Office Description
A description of the Office of the Ombudsperson is in the University of Iowa Operations Manual. Our contact information is listed below.
Ombudspersons
Chanelle Reese, MS, NCPM, Candidate for CO-OP®, was appointed as the full-time University Ombudsperson and began on June 21, 2022. Chanelle previously served as the Associate Ombudsperson at the University of California, Merced, and the Senior Associate in Office of the Corporate Ombuds for the American Red Cross. She specializes in conflict analysis and data reporting in conflict management and dispute resolution areas. She is trained in negotiation, mediation, conciliation, facilitation, and arbitration and utilizes the tools from each alternative dispute resolution method to effectively provide informal conflict management services to the campus community. Chanelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Management from the University of Baltimore. She is a member of the International Ombuds Association, has completed the Foundations of an Organizational Ombuds Practice training, and was recently credentialed by the International Ombuds Association’s Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioners as a Candidate for Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP®). Chanelle is also 3Practice Circle Leader, a Nationally Certified Professional in Mediation, and a member of the National Association of Certified Mediators. In addition, she is a member of the International Association of Conflict Management, Association of Conflict Resolution, American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section, International Association of Facilitators, California Caucus of College and University Ombuds, and the Black Ombuds Network. Chanelle is a CCCUO board member, has been serving on the CCCUO planning committee for the past year, the CCCUO programming subcommittee for the past three years, and previously served on the conference committee for the IOA Annual Conference from 2020-2023.
E-mail: chanelle-reese@uiowa.edu
Meenakshi Gigi Durham, PhD, was appointed as the half-time faculty University Ombudsperson on July 1, 2021. She is a Professor and CLAS Collegiate Scholar in Journalism and Mass Communication with a joint appointment in Gender, Women's & Sexuality Studies and is a distinguished scholar, teacher, and writer. She meets with visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Email: gigi-durham@uiowa.edu
Corey P. Pass, MS, is the Assistant Ombudsperson; he joined the office on October 12, 2023. Corey’s 35 years of law enforcement in Colorado started at the University of Northern Colorado. Later, he worked his way up the ranks at the Estes Park Police Department and recently retired as a police captain. Corey brings strong experience in conflict resolution and restorative justice. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership with a focus in change management. Corey is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. He has worked with a variety of non-profit organizations throughout his career and most recently served as the board chair for the Estes Valley Crisis Advocates and as president of the local Salvation Army. Corey is also a member of the International Ombuds Association.
Email: corey-pass@uiowa.edu
Renee Sueppel works as an administrative services coordinator and has served the Office of the Ombudsperson as the Office Manager since 2012. She earned a B.A., M.A., and M.F.A. with Commendation from the School of Art and Art History at the University of Iowa. Renee has worked for University of Iowa since 1998, serving patients, students, professors and administrators with compassion and integrity.
Email: renee-sueppel@uiowa.edu
All ombudspersons are available to respond to concerns from or about staff, faculty and students.
We encourage you to make an appointment so that we can ensure that someone is available to meet with you. Appointments can be made by e-mail (ombudsperson@uiowa.edu) as well as by telephone (319-335-3608), and messages can be left on our voice mail after office hours or if no one is available to take your call immediately. Our Office Manager is Renee Sueppel, and she is available to schedule appointments and facilitate communication with the Ombudspersons.
Contact Us
Third Floor Jefferson Building
129 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 335-3608 (voice)
(319) 335-3071 (fax)
E-mail: ombudsperson@uiowa.edu
How to Find Us
Directions
We are on the third floor of the Jefferson Building. From the front door, walk down the hall towards the stairs. Either take the stairs to the third floor or turn right and then left to access the elevator. From the stairs or elevator, take a right to enter our suite. Please go to Room 308 to check in.
Jefferson Building is on Washington Street at the corner of Dubuque Street. The building entrance is between Herteen and Stocker Jewelers and Subway. Here is a link to a map showing Jefferson building's location on campus:
https://maps.facilities.uiowa.edu/buildings/
Parking
There are some metered parking spaces along Washington and Dubuque Streets. There also are three public parking ramps nearby, including the Tower Place Ramp, 335 Iowa Avenue between Gilbert and Linn Streets; Dubuque Street Ramp, 220 S. Dubuque Street, at the corner of Burlington and Dubuque Streets; and the Capitol Street Ramp, 220 S. Clinton Street, at the corner of Clinton and Burlington Streets.