How do I contact the Conference ombuds during or after the conference?
The ombuds will be accessible during the Annual Meeting hours at the following times:
Wednesday, April 17: 5:00–10:00 p.m. U.S. Central TimeThursday, April 18: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. U.S. Central Time
Friday, April 19: 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. U.S. Central Time
Saturday, April 20: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. U.S. Central Time
Sunday, April 21: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon U.S. Central Time
In addition ombuds can be available as arranged by e-mailing (saaombuds@gmail.com) and phone (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. The SAA has chosen two ombuds to serve as informal, independent, neutral, and confidential resources 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 conference ombuds?
Please read more about the Annual Meeting ombuds.
What sort of issues and concerns come to the conference ombuds?
You may bring any concern to the conference 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 about the hotel, safety, etc.
- Issues related to the Society for American Archaeology
If I have a concern on someone else's behalf at the Conference 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 conference situation as well as those with a complaint about something that affects themselves.
Will my communications with the conference 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 does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm.
What authority does the conference ombuds have?
The ombuds will serve as an independent, neutral, off-the-record, and confidential resource for conference attendees to discuss any concerns they may have concerning conference 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 will not, however, be authorized to serve as a place where notice of claims can be given to SAA. Likewise, the ombuds will not have responsibility or authority to formally investigate any issues raised.
Who is reading the emails and answering the ombuds phone numbers?
Only Kathleen has access to read and respond to emails that come into the confidential email address (saaombuds@gmail.com). She can be contacted up to 30 days after the close of the conference. Only Kathleen answers (949) 293-7515 and voice messages can only be accessed by her.
Does the conference ombuds report to SAA on issues they dealt with at the conference?
The ombuds—without breaching the confidentiality of any communications by people using the services—will provide SAA with feedback on the nature of issues raised at the conference and any insights or observations about systemic issues relating to the conference or SAA.
What if I have a concern after the conference ends about a conference issue?
Kathleen will monitor and respond to email and phone messages for 30 days following the end of the conference (until May 20, 2024).
What if I have a question that was not answered above?
Please email your question to the confidential email address (saaombuds@gmail.com) so we can answer it.