

Subject to Change or Cancellation

All IOA Courses are subject to change and/or cancellation. 

IOA asks that all registered attendees confirm system requirements and test their computers before the start of each virtual session. If the Zoom or other platform used experiences a failure that is beyond our control, IOA may reschedule the session. If an attendee experiences a technical failure on their end, and the session is being recorded, attendees may watch the recorded session.  If the session is not recorded, no refund will be issued.

Recording Acknowledgement

Each virtual session may be recorded. These recordings may be provided for later viewing and may be used for promotional purposes, advertising, and other print and online materials at the sole discretion of IOA. By registering for a virtual session, you consent to be recorded by IOA when attending live sessions.

Participant Agreement

IOA asks that all participants of any IOA course review the Organizational Values and Community Norms before attending. 

IOA Additional Policies
IOA Organizational Values & Community Norms