Meet the Team
Ombudsman at Algonquin College
George Cole was appointed as the Ombudsman in 2011. His mandate includes providing an independent, impartial and confidential process through which students may pursue the resolution of any college‐related concern. He is also expected to provide information to students on Algonquin College policies and procedures, the rights and responsibilities of students in College situations, and provide advice on options for the resolution of College-related concerns, including where and to whom concerns should be appropriately directed.
Having lived, studied and worked internationally, George brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in conflict resolution; processes and systems of dispute resolution; student services; cultural fluency; and a passion for fairness, equity, diversity, restorative justice, and human rights.
He offers seminars and training in conflict management; conducts mediations, facilitations and restorative justice conferences; and undertakes conflict assessment and systems design.
George has a Bachelor of Science, as well as an LLB, LLM, and MSA degrees. He is affiliated with several professional associations, including the Association of Canadian Colleges and University Ombudspersons (ACCUO), the Forum of Canadian Ombudsman (FCO), and the International Ombuds Association (IOA). In his spare time, he volunteers for several causes within the community.
Assistant Ombudsman
Barbara Carswell joined the Office of the Ombudsman in December 2017. She works with the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman Officer to provide an independent, impartial, and confidential process through which Algonquin students, applicants or alumni may pursue the resolution of any College-related concern.
In the course of her work, Barbara has conducted numerous mediations, facilitations in conflict resolution, and investigations into harassment and discrimination. As the Assistant Ombudsman, Barbara provides information to students on Algonquin College policies and procedures, the rights and responsibilities of students, and offers advice on where to appropriately direct complaints and inquiries within the College.
Barbara has had a lifelong interest in fairness, equity and in the evolving protection of human rights. She has served as Director of Equity Services at Carleton University, which included responsibility for the development of the Aboriginal Centre and as an acting Director of Student Affairs. She was the Director of Values and Ethics and Workplace Wellbeing at Global Affairs and she was the first incumbent of the conflict management office at the House of Commons (Administration), where her role also required her to advise on harassment and related issues.
Barbara has a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Western Ontario, and an LLB from the University of Ottawa; she was Called to the Bar in 1997, and remained a member in good standing until her retirement in 2016. She has obtained the credential of a Certified Canadian Human Resource Professional (CHRP) and has also accomplished fluency in French as a Second Language.
Ombudsman Officer
Carley Davidson joined the Office of the Ombudsman in September 2017. She works to provide an independent, impartial, and confidential process through which students of Algonquin College may pursue the resolution of any College-related concern. In responding to outreach to our Office, Carley assists clientele to determine which matters are within the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman or to identify other resources, within or outside the College, which may be more appropriate.
Carley completed her certificate in Third Party Neutral (Mediation, and Facilitation) from Saint Paul’s University and the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution in 2020. Carleyalso has a Bachelor of Science, and a Bachelor of Education. Prior to Ombudsman work, Carley worked internationally in various roles including education, social work, and human resources.