Christine Schimmel, associate professor of counseling, has been appointed as the new WVU faculty ombudsperson for the 2022-23 academic year.
Selected through an internal, University-wide search process by a committee with representatives from the WVU Faculty Senate and the Provost’s Office, Schimmel will provide confidential and informal assistance to all faculty members across the University community.
In accordance with the code of ethics and standards of practice of the International Ombudsman Association, Schimmel will not advocate for individual faculty members or for the University, but will instead serve as a source of information and referral, answer individual questions and assist in the resolution of concerns and critical situations. Her office will supplement — but does not replace — the University’s existing resources for formal conflict resolution.
“I look forward to providing a safe, confidential space in which all WVU faculty can feel open to seeking support during times of uncertainty and when they are experiencing a challenge related to their work on campus,” Schimmel said. “I am honored to serve my fellow faculty as their new ombudsperson.”
Schimmel is an associate professor of counseling in the College of Applied Human Sciences and has served as faculty and coordinator of the school counseling program since she joined WVU in 2009. She has served as the associate chair in her department since 2016, and in the fall of 2021, began serving as the coordinator for the entire counseling program.
Her research interests include youth access to mental health resources, group counseling and school counseling policy implementation. Prior to joining WVU, Schimmel taught courses at Marshall University, directed the off-campus programming at Glenville State University and served as a public school counselor and youth therapist.
“We are grateful to Dr. Schimmel for accepting this important role and helping us promote a safe and healthy culture of conflict resolution at WVU,” said Maryanne Reed, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
As the faculty ombudsperson, Schimmel will have an office in Morgan House on WVU’s main campus where she will be available to meet with faculty members by appointment starting this fall. She will maintain her faculty position at the College of Applied Human Sciences and serve in this new role in a part-time capacity.
For more information, visit the Faculty Ombudsperson website.