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About | Registration Info | Scholarships | Schedule IOA Foundations of the Organizational Ombuds CourseAbout the CourseThe Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice course is offered multiple times each year virtually and in person. This flagship course is primarily designed for new and aspiring organizational ombuds and those interested in learning more about the profession. The course covers the fundamentals of the organizational ombuds role based on the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality. This fundamental three-day in-person or four-day virtual experience is packed with information on how to work with visitors, how to act as a change agent within an organization, and how to practice some of the key ombuds skills necessary for success. The course is taught by an experienced and highly committed faculty of ombuds who will share best practices around running an effective office as well as evaluating and communicating the effectiveness of that office. 2025 Virtual Foundations Course RegistrationParticipants learn how to...
Please note this course does not address some features unique to other models of ombuds practice, such as classical, advocate, or legislative.
2024 IOA Foundations CoursesRegistration generally opens three months prior to each course on a rolling basis. Dates are subject to change.
2025 IOA Foundations CoursesDates are subject to change. Each virtual course will support 24 participants. Please note: There are two virtual courses that run concurrently for the months of May, October, and December. When registering, please make sure you select the date and time you are available to attend. 2025 Virtual Foundations Course Registration
Registration Information
Course payment is due at least four weeks before the course starts. Please review all payment, registration, and attendance policies prior to registering for a course. View Course PoliciesFoundations ScholarshipsIOA offers annual scholarships for the Foundations Course. The scholarship application window generally runs November-December of the year prior to the applicant's desired course year. Eligibility criteria and scholarship requirements involve financial needs, professional references, and a written summary of the recipient's experience from the course. This scholarship covers the course fee for either a Virtual Foundations Course. 2025 Foundations Scholarships will open in November 2024. Eligibility Criteria & Scholarship Requirements
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