FACULTY OMBUDS OFFICE
A Bridge Between Problems and Options
The Office of the Faculty Ombuds at The University of Texas at Austin was established to provide faculty with a prompt and professional way to resolve conflicts, disputes, or complaints beyond turning to their supervisors. The office assists faculty with any work-related difficulty, including interpersonal conflict or misunderstandings, as well as academic or administrative concerns. The faculty ombuds helps individuals identify options for fair and equitable outcomes and fosters civility and mutual respect as outlined in the University Honor Code. The office maintains strict confidentiality and provides a safe place for faculty to have off-the-record conversations on issues related to work.
Meet the Faculty Ombuds
Dr. Lynn Katz
Lynn E. Katz is the Hussein M. Alharthy Centennial Chair in Civil Engineering and Director of the Center for Water and the Environment. She has over thirty years of experience examining the application of aquatic surface chemistry to understanding the fate and transport of contaminants in the environment and toward the development of treatment technologies for contaminated water and soil. Her current research has a strong focus on improving water treatment for underserved communities. As a faculty member at the University of Texas, she has served as Chair of the Engineering Faculty Women’s Organization, Chair of the Faculty Womens’ Organization, co-chair of the University Faculty Gender Equity Council, Associate Chair of the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering and Chair of the Cockrell School of Engineering Faculty Promotion and Review Committee.
Dr. Jessica A. Church-Lang
Jessica A. Church-Lang is a professor in the Psychology Department. Her lab studies the development of control in youth through studies of brain activity (fMRI) and behavior. Her current research focuses on the impact of control abilities on educational outcomes and mental health in children and adolescents. At the University of Texas, she has served on faculty and admin job searches, on the departmental Graduate Student Advisory Committee and Executive Council, the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program Admissions Committee, and the Biomedical Imaging Center (BIC) Advisory Committee, among other committees. She looks forward to assisting the faculty community at UT through the ombuds office.
The University Faculty Ombuds is a member of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA). The office operations are consistent with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association.
Office of Standards of Practice
Confidentiality:
- Provides a safe place to voice concerns, evaluate issues and identify options.
- Maintains confidentiality to the extent permitted by law and university policy.
- Does not keep records.
Neutrality:
- Does not advocate for any party of the University.
- Promotes fairness and equity.
Informality:
- Facilitates communication when appropriate.
- Does not participate in any formal process.
- Does not make judgments or decisions.
Independent:
- Operates within University policy and reports to the Executive Vice President and Provost for administrative and budgetary purposes.
- Does not represent the University.
- Advises and makes recommendations on University policies and processes.
Ombuds Services
If you’d like to schedule a consultation with one of the ombuds, please email
facombud@austin.utexas.edu or call 512-232-1889.
Office of the Faculty Ombuds
- Location:
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PCL 3.343 by appointment only
- Email:
- Website:
- Phone number:
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512-232-1889