Announcing CMU’s Inaugural Student and Faculty Ombudsperson

Dear colleagues,

It is my pleasure to inform you that following a comprehensive search, Monique McKay has been selected as Carnegie Mellon’s inaugural faculty and student ombudsperson, effective Nov. 15, 2024.

Monique has held various ombudsperson roles, including as ombudsperson and assistant to the president of Florida Gulf Coast University and as the graduate school ombudsperson at Virginia Tech. In these positions, she offered conflict resolution services, developed policies and procedures, and advised leadership on issues and opportunities for continuous improvement. Most recently, Monique served as the director and interim associate vice president of equity, diversity and human rights at Vancouver Island University. Monique holds a master of laws in dispute resolution from the Straus Institute at Pepperdine University and a bachelor of laws from the University of Western Ontario. She has a bachelor of arts and a diploma in journalism for native peoples, also from the University of Western Ontario.

As CMU’s student and faculty ombudsperson position, Monique will provide confidential, impartial assistance to students and faculty in resolving work or interpersonal issues in administrative or academic settings. As a neutral party, she will help individuals voice concerns, explore options, problem-solve, and ensure fair treatment. Our community identified this role as a critical need for the university, and I am confident that Monique has the right expertise and experience to lead in this position.

I would like to thank the search committee, chaired by Patience Whitworth, associate vice provost for student success and strategic initiatives, for their thoughtful deliberation in filling this vital role in support of our students and faculty.

Please join me in welcoming Monique to CMU.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer