By River Mitchell
@rivermitchell27
For many people, having difficult conversations is challenging.
The upcoming presidential election – which has sparked differences of opinion between family members and friends – has led to many difficult conversations for people on campus.
One new resource on campus to help facilitate those conversations, and help students navigate the conflict that can arise both inside and outside the classroom, is the Ombuds Office. Located in room 108 of Blake Hall, the Office of the Ombuds is a place where students go and voice problems and concerns in a confidential setting, usually around conflict resolution.
Amy Sereday, who was appointed in October 2023, is the first ever College Ombuds at Springfield College.
Sereday, who earned a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Columbia University in New York in 2015, where she now teaches in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution department, has plenty of tools to help students and faculty deal with what’s bothering them.
Sereday’s extensive research in this area makes her qualified to give students advice around this topic. The Student spoke with her about her role.
The Student: What sort of work does the Office of the Ombuds do?
Sereday: The office of the Ombuds is a confidential resource for any issues or problems students, staff or faculty may face on campus. I am here to listen in an impartial way and to help folks to work through whatever may be troubling them.
The Student: What does Ombuds stand for?
Sereday: It actually is derived from a swedish word which means “representative” or “advocate.”
The Student: What sort of work is the office of the Ombuds doing with the upcoming presidential election?
Sereday: So my role is around conflict resolution and a part of that is also conflict prevention. So I want to make sure our students, staff and faculty have the tools that they need in order to engage in civil discourse and healthy conversations around the election.
The Student: What is the key to talking about a difficult or sensitive subject like the election?
Sereday: The most important thing is to listen to understand. If we remain open to the possibility that we can learn something from someone else, that is going to be the absolute key to having healthy conversations.
The Student: How do you help students with this?
Sereday: I would help by listening to them and helping them think through what their objectives are and how to approach a conversation in a healthy way.
The Student: What’s your favorite thing about working here at Springfield College?
Sereday: The people. We have outstanding people on this campus and the energy that they bring is amazing.