Office of Ombudsperson

Upon action by the Board of Directors, the President of the American Society of Mammalogists has instituted the Office of Ombudsperson, with the individual, or individuals, so appointed to serve to hear and to respond appropriately to complaints of unprofessional behavior by any member of the ASM at its annual meeting or in the governance of the ASM through its committee structure. Selection of appointees and duration of appointment are the prerogative of the President.

Two individuals, Felisa A. Smith (Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131) and Richard W. Thorington, Jr. (Division of Mammals, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560) have been appointed for the current year. Selection criteria emphasized the possession of common sense, sensitivity to gender and minority issues, discretion, seniority within the ASM, possession of the respect of the membership in general, and a willingness to serve.

Creation of the Office of Ombudsperson in itself is meant to discourage any and all inappropriate behavior on the part of the membership of the ASM, and all issues brought before either (or both) of the appointed individuals will be resolved as discreetly as possible. The Ombudspersons are entrusted to deal with each situation as they best see fit.

Members

Felisa A. Smith (fasmith@unm.edu), Richard W. Thorington, Jr. (Thoringtonr@SI.EDU)