Madison Reporter

Provost Charles Isbell has announced the appointment of Don Schutt as a UW–Madison ombuds. Schutt will begin his three-year term on December 1.

Schutt has extensive experience, having served for over 23 years in the Office of Human Resources at UW–Madison. He started as director of human resource development and retired as senior director for talent development. During his tenure, he established services like Cultural Linguistic Services (CLS) and taught undergraduate classes. Schutt worked collaboratively with university staff, academic staff, and faculty across campus.

He holds a PhD in counselor education and retired from the university as Senior Director Emeritus in 2018. He returned to campus as an HR consultant from 2018 to 2020 and served as interim director of talent management from 2020 to 2021. In 2023, he was an internal consultant in the Division of University Housing on a short-term project.

The UW–Madison Ombuds Office comprises seven retired faculty, university staff, and academic staff members, all holding Emeritus status. Each ombuds serves a three-year term and offers confidential guidance regarding workplace concerns at no cost. Ombuds have quarter-time appointments and receive regular training.

Key qualifications for ombuds include knowledge of university policies and resources, extensive cross-campus experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to be objective and impartial.

For more information about the Ombuds Office, visit ombuds.wisc.edu or contact them via email at UWombuds@mailplus.wisc.edu or phone at 608-265-9992.