On Oct. 10, the American Bar Association and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper recognized the important work of ombuds professionals in government agencies, private enterprises and universities. The theme of Ombuds Day 2024 was “We’re here to hear you.”

NC State has two ombuds professionals who can help students, faculty and staff resolve interpersonal conflicts and challenges as well as provide clarity on university policies and procedures. They also monitor trends and issues among the campus population and can share them with administration, if necessary. Ombuds services are free, confidential and informal.

In honor of Ombuds Day, continue reading to meet NC State ombudsmen Bradley Davis and Mike Giancola.

Bradley Davis, Faculty and Staff Ombuds

Throughout his professional career, Bradley Davis’ goal has always been to provide the best possible living and learning environment for college students. Now, he plays an important part in cultivating the best work environment possible for NC State faculty and staff. 

As the university’s first full-time faculty and staff ombuds, Davis is ready to help employees in any way he can, whether it be answering a staff member’s questions about the university’s family medical leave policies or helping a faculty member resolve an academic issue with a student.

“I’m here to help folks figure out solutions to their challenges at work,” Davis said. “Life can be hard and there’s a lot going on in the world, and ideally we want people to come here and do their best work. But the reality is that it just doesn’t happen all the time and conflict can be inevitable. 

“People have different approaches to problems, people have different life experiences and different backgrounds, and they bring all of that to work,” Davis continued. “Sometimes that means they won’t be on the same page with their colleagues, but that doesn’t mean they have to stay off of the same page. If I can be a conduit to help, then I’m willing and happy to do that.”

Davis is no stranger to resolving conflicts and helping people overcome difficult situations. Prior to his hiring as faculty and staff ombuds a year ago, he was associate director for the Office of Student Conduct, where he oversaw cases involving academic and behavioral misconduct and championed academic integrity among the student body. In that role, he became very familiar with university and UNC System policies as well as the wide variety of resources available to students, faculty and staff. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from James Madison University as well as a doctorate degree in education from NC State. He also has previous experience advocating for NC State employees as a member of the Staff Senate. 

I enjoy traveling with family — I have two boys who are very active. I also participate in my church’s social justice ministry. I am a new bowler, having joined a league this fall with some friends. I consider myself a foodie and visit many restaurants in the area.

“I’ve always enjoyed investing in people and helping them be their best selves because when you’re your best self, that’s when you really succeed,” Davis said. “This is the philosophy I’ve taken in my work. I’ve been fortunate to have managers, supervisors, directors and others who have wanted that for me, and it’s my way of paying it forward.”

Now one year into his current position, Davis’ goal for the Faculty and Staff Ombuds Office is to increase awareness, resources and programming across the university. One of his first acts was to update the Faculty and Staff Ombuds Office charter, which serves as a governing document and establishes the office’s practices. To help increase awareness of the office, he is working to update its website. He also plans to attend Red and White Fest: An Employee Celebration on Nov. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where he will be available to meet with employees and answer questions. 

Outside of Red and White Fest, employees can set up a meeting with Davis anytime online, by email or by phone.

“I’m thankful for the support from university leadership, who I believe values the ombuds role and the work we do,” Davis said. “I’d also be remiss if I didn’t say that Mike Giancola does a lot of great work as a student ombuds. He’s been an amazing resource for me as I’ve gotten started in this new role.” 

Mike Giancola, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Student Ombuds

Giancola helps talk students through life’s challenges, whether it’s navigating difficult conversations with professors, helping roommates resolve financial disputes or obtaining basic necessities like food and housing. 

During his almost 27 years at NC State, Giancola has served in a variety of roles in University Housing, as the director of the former Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service, and as Associate Vice Provost for Student Leadership and Engagement prior to becoming the student ombud in 2016. Service has always been an important part of his personal and professional life. Early in his tenure, he helped start the Alternative Service Break program, which allows students to travel abroad and complete volunteer work in medical clinics, participate in environmental projects, teach classes and build homes. The program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. He also was instrumental in starting the Pack Essentials initiative for students experiencing food and housing insecurity and was one of the founding members of Feed the Pack Food Pantry, which is open to all members of the campus community. Outside of NC State, he serves on multiple community boards, coaches a wrestling team and runs a private practice coaching athletes into their optimal mindsets. 

“I listen without judgment and help visitors generate options. But really what I want students to feel is empowered to take action on the next steps, whatever the situation may be,” Giancola said.

Students can schedule a meeting with Giancola directly at go.ncsu.edu/meetingwithmike or by referral from an academic advisor or faculty or staff member.  

“What sets us apart is the fact that our services are confidential and impartial,” Giancola said. “While Bradley and I are both university employees, both of our offices are set up to be independent so that we can look at any issue with an objective perspective and enter any discussion from that space. We’re not there necessarily to advocate for the student or the faculty or staff member, nor are we there to advocate for the university. What we do is advocate for a fair process for all involved.”