Hanan Sabea, AUC’s first ombuds, to mediate disputes

Explain your role as an ombuds
It's the first time AUC appoints an ombuds, so I'll try to define the role from scratch. It is not necessarily going to be the same role as ombuds in other universities in America. We have all sorts of possibilities to work with and it will be more of trial and error.

As stated in the email Lisa Anderson sent, part of it will be solving disputes, but I will also be using those disputes to think of the current AUC conditions and work out scenarios to fix them. Also, giving those certain aggrieved groups an equal chance to get their rights.

Being neutral is not possible, but it is important to state your bias, and that is what I will be doing, also knowing what kind of place students want to learn in and teaching them to demand that.

How did you apply for the ombuds position?
I didn't apply; I was told I was nominated by a student and a teacher. I participated in the strikes that were in the beginning of the semester and found out exactly what the needs were for the workers and students, but I didn't have in mind that they would appoint me as ombuds.

Students have been trying to get an ombuds for many years now, so I'm surprised why now. That will be one of the first questions I ask. Why now and then what?
Will this affect your current teaching job?
I accepted the position as ombuds for only one year and will negotiate after the year is over to continue teaching, because during this year, I will not be able to teach because of the conflict of interest. I really don't see myself long term in this position, because I can't imagine myself outside the classroom.

How will you get the aggrieved's rights?
This position requires me to be able to listen to the concerns, desires and dreams of those who approach me. I will use different tactics and work with different groups to reach agreements, but I know we will not always have a consensus. If everything falls perfectly in place, then I'll be very worried.

Knowing that I won't be in the classroom anymore, I won't always sit in my office, but will socialize with people on campus and ask questions and debate as well, to get a better understanding of what the campus is like.

How can people reach you?
I will try to keep this office of mine because I like it, but they will be giving me a new office.

I was ready to have my first fight when they placed me in the administration building, because I knew people would relate me to administration, which I don't want.

However, Brian McDougall has just told me that I will not be in the administration building, so there will be no fight.

I'm not sure how people would be able to contact me, but there is email, telephone and they can pass by my new office, which has not yet been assigned.