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ABOUT
Meet the University Ombudsperson
 Kirsten Schwehm was hired as the first University Ombudsperson for LSU in 2006. Dr. Schwehm is a licensed clinical psychologist in both Louisiana and Mississippi with 12 years of mental health experience, including expertise in conflict resolution and administrative/supervisory issues. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in clinical psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Prior to coming to LSU, Schwehm served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the LSU Health Science Center’s School of Public Health, in the Juvenile Justice Program at Jetson Center for Youth. While with LSUHSC, Schwehm coordinated mental health assessments and interventions for youth entering secure custody with the Louisiana Office of Youth Development.
Schwehm is a member of the International Ombudsman Association, the largest international association of professional organizational Ombudsman practitioners in the world. She adheres to the IOA Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles. In her role as Ombudsperson, Schwehm aspires to complement existing employee supports and be helpful to all staff and faculty, including supervisees, supervisors, and administrators.
University Ombudsperson Work Schedule
The Ombudsperson is generally available on campus according to the following schedule, but a weekly schedule is posted outside the office and on the outgoing voicemail message.
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| Monday | 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:00 am to 12:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00 am to 12:00 pm |
| Thursday | 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 8:00 am to 12:30 pm |
Contact Information
Please call 225-578-5324 to make an appointment with the University Ombudsperson. Although you may email regarding appointments, please remember that email communications are not truly confidential.
Interim Ombudsperson Provided Services October 1, 2007, through December 14, 2007
 James Wohl, DVM, MPA, provided part-time ombuds services to LSU staff and faculty in the fall of 2007 while University Ombudsperson Kirsten Schwehm was on maternity leave. Wohl was on site 16 hours a week on Tuesday afternoons, all day Wednesdays, and on Thursday mornings from Oct. 1 through Dec. 14. Schwehm returned to work Dec. 21. Wohl provided individual and group ombuds services to LSU employees and practiced according to the Standards of Practice and Ethics established by the International Ombudsman Association. “We are delighted that Jim Wohl has agreed to serve as the Interim Ombudsperson. He is uniquely qualified for the job and is dedicated to providing services that meet the highest standards in the field,” said Chancellor Sean O'Keefe.
Wohl is a member of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA), a certified workplace mediator and a professor at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He serves as a mediator for faculty, staff and administrative professional disputes on the Auburn campus and is a member of the Employment Mediation Panel of the Cornell University Institute of Conflict Resolution Roster of Neutrals. His background in conflict resolution includes completion of IOA Ombuds training, mediation certifications by the Institute on Conflict Resolution at Cornell University and the Consortium on Negotiation & Conflict Resolution at the University System of Georgia, and a Masters degree in Public Administration. He has been a faculty member at the AU College of Veterinary Medicine since 1996 where he serves as Co-coordinator of the Critical Care Program in the Department of Clinical Sciences. He received his DVM degree from Purdue University and the MPA from Auburn University.
Mission Statement
The Louisiana State University Ombuds Office provides informal, neutral, and confidential services to staff and faculty for the purpose of resolving university-related problems and concerns. The Ombudsperson advocates for fairness, equity, and a healthy work environment.
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