About the Faculty Ombuds

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. 

Chris McCarthy

Dr. Chris McCarthy

Dr. Chris McCarthy is a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology. Dr. McCarthy’s specialization is in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology and he teaches courses in career development, counseling skills, and group counseling. His research interests include stress and coping in educational contexts, career development, and group counseling. Dr. McCarthy’s current scholarly focus is on researching factors that cause stress for K – 12 teachers and developing interventions to help teachers thrive. Dr. McCarthy is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Association for Specialists in Group Work, and the American Educational Research Association.

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 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 or 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.