Provost Colin Potts appointed Dr. Sahra Sedigh Sarvestani, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, as S&T’s ombuds, a new part-time position created through the S&T ADVANCE program to provide confidential and information assistance to faculty.

“I’m delighted that Sahra has accepted this position,” says Potts. “She is discreet, honorable, and a staunch advocate for the faculty, and I can’t think of a better person.”

The ombuds acts as a source of information and referral, aids in answering faculty questions, and assists in the resolution of concerns. The ombuds does not replace the existing resources for formal conflict resolution.

While maintaining confidentiality, the ombuds may prepare reports for the provost to demonstrate trends in the reporting of problem areas in policies and practices.

Sedigh Sarvestani will begin the role June 1 and complete training through the International Ombuds Association. She will report to Dr. Daniel Forciniti, associate provost of faculty affairs.

Sedigh Sarvestani served as president for S&T’s Faculty Senate August 2017 through July 2018. She holds a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, and her master’s and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Purdue University.