May 27, 2021
Instead of digging through archives in Paris and Geneva, history Prof. Helen Tilley, a single mother, spent the spring of her sabbatical researching and writing on the bed while her then-11-year-old daughter completed virtual assignments next to her.Â
Tilley, a Northwestern faculty member since 2012, was on research leave in Cambridge, England. When COVID-19 caused worldwide shutdowns, Tilley and her daughter remained in their rented townhouse bedroom, which didnât have room for a desk.Â
Her daughter would interrupt her several times each day about making lunch, walking the dog or completing her homework. Although Tilley said she wanted to help her daughter, the situation wasnât conducive to getting her research work done.Â
Northwestern Now
Klaper comes to Northwestern from Northern Illinois University
Sarah Klaper has been named as Northwestern University’s first Ombudsperson, Provost Kathleen Hagerty announced today. She was hired following a national search and will start on Aug. 1.
The Ombudsperson acts as a neutral, independent, impartial and confidential resource for faculty, staff and students on all three Northwestern campuses: Evanston, Chicago and Doha, Qatar. The Ombudsperson will offer assistance on a broad array of issues, including academic and work-related concerns.
Sarah Klaper
“I am delighted to welcome Sarah Klaper to Northwestern,” Hagerty said. “Our community identified a need for an impartial, confidential resource, and I am confident that Sarah has the experience and temperament to make an immediate impact on campus.”
Northwestern has named Sarah Klaper as its first ombudsperson following a national search, according to a Thursday news release.
An ombudsperson serves as a “neutral, independent, impartial and confidential” resource for members of the community, offering assistance on academic and work-related issues and conflicts. This includes directing individuals to the appropriate University policies and resources or acting as a third-party conciliator for two conflicting parties.
Klaper, who previously served as Northern Illinois University’s ombudsperson for nine years, will start at NU on Aug. 1. She will report directly to the provost and is responsible for creating an Office of the Ombudsperson.