On 16 and 17 January 2025, the ŠOP held its fourth Colloquium, this time at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. The subtitle of this year's event was "How to approach the announcements? Perspectives and challenges in ombudsmen's practice". The main aim of the meeting was to offer ombudsmen and related professions the opportunity to explore different approaches to dealing with unethical behaviour and difficult situations they encounter in their practice in the academic environment.
The colloquium is part of the process of establishing ombudsmen positions in the environment of Czech universities - currently there are more than 50 ombudsmen and ombudswomen of the rights of students and employees. Current practice shows that challenging initiatives place high demands on ombudsmen to choose appropriate procedures, interventions and maintain professional perspective. The purpose of the colloquium was to offer a reflection on possible approaches to consider in the ombuds agenda. These perspectives can assist ombudspersons in finding sensitive and effective ways to resolve conflict and ensure safe, respectful communication in the academic environment. The colloquium also focused on specific challenges in contracting, i.e. how to set realistic expectations and collaborations between ombuds and their clients or institutions.
"Our aim is to help ombudsmen better understand the complex situations they face when dealing with notifications and to offer them concrete tools to work effectively. We look forward to this year's Colloquium providing a space to discuss current challenges, share experiences and best practices," said Jaroslav Šotola, Chair of the School Ombudsmen Platform.
The Colloquium program includes input from renowned experts in the fields of mediation, restorative justice and ombuds practice. Presented by Veronika Lovrits a Brent Epperson acting as an ombuds tandem at the University of Luxembourg, who introduced the Empathy, Attention, and Respect Approach (EAR) method for effective conflict resolution. Other presenters were Kristýna Pešáková from SPONDEA, Alice Koubová from the Institute of Philosophy of the CAS, leader of the project Resilience Systems (SYRI), and Petra Masopust Chess from the Institute for Restorative Justice, who introduced perspectives and approaches focused on victims of violence, the dynamics of relationships in the so-called "drama triangle", and the restoration of relationships.
Friday's program, designed exclusively for the COP membership and those interested in membership, offered moderated discussions on the activities of the association, changes in legislation and planned activities. An important topic was also Amendment to the Higher Education Actwhich affects not only the position of ombudsmen but also the overall policy in the field of higher education.
"The year 2025 is an opportunity for us to further strengthen the ombuds practice in universities. The colloquium offered a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and professional views," she added Pavlína Junová, Vice President of the SOP.
The colloquium provided valuable suggestions for ombuds practice, improving collaboration between institutions and promoting better implementation of tools for dealing with complex situations in academic settings.
Photos by Olga Džulajová, www.olgadzulajova.com and Petr Polák
