Our team is dedicated to serving the university community with integrity, trust, and respect. We honor the dignity of all individuals and endeavor to create a welcoming environment. As an impartial and confidential resource, we support students, staff, and faculty in addressing conflicts with empathy and understanding.
Our office is an organizational Ombuds office, dedicated to serving as a confidential, impartial, informal, and independent resource for all members of the Duke community. Established under the International Ombuds Association’s (IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in our work.
IOA promotes the role of Ombuds in creating healthier, more effective organizations. As an IOA member, we help our community address concerns, navigate conflict, and manage change, empowering individuals to raise issues and explore solutions that enhance well-being.
We are here to listen, support, and assist in finding solutions that foster a positive and productive work and learning environment.
Reporting Structure
The Office of the Ombuds reports administratively to the President of Duke University and is not part of any other department, group or school.
Contact Us
Our office hours are from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. If we miss your call during these hours, please leave a voicemail with your phone number or email us at ombuds@duke.edu to request a time to meet.
The Office of the Ombuds adheres to a strict standard of confidentiality for anyone who contacts the office. If you choose to email us, please do not include any details about why you’d like to meet, simply indicate you would like to schedule a meeting.
Our Team
Jessica Kuchta-Miller, MA, JD
Jessica is the university Ombuds at Duke University and leads the re-imagined Office of the Ombuds. She holds a law degree with a certificate in Dispute Resolution and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. As a longtime mediator and qualified neutral, Jessica brings significant experience in training others in mediation, negotiation, conflict resolution, and communication skills. She is an active member of the International Ombuds Association (“IOA”), the largest professional association of organizational ombuds practitioners worldwide, and frequently teaches the Foundations of the Organizational Ombuds course while mentoring new Ombuds.
Marlo Goldstein Hode, LLM, PhD
Marlo Goldstein Hode, LLM, PhD, is the Associate Ombuds. Before Duke, she was the Director of Conflict Resolution and Mediation Services at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. Marlo started her career in conflict management, mediation, and conflict communication training at the Dispute Settlement Center in Carrboro, NC. Since then, she has deepened her practice by completing an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution and a PhD in Organizational Communication. She has over a decade of professional experience in higher education supporting working and learning environments where everyone can thrive. Marlo is an active member of IOA.
Jada Caldwell
Jada joined the Office of the Ombuds in 2023 as the Program Manager, bringing a strong background in accessibility, marketing, and administrative support. As the first point of contact, Jada is dedicated to supporting and connecting individuals to the resources and services offered by the Office of the Ombuds, ensuring that all voices are heard, and concerns are addressed in a fair and impartial manner. She holds a degree in English and Classical Studies from Grinnell College.
Where to Find Us
The Office of the Ombuds is located in suite 025 in the Bostock Library.
Google Maps directions to Bostock Library: (411 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC, 27708). Click on the map for on-campus walking directions.
