About the SAA Annual Meeting Ombuds
Kathleen (“Kathy”) Canul will serve as an informal, independent, neutral, and confidential resource for SAA meeting attendees for the 2025 Annual Meeting.
As the meeting ombuds, Kathy can assist meeting attendees with determining options to address issues such as harassment, free speech, academic integrity, conflicts of interest, safety, diversity, or any other concern related to the SAA Annual Meeting. The ombuds will listen to understand issues from the perspective of individuals and provide support, coaching, strategies, options, and useful resources. All issues, including sexual harassment, can be discussed confidentially and independently of the Society. Appropriate administrative channels will be offered to individuals who desire to register formal complaints.
In addition, the SAA ombuds may, with the permission of the individuals who come to them, make recommendations to the SAA president and executive director about specific actions that might enhance the safety and well-being of the individuals attending the Annual Meeting.
The ombuds will be accessible during the Annual Meeting at the following times:
- Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Mountain Time
- Thursday, April 24, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Mountain Time
- Friday, April 25, 2025, 8:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Mountain Time
- Saturday, April 26, 2025, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Mountain Time
- Sunday, April 27, 2025, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 noon Mountain Time
In addition, the ombuds can be available as arranged with Kathy. The ombuds will be available by email (saaombuds@gmail.com) and phone (1 949-293-7515).
The ombuds can be contacted up to 14 days prior to the first day of the meeting (April 9, 2025) and up to 14 days after the close of the meeting (May 11, 2025).
Please read our Ombuds FAQ. If you have a question that has not been answered, please don’t hesitate to contact the ombuds at the Gmail address above so she and/or SAA staff can answer it for you.
Kathleen Canul, International Ombudsman Association, certified mediator
Kathleen Canul, who also goes by Kathy, has over 20 years of experience serving as an ombuds in higher education. She provides conflict management and alternative dispute resolution services to several professional organizations and was the director of Ombuds Services at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a certified mediator and member of the International Ombudsman Association. She also offers trainings on workplace conflict, communication, diversity, and inclusion. She earned an MS and PhD in clinical psychology from Washington State University and is a licensed psychologist, former psychology instructor, and member of the American Psychological Association.
Ella habla inglés y español fluido.
Kathy has served as the SAA meeting ombuds for multiple years.