Ombudsman

The ombudsman's office at the University of Luxembourg is a confidential, impartial, independent, and accessible place of support for the university community. The ombudsman offers conflict management coaching, shuttle diplomacy, mediation, restorative circles and conferences to mitigate workplace conflicts. The ombudsman further offers presentations and workshops on healthy communication and conflict mitigation, conducts informal inquiries, and makes non-binding policy recommendations to all levels of university administration to address potential gaps and inequities.

Brent Epperson joined the University of Luxembourg from the University of Alberta (Canada), where he served as Graduate Ombudsman since 2014. Brent has worked for more than a decade in higher education governance, teaching, research, and advocacy. Combining his research background in issue framing with training in mediation and restorative practices, he helps to mitigate campus conflicts and maintain healthy and supportive work environments. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Montana, a PhD from the University of Alberta, and certificates in mediation and best practices for ombudsman offices. Brent offers all ombuds services in English and French and is currently learning German.

 

“Conflicts can lead to valuable discussions.” In this interview, the University’s Ombudsman, Dr. Brent Epperson, shares insights about conflicts in the workplace and also a little more about his background and the reasons that led him to become an ombudsman. +read more (published on 3 January 2022)

“Conflict resolution skills improve an organisation's culture.” In this interview, Dr. Brent Epperson, the University’s Ombudsman, explains what particular techniques he applies in his work for helping individuals and groups to resolve conflicts. +read more (published on 21 September 2021)

“The Ombudsman’s office is a place to go when you don't know where to go.” In this interview, Dr. Brent Epperson, the University’s Ombudsman, clarifies the role of an ombudsman, outlines the ways he can offer help to employees and students, and differentiates his role from that of other people-facing departments at the University. +read more (published on 16 March 2021)