Meet Our Team

Jivanto van Hemert (he/him) serves as the University Ombuds after joining the office as Associate Ombuds in 2022. Prior to joining the 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.

Paula Kerezsi (she/they) joined the office as Associate Ombuds in 2024. Prior to joining UC in this role, Paula worked in higher education for more than 20 years, holding leadership roles in academic advising and academic affairs at both large public and small private institutions, including the University of Iowa and Augustana College.

Paula holds Master of Arts degrees in Educational Measurement & Statistics and in Student Development in Post-Secondary Education from the University of Iowa. Paula's bachelor's degree is from Tulane University, with a major in Anthropology and emphasis in Sociolinguistics. Additionally, Paula holds a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution & Mediation from Colorado State University.

Paula has volunteered as a small claims court mediator in Johnson County, Iowa and is a member of the International Ombuds Association.

Finley Shields (they/them) joined the office in 2023 as a graduate assistant.  In the past, Finley worked as a Resident Assistant and a camp counselor, providing many opportunities to navigate conflict and learn more about campus procedures.

They are currently pursuing a master degree in stage management through CCM. Finley holds a bachelor degree in Media X with minors in Spanish and Writing from the University of the Pacific. 

Esra Oz Cetindere is a doctoral candidate in Educational Studies with a concentration in Second Language Studies, entering her fourth year in the program. Her research focuses on international students, intercultural communication, and the role of social media in cultural adjustment.

She holds a master’s degree in Second Language Acquisition, Policy, and Culture from the University of Southern Indiana. During her time at the University of Southern Indiana, she also served as chair of the diversity committee. Esra has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at various educational institutions and currently teaches at the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL).

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 (they/them) joined the office in 2023 as a graduate assistant.  In the past, Finley worked as a Resident Assistant and a camp counselor, providing many opportunities to navigate conflict and learn more about campus procedures.

They are currently pursuing a master degree in stage management through CCM. Finley holds a bachelor degree in Media X with minors in Spanish and Writing from the University of the Pacific. 

To safeguard confidentiality, we do not provide Ombuds services by email. Please DO NOT include details about your concerns in an email to the Office of the University Ombuds. Communication with the Office of the University Ombuds does not constitute notice to the University of Cincinnati. Learn more about our Standards of Practice. Additionally, by utilizing Ombuds services, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service.