How do I contact the meeting ombuds during or after the Annual Meeting?
The SAA final program and meeting app list the ombuds office. The ombuds staffs the office during the hours published at saa.org/ombuds.
In addition, the ombuds can be available as arranged by emailing (saaombuds@gmail.com) and/or phone (1-949-293-7515).
What is an ombuds?
The name “ombudsman” (om budz man) comes from Swedish and literally means “representative.” At the most fundamental level, an ombuds is one who assists individuals and groups in the resolution of conflicts or concerns. SAA staff has chosen an experienced ombuds to serve as an informal, independent, neutral, and confidential resource for meeting attendees. The ombuds will listen to understand issues from the perspective of individuals and provide support, coaching, strategies, options, and useful resources. All issues, including sexual harassment, can be discussed confidentially and independently of the Society. Appropriate administrative channels will be offered to individuals who desire to register formal complaints.
What is the background of the meeting ombuds?
Please read more about the Annual Meeting ombuds.
What sort of issues and concerns come to the meeting ombuds?
You may bring any concern to the meeting ombuds, including, among others:
- All types of identity-based concerns
- Harassment (including sexual harassment)
- Free speech and free expression
- Integrity issues / Intellectual property / Research concerns
- Conflicts of interest
- Problems regarding the hotel, safety, etc.
- Issues related to the Society for American Archaeology
If I have a concern on someone else’s behalf at the meeting, may I contact the ombuds, or is this service only for people who are concerned about themselves?
Ombuds welcome those with a serious concern about colleagues or a meeting situation as well as those with a complaint about something that affects themselves.
Will my communications with the meeting ombuds be confidential? Are there exceptions to this confidentiality?
One of the ethical principles of an organizational ombuds is to hold all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and they will not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is when there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
What authority does the meeting ombuds have?
The ombuds will serve as an independent, neutral, off-the-record, and confidential resource for meeting attendees to discuss any concerns they may have concerning meeting-related behaviors and activities. The ombuds will be able to provide information confidentially and will provide a safe place for people to discuss their concerns in a confidential way to explore options for any further action. The ombuds is not, however, authorized to give notice of claims to the SAA. Likewise, the ombuds will not have the responsibility or authority to formally investigate any issues raised.
Who is reading the email and answering the ombuds phone number?
Only Kathy can read and respond to emails that come in to the confidential email address (saaombuds@gmail.com). She can be contacted up to 14 days prior to the first day of the meeting and up to 14 days after the close of the meeting. Only Kathy answers 1-949-293-7515, and voice messages can only be accessed by her.
Does the meeting ombuds report to the SAA on issues they dealt with at the meeting?
The ombuds—without breaching the confidentiality of any communications by people using the services—will provide the SAA Board of Directors with feedback on the nature of issues raised at the meeting and any insights or observations about systemic issues relating to the meeting or the organization.
What if I have a concern after the annual meeting ends about a meeting issue?
Kathy will monitor and respond to email and phone messages for 14 days following the end of the meeting.
What if I have a question that was not answered above?
If you have a question that has not been answered, please don’t hesitate to contact the ombuds at the Gmail address above so she and/or SAA staff can answer it for you.