As students and faculty return to Binghamton for the spring semester, they join one of Binghamton University’s newest hires, who is working to reconcile their problems.

Bathabile Mthombeni, the new Binghamton University ombudsman, started working on Jan. 15. The Ombudsman’s office acts as a resource for all those facing challenges within the University, providing conflict resolution assistance and a forum for complaints to be voiced and recognized.

In order to be as helpful as possible to her new community, Mthombeni said she needed to gather as much knowledge about the University as possible.

“I have thrown myself into reading every policy that I can get my hands on and meeting with leaders and members of the various constituencies that make up BU’s community,” she said.

According to Mthombeni, the position of ombudsman can be demanding and is a serious commitment.

“The ombudsman’s role is challenging by definition,” Mthombeni said. “It requires constant vigilance regarding the standards of practice and the code of conduct for the profession.”

Mthombeni received her bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and later attended Columbia Law School. She has acted as associate university ombudsman for Columbia University, and she has founded her own private conflict management firm and the online mediation radio station SANGOMA. Additionally, she has taught courses at Columbia University and John Jay College.

According to BU President Harvey Stenger, Mthombeni’s background and qualifications make her an asset to the University in her role as mediator.

“The importance of the ombudsman to the University community cannot be overstated,” Stenger said.

Mthombeni works directly with Stenger and does not engage with any departments of the University outside of her role as ombudsman.

According to her, the most challenging aspect of the position is remaining conscious of all angles of a situation when finding a solution. But, Mthombeni said, it is also the most rewarding part of her job.

“My role demands that I be always mindful of the needs and interests of everyone involved, even if they are not physically in the room,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to find ways to harmonize all of those needs and interests.”

Mthombeni said she is also excited to attend sporting events and root for the Bearcats, and that she is ready to begin engaging with the community and be a valuable source of support and guidance.

“I look forward to being a truly useful resource of substance,” Mthombeni said. “Someone who knows how the institution functions so that visitors to my office get the very best assistance that an ombudsman can give.”