The IOA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Brent Epperson, PhD, and Laura Armstrong, PhD, as co-editors of the Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA). They succeed Shannon Lynn Burton, PhD, who served as editor-in-chief of the journal for more than 10 years.
 

Dr. Laura Armstrong and Dr. Brent Epperson are active ombuds practitioners, scholars, and long-standing members of the organizational ombuds community. Together, they bring complementary expertise that reflects JIOA’s commitment to rigorous, practice-informed scholarship in organizational ombuds work. Dr. Armstrong is a professor in the School of Counselling, Psychotherapy and Spirituality at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Epperson is an assistant professor in the School of Conflict Studies and co-chair of the Center for Informal Dispute Resolution at the same institution. Dr. Epperson brings more than a decade of experience as an organizational ombuds across multiple sectors and jurisdictions, including higher education, professional associations, and international organizations. His work bridges practice and scholarship, with publications and conference presentations focused on ombuds practice, public administration and policy, and fairness in institutional governance. Dr. Armstrong’s work complements this foundation through her expertise in mental health, conflict coaching, program development, and applied research. Her scholarship includes more than 75 articles, books, chapters, workshops, and conference publications in psychology and, more recently, ombuds practice. She also brings expertise in mixed-methods research, quantitative measurement development, program and service evaluation, and knowledge mobilization methodologies.

In announcing the appointments, the IOA Board noted that the co-editorship reflects a deliberate pairing of expertise in ombuds practice, conflict coaching, interdisciplinary research, mental health, and organizational systems.

IOA would like to express our sincere gratitude to Shannon Lynn Burton, PhD, University Ombudsperson at Michigan State University, for her decade as editor of JOIA. Shannon's deep understanding of the field, insatiable curiosity, commitment to helping practitioners find voice in the research space, and calm yet visionary demeanor beautifully informed her direction as editor in chief. Shannon took the journal to another level - merging her skill as a quantitative researcher, avid reader, and mentor to many potential turned actual authors. Once she steps down at the end of May from the editor role, she will pursue other research projects in the field, including spearheading a new research symposium planned for the spring of 2027. 

Read the Press Release

The Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) is seeking to expand its database of peer reviewers. We invite experienced practitioners, scholars, and scholar-practitioners with expertise relevant to organizational ombuds practice to apply.

JIOA reviewers play a critical role in advancing the quality, rigor, and relevance of ombuds-related scholarship. Reviewers are asked to provide thoughtful, constructive, and confidential feedback to authors, supporting both scholarly integrity and the development of the field.

Prospective reviewers should be familiar with research method, professional writing, or applied scholarship relevant to ombuds work. Prior reviewing or publishing experience is welcome but not required.

Those interested in being considered for the reviewer pool are encouraged to review the JIOA Review Procedures and complete the reviewer application form at this link: https://forms.gle/Q8Q2W4LYWRDU1AEZ7.

Organizational Ombuds offices are increasingly shaped by a range of structural and operational models that reflect shifting institutional needs, resource constraints, legal environments, and cultural contexts. From traditional in-house roles to embedded, collateral, outsourced, hybrid, regional, and shared-service approaches, the model through which organizational ombuds services are delivered carries significant implications for independence, accessibility, credibility, and ethical practice.

This special issue seeks to explore the evolving landscape of ombuds models and their impact on the theory and practice of the profession. We invite submissions that critically examine how different structural arrangements shape the work of ombuds and influence organizational trust, conflict engagement, and systems change.

We welcome manuscripts that address topics such as:

The Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Karoline Trovato (she/her) as its first-ever Student Editor. Karoline, a fourth-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Maryland, brings a unique blend of academic excellence, editorial experience, and ombuds practice to the role. She currently serves as the graduate assistant for the UMD Faculty and Staff Ombuds Office, where she has contributed to training, outreach, and research efforts recently co-authoring a published article in JIOA on cultural humility in ombuds practice.

As Student Editor, Karoline will support editorial processes, contribute to the accessibility and visibility of the journal, and lead outreach efforts to engage graduate students and early-career scholars across disciplines. Her commitment to social justice, cultural awareness, and scholarly rigor exemplifies the values at the heart of the journal and the broader ombuds profession.

Karoline will join the JIOA Editorial Board under the leadership of Shannon Lynn Burton, Ph.D., Senior Editor. She will collaborate closely with Associate Editors Hector Escalante-Meza, Hans Kohler, and Julie Farmer, as well as Sarah Ghazal, Production Assistant.

In celebration of Ombuds Day 2025, the Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) invites submissions for a special creative issue titled “Expressions of Ombuds in a Changing World” exploring the art and humanity of ombuds practice. This issue seeks to highlight the nuanced, deeply personal, and often untold dimensions of ombuds work through creative expression.

