Dear CSUMB Faculty, Staff and Students,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Johnny R. Armijo II, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new ombudsperson at California State University, Monterey Bay. I am thrilled to become a part of this vibrant community and to be of service to all of you.

So, I am sure some of you are saying, “What’s an ombuds”?  The name “ombudsman” comes from the Swedish language and literally means “representative.” At the most fundamental level, an ombudsman is one who assists individuals and groups in the resolution of conflicts or concerns. There are several different titles or names for this position: ombudsman, ombudsperson, ombuds, among others. 

Ombuds work in all types of organizations, including government agencies, colleges and universities, corporations, hospitals and other healthcare organizations, and non-profit organizations, foundations and associations. An ombuds acts as a no-barrier, first stop when seeking information and insight from a trusted advisor who is independent, impartial, confidential and informal. 

An ombuds is a safe, credible, accessible and voluntary resource. They deal with the widest range of concerns and conflicts within a university setting, exploring and analyzing all options. Ombuds empower you to overcome disputes, conflicts and barriers that stand in the way of reaching your full potential. Whether you're a faculty member, staff member, or student, my aim is to assist you in navigating challenges and finding fair and equitable solutions.

I encourage you to visit my website at csumb.edu/ombuds, where you can find valuable resources and information about the Ombuds Office. You can also book an appointment with me at your convenience by visiting my appointment scheduling page.

Your input and feedback are invaluable to me, and I look forward to meeting many of you at the "Meet and Greet" event on Oct. 24 from 3-4:30 p.m. in the CSUMB library, Room 3145. If you are unable to attend, please don't hesitate to reach out to me through my website or email at jarmijo@csumb.edu.

Thank you for welcoming me to the CSUMB community, and I am excited to work together to create a more harmonious and supportive campus environment.

Warm regards,

Johnny R. Armijo II 
Ombudsperson 
California State University, Monterey Bay