The International Ombudsman Association (IOA) was officially formed in July 2005 following the merger of the University and College Ombuds Association (UCOA) and The Ombudsman Association (TOA). IOA is the largest international association of professional organizational ombudsman practitioners in the world, representing over 500 members from the United States and across the globe.

The association supports organizatioinal Ombudsman worldwide working in corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, government entities and non-governmental organizations. The IOA works to support and promote the profession through strategic partnerships and communication with government agencies and other professional organizations as appropriate.

The University Ombudsman adheres to IOA Standards of Practice, which are available at http://ombuds-toa.org/standards.html