We welcome contributions in a variety of forms, including but not limited to:

• Poetry – reflections on neutrality, justice, and the complexities of conflict
• Short Fiction – narratives capturing the human experience of navigating disputes
• Personal Essays – stories of resilience, transformation, or the unseen impact of Ombuds work
• Visual Art – illustrations, photography, or mixed media exploring the Ombuds perspective
• Other Creative Works – unconventional expressions that illuminate the role and philosophy of Ombuds

Submission Guidelines:

• Written pieces should not exceed 3,000 words; poetry submissions may include up to five poems.
• Visual art should be submitted in high-resolution format (JPEG or PNG).
• All submissions must be original, unpublished works.

Submission Deadline: July 15, 2025

The Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) is seeking a Student Editor to join its Editorial Board. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate student interested in ombuds practice, conflict resolution, and academic publishing to engage with emerging scholarship and support the journal’s mission.

This is a volunteer position requiring a commitment of approximately 5-10 hours per month. The Student Editor will work closely with the Editor and Editorial Board to assist with editorial tasks, student outreach, and engagement while gaining valuable experience in scholarly publishing.

Key Responsibilities

• Editorial Support
• Assist in copyediting and proofreading articles to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to JIOA’s editorial standards.
• Support efforts to enhance accessibility and readability of published content.
• Student Engagement & Outreach
• Develop strategies to increase student awareness of JIOA and encourage student submissions.
• Conduct outreach to graduate students and academic programs in fields related to ombuds practice, conflict resolution, higher education, law, public administration, and organizational behavior.
• Identify opportunities for JIOA to engage with student organizations, academic conferences, and research groups.
• Journal Visibility & Promotion
• Assist in promoting new issues and articles through social media, academic networks, and student-oriented platforms.
• Work with the Editorial Board to explore initiatives that encourage early-career scholars and students to contribute to JIOA.
• Help develop informational materials (e.g., blog posts, social media content, flyers) to increase the journal’s reach.

Qualifications

• Current graduate student (Master’s or Ph.D/JD) in a field related to ombuds practice, conflict resolution, law, higher education, public administration, or organizational studies.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Interest in scholarly publishing and academic research, in particular in the field of organizational ombuds.
• Ability to engage with students and faculty in academic programs relevant to ombuds practice.
• Experience with student outreach, social media, or academic engagement is a plus but not required.

Benefits

• Gain hands-on experience in academic publishing and journal operations.
• Contribute to advancing ombuds scholarship and engaging students in the field.
• Connect with ombuds professionals and scholars worldwide.
• Enhance academic credentials and develop outreach and editorial skills.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

The Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural Ombuds Conflict to Composition Writing Club, set to begin in April 2025. This innovative program is designed to support ombuds practitioners and aspiring writers in transforming their experiences and insights into impactful publications.

The Ombuds Writing Club will provide participants with a collaborative and supportive virtual environment where they can sharpen their writing skills, receive feedback on drafts, and learn how to navigate the publishing process. Whether you are an ombuds professional eager to share your knowledge or a new writer seeking guidance, this program is tailored to help participants succeed.

Program Highlights

• Bi-Monthly Virtual Meetings: Interactive sessions featuring writing workshops, peer feedback, and guest speakers.
• Asynchronous Support: Access to online resources and ongoing discussions through a dedicated communication platform.
• Expert-Led Workshops: Guidance on topics like turning practice into publishable content, responding to reviewer feedback, and writing for diverse audiences.
• Peer Accountability Groups: Small groups to support goal-setting, draft development, and consistent progress.
• Celebrating Success: Opportunities to showcase published works and milestones.

Who Should Join?

The Ombuds Writing Club is open to ombuds practitioners, researchers, and professionals in related fields who want to:

JIOA – Special Issue Announcement

Topic: Power, Politics, and Polarization

Submission Deadline: May 1^st, 2025

Organizational Ombuds, with their emphasis on conflict resolution, ethics, and systems, play a pivotal role in addressing challenges arising from power dynamics, political tensions, and societal polarization. In an era marked by the proliferation of misinformation, the erosion of trust in institutions, and the amplification of diverse voices, the ombuds profession stands at the forefront of navigating complex ethical and social issues.

This special issue aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between the ombuds field and the broader landscape of power, politics, and polarization. We invite submissions that critically examine topics such as:

JIOA – Special Issue Announcement

Topic: Power, Politics, and Polarization

Submission Deadline: May 1^st, 2025

Organizational Ombuds, with their emphasis on conflict resolution, ethics, and systems, play a pivotal role in addressing challenges arising from power dynamics, political tensions, and societal polarization. In an era marked by the proliferation of misinformation, the erosion of trust in institutions, and the amplification of diverse voices, the ombuds profession stands at the forefront of navigating complex ethical and social issues.

