Bloomington Leader

Indiana University Graduate School Bloomington has appointed Carissa Ciampaglia as the new ombudsperson, a role designed to assist individuals with conflict resolution and resource connection. This position is available to any unit offering a graduate program and was established following recommendations from the Task Force on Graduate Education and the IU Bloomington 2030 campus strategic plan.

David Daleke, dean of the IU Graduate School Bloomington and vice provost for graduate education and health sciences, expressed enthusiasm about Ciampaglia's appointment. "We are excited to have Carissa Ciampaglia join us as graduate ombudsperson," he stated. "The position was called for by three of the working groups of the 2022 Task Force on Graduate Education to help graduate students resolve conflicts and navigate existing grievance pathways. I am very glad that we were able to hire someone as experienced and personable as Carissa as the inaugural ombudsperson."

Ciampaglia began her duties on January 2nd. She previously worked at HOPICS in Los Angeles, where she served as a problem-solving specialist and later as an ombudsperson. Her educational background includes a master's degree in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding from California State University-Dominguez Hills.

In discussing her goals for her new role, Ciampaglia remarked, "Always my hope is to impact even one person in a positive way. I hope to impact IU and the Bloomington campus in a way that helps people learn to communicate through their conflicts more effectively so we can reach resolution with less anger and with more grace."

She emphasized her commitment to fostering a respectful environment at Indiana University: "It is a progressive way of thinking and will create a more respectful, civil and equitable environment for all people who work at the university, regardless of status."

Ciampaglia's interest in conflict resolution began during her time co-owning a coffee shop in Sarajevo around 2013. Hearing stories from residents about past conflicts inspired her involvement in mediation.

"Living there, hearing stories of people who had survived the time period...that’s what really drove me to be involved in mediation and conflict resolution," she explained.

Her responsibilities include providing information about resources, clarifying policies, resolving conflicts by creating strategies or mediating disputes informally. Individuals can contact Ciampaglia via email at ombuds@iu.edu or by phone.