Core Course Request for Proposal

Cultural Understandings for Ombuds

The IOA Professional Development Committee (PDC) is currently seeking an individual(s) to develop and test teach a replicable core course for ombuds professionals. Please review the Core Course Development page for more information.

Course Description

Course Title: Cultural Understandings for Ombuds

Intended Audience

Participants can be at varying stages of their careers and should have an understanding of ombuds work. As a prerequisite to participating in this course, participants should have completed some type of foundational ombuds coursework such as IOA Foundations of Organizational Ombuds, Ombuds 101, college-level ombuds-related courses, etc. Core courses are intended to enhance foundational ombuds knowledge.

Course Length

This will be a 12-hour course. Presented over three days in four-hour blocks.

Platform

This course will be hosted virtually on the IOA Online Learning Center.

Topic

Cultural Understanding to Enhance Conflict Resolution   

Content

This course intends to enhance participants’ appreciation for cultural differences and diversity to understand the role of culture in conflict resolution. This course should include an international perspective and will address identifying domains of culture while developing cultural humility and sensitivity. Aspects of culture, traditions, and values will be explored to enhance understanding of how cultural identity can influence approaches to conflict. Participants will recognize implicit bias. These concepts will allow and encourage participants to assess their own cultural understanding and that of their visitors. 

Developer Expectations

A successful developer will develop the course and test teach it once.  After this pilot, the developer will be expected to make revisions based on feedback from PDC members.  Then the contract will be complete.  IOA will then own the course and will work with other faculty to teach the course.   It is anticipated that future faculty will, within limited parametersto be determined by the PDC, adapt and improve upon existing materials as they teach successive iterations of the course. Specific concerns that a developer may have regarding intellectual property and potential revision of material should be contractually addressed. 

Stipend

The PDC recognizes that the labor intensity in creating a replicable course is substantial. While we will be offering a stipend, we know that this does not adequately compensate the effort which will be involved. This is to acknowledge that we are also appealing to developers’ desire to strengthen IOA’s educational efforts, reputation, and overall success.  

The stipend is subject to contract and will provide specific details, including the developer’s right to adapt and teach the course in settings separate from IOA. A $4,200 stipend is offered for the development and test-teaching of this course. If two or more individuals submit a joint proposal that is accepted, the stipend will be divided based on their individual agreement.

Proposal Submission

Deadline:

Submit your proposal by 28 October 2022 

Potential developers must submit a strong core course proposal and demonstrate content expertise with the course subject.

Please note:

• The course should effectively introduce key theoretical concepts
• The course should integrate content knowledge into practical applications appropriate for ombuds practice
• The course should be substantial, dynamic, and challenging for the adult learner

Proposals will be reviewed by IOA’s Professional Development Committee (PDC). During the proposal review process, you may be requested to provide additional information to your course proposal.

A course developer will be chosen within one month of the deadline for submission. All who submit a proposal will be notified in writing of the outcome of the review once a developer has been chosen.

If a sufficient number of proposals are not received after the RFP has been distributed, the PDC reserves the right to solicit proposals from qualified potential developers.

How to Submit a Proposal

The following information is required for successful proposal submission. Using a Word document, paste the following items and provide your responses with as much detail as possible. 

1. Contact Information
1. Name, address, phone number, e-mail
2. Knowledge and experience of the course development process
3. Knowledge and experience of the subject matter
1. Including references that inform the training content
2. Including a coaching framework from which the course will draw
4. Teaching experience related to the RFP subject matter or a related topic
5. Course title
6. Course description
1. Including course objectives and learning outcomes
7. Course outline
1. Including sub sections, focus, and timelines
8. Draft of teaching materials
1. Including readings, videos, handouts, etc.

Proposals should be submitted to Ernestine Duncan and Tessa Byer via email. Please send all proposals to both [email protected] and [email protected].

Course Development Timeline

This course will be piloted by the developer by February 2023