Our Team

The Ombuds Office provides neutral, informal, and confidential (except in cases of Title IX) conflict engagement support for the UC community. The Ombuds office is a space to talk about campus concerns, disputes, or problems to generate realistic options.

The Ombuds Office works to support all folks engaged in conflicts including faculty, staff, students, post-docs, interns, families, alumni, and other community members. You can bring up any University of Cincinnati-related concern. After hearing your concerns, we'll work together to review your options and next steps.

Jivanto van Hemert (he/him) serves as the University Ombuds after joining the office as Associate Ombuds in 2022. Prior to joining the Ombuds Office, Jivanto served as the Director of Case Management and COVID Response Operations in the Office of the President at Ohio University.

Jivanto holds a Master of Education Degree in College Student Personnel from Ohio University and a Master of Business Administration from Salve Regina University where he also obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice. Additionally, Jivanto holds a Graduate Certificate in Crisis Communications and is currently a law student.

Jivanto volunteers with the Dayton Mediation Center as a transformative mediator and is a certified Sustained Dialogue facilitator. Additionally, Jivanto is a member of the International Ombuds Association, the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, the Ohio College Student Personal Association (OCPA), and NASPA- Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

Esra Oz Cetindere is a doctoral student, specializing in second language studies at the College of Education. Currently, in her first year of the PhD program, Esra's research area focuses on international students, intercultural communication, and social media. 

Esra holds a master’s degree in second language acquisition, policy, and culture from the University of Southern Indiana. Before joining the University of Cincinnati, she gained valuable experience as an ESL instructor at various educational institutions and served as the chair of the diversity committee in her alma mater. These experiences allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by international students in their academic journeys.  

Esra is committed to making a difference in the success of international students in higher education. She believes that effective intercultural communication plays a vital role in creating a supportive and inclusive environment on campus.  

Finley Shields is a first-year masters student studying stage management through CCM. Finley holds a bachelors degree in Media X with minors in Spanish and Writing from the University of the Pacific. 

In their undergraduate program, Finley conducted research on stage management practices and queer theatre. Finley held positions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committees at their previous university. They also served as a Resident Assistant where they expanded their conflict resolution skills.  

They look forward to refining their stage management skills at CCM and growing with the people learning and working around them. 

Susmitha Kotakonda (she/her) serves as the Graduate Assistant to the UC Ombuds Office. Prior to joining the Ombuds Office, Susmitha served as Lead Summer Camp Counsellor at CEAS of UC. She also served as Teaching Assistant for undergrad Operating Systems course at UC. 

Susmitha is a second-year Master of Science student studying Computer Engineering focused on How to make electronic chips and improve them. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from India. She also worked as an IOT developer in corporate sector for nearly three years. 

She is excited to face new challenges and learnings at UC Ombuds Office.