Judi Segall appointed as ombudsman.
Judi Segall, a seasoned conflict management professional, has been appointed as the new ombudsperson at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Segall's new role at the prestigious institution begins on September 2, 2021.
Segall brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having previously served for 17 years as university ombudsman and director of the Stony Brook Ombuds Office. In this role, she acted as a consultant and mediator in internal disputes, working to advance constructive conflict management and support positive systems change.
At Stony Brook University, Segall conducted informal consultations with administrators and managers to raise awareness of systemic problems. She also led conflict management training courses and outreach programs for faculty, students, and staff. Segall's responsibilities included directing management and oversight of all Ombuds Office operations.
The MIT Ombuds Office, established in 1980, was created to serve as a voice for the students, faculty, and staff of MIT. In her new role, Segall will help the MIT community members resolve disputes, convey concerns, and express their points of view. She will work alongside current ombudsperson Toni Robinson in leading the office.
Ombudspeople within these programs may also act as consultants and mediators in internal disputes. The MIT Ombuds Office, under Segall's leadership, will continue to work towards advancing constructive conflict management and supporting positive systems change.
Judi Segall holds a BA in history from the State University of New York at Oswego and a master's in social work from Stony Brook University. She has also held various local, national, and international conflict-resolution leadership positions, including president of the International Ombudsman Association, president of the Ombudsman Association, and president of the University and College Ombuds Association.
Segall replaces Mary Rowe, who retired after 41 years of service to MIT. There are currently more than 500 academic, corporate, and government ombuds programs across the country. The MIT Ombuds Office is one of them, and with Segall at the helm, it is poised to continue its mission of fostering a positive and productive environment for all members of the MIT community.
- Judi Segall, having served as a university ombudsman for 17 years, will be joining the faculty of MIT as its new ombudsperson, starting on September 2, 2021.
- As part of her responsibilities, Judi Segall will lead conflict management courses and outreach programs for students, faculty, and staff, similar to her work at Stony Brook University.
- In her new role, Judi Segall will implement education-and-self-development programs that focus on personal-growth, working to advance constructive conflict management and support positive systems change.
- The MIT Ombuds Office under Segall's leadership will continue to play a crucial role in helping students, faculty, and staff resolve disputes and express their perspectives, while also working with the press to ensure a fair and open campus environment.
- By continuing its mission, the MIT Ombuds Office, under the guidance of Judi Segall, aspires to create an community that encourages a culture of constructive communication and positive change.
