U of L creates office to help resolve disputes

This from C-J:

Plan to help settle disputes follows Felner controversy

The University of Louisville says it will create an interim office to assist its employees in resolving conflicts, disputes and complaints.

The office's creation is a response to concerns raised over the handling of grievances and complaints involving former U of L education Dean Robert Felner, who is the focus of a federal investigation into the alleged mishandling of grant money.

During Felner's five-year tenure at the College of Education and Human Development, faculty and students filed 31 complaints and grievances against him, ranging from challenges to annual reviews to intimidation.

"The Ombuds Office will not serve an advocacy function, but will work impartially to help clarify, resolve and expedite the alleviation of concerns, and to create a safe, fair and equitable resource to those who require assistance," U of L spokesman John Drees said during a press briefing yesterday...

...Brent Fryrear, chairman of the university's Staff Senate, said the office is a good idea.

"I think staff will have another opportunity because it's not always easy to find where you need to go," he said. "This person will be able to direct them. It's also confidential, which is a good thing. It will not come back to haunt them, which has been something of a concern for some people." ...

...The university has several other reviews under way. They include: an internal audit of the finances of the education college; an external audit of the university's grants-management and contracts practices; a review of managerial and administrative practices at all the university's schools and colleges; a review of the conflict of interest policy; and a review of circumstances surrounding the awarding of a doctoral degree during Felner's tenure...