This special issue aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between the ombuds field and the broader landscape of power, politics, and polarization. We invite submissions that critically examine topics such as:

By Ellen Miller, IOA Executive Director

The Ombuds Community has a variety of channels within IOA and outside of IOA to publish content about the profession and field:  

1.  Within IOA: 

By Shannon Burton,

Dear Colleagues,

This past year, the Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) placed two calls for papers in special issues. The editorial board wanted to send out a reminder about these special issues along with their end dates.

By Shannon Lynn Burton, Ph.D.,
University Ombudsperson, Michigan State University

Dear IOA Colleagues,

The Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) has been busy this year!  Please visit our website if you have not done so recently.  There are new articles and book reviews posted. 

The Journal for the International Ombuds Association (JIOA) has an opening for an Associate Editor! Associate Editors work directly with authors throughout the revision process. JIOA believes in a highly constructive revision process. Associate Editors are directly responsible for providing editorial support to authors to achieve that goal. Specific responsibilities of Associate Editors include:

• Serve at the first point of contact for authors during the revision process
• Provide feedback to authors as necessary as they revise drafts of their manuscript
• Determine when a revised manuscript is ready for final approval from the Editor
• Make minor editorial decisions and request the opinion of the Editor for larger ones
• Solicit manuscripts from potential authors
• Assist with JIOA special projects
• Market the Journal via email and social media platforms
• Attend Editorial Board meetings

The ideal Associate Editor will have excellent communication skills; tact and discretion; familiarity with academic research, writing, and conventions; digital fluency; the ability to multitask and meet deadlines; a highly cooperative spirit; and respect for academic integrity. Three years of experience within the Ombuds field is preferred.

 

The Journal of the International Ombuds Association

Special Issue Announcement 

By Jennifer Swan and Shannon Burton
JIOA Special Issue Editors

Dear Colleagues,

The events of the past two years have brought issues of Social Justice front and center in the United States. Visitors bring concerns related to the complex issues of identity, marginalization, and inclusion impacting their lives in both the workplace and in the classroom. Shepherding the resulting conflicts generates challenges as ombuds strive to stay neutral while considering the impact of social justice on conflict management.

What's Changing & How Will It Affect You?

In 2018, IOA began our journey to redefine the way we communicate about our association and about the organizational ombuds profession as a whole. Today, we are proud to announce and share the results of this effort.

Along with formally changing our organization's name to the “International Ombuds Association,”  we are releasing a new logo, revised color palette, and a refined branding style guide. This new branding helps us celebrate the growth and evolution of our organization and our profession. It reflects a modern interpretation of our core values and traditions while incorporating elements of our 2021-2024 Strategic Direction.

Thank You for Your Input

During this process, member input has driven the overall direction and design of this new modern look. Your responses to the member-driven 2020 Branding Survey, your comments and input on the revisions to IOA's Bylaws & Articles of Incorporation, as well as your feedback on the 2021 logo design concepts have helped IOA leadership to better understand what you think IOA's brand should convey and what imagery resonates most with you. 

By Shannon Burton, PhD

Editor of the Journal of the International Ombudsman Association (JIOA)
University Ombudsperson - Michigan State University

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Dear Colleagues and Friends of the JIOA,

The Journal for the International Ombudsman Association is seeking authors for media and book reviews! 

By Shannon Burton, PhD

Editor of the Journal of the International Ombudsman Association (JIOA)
University Ombudsperson - Michigan State University

With the publication of Part I of the Journal for the International Ombudsman Association’s (JIOA) Special Issue on Sexual Harassment and Discrimination, the JIOA is looking at the potential for future special issues.  As part of this initiative, we are placing a call for guest editors.

Themes for which the JIOA is searching for guest editors:

By Shereen Bingham
Professor Emeritus and former Ombuds, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Have you ever observed an individual enter an Ombuds office–perhaps your own–exuding feelings such as uncertainty, anxiety, fear, or despair? And then watched them take leave of that office some 90 minutes later radiating a degree of comfort, hope, or resolve? I have. Countless Ombuds colleagues have described similar experiences with visitors. But how does it happen? What exactly does Ombuds work entail?

Contrary to what our T-shirts may claim, we all know Ombuds are not really superheroes with supernatural powers. But Ombuds do have an air of mystery about them. How could it be otherwise?  The IOA Standards of Practice guide Ombuds to operate confidentially, independently, and off-the-record. Details of Ombuds’ methods and interactions are inherently private and hidden from view. 

By Shannon Burton
JIOA Editor

Dear IOA Colleagues,

The Journal of the International Ombudsman Association (JIOA) has been busy these past few months!  Please visit our website if you have not done so recently.  There are new articles and book reviews posted.  These include: