[VPAAEtal] Provost Update - 2/13/2023

[Academic Affairs]

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Hello Academic Affairs!

First and foremost, I hope the first few weeks of the semester have been treating you well.

Our office has been working hard on goals and objectives that benefit our institution. Based on the climate survey results, we have been focusing on how to break down silos and increase communication. Updating our website, providing current information, and adding useful resources are definitely on the to-do list, as is sending emails like this more frequently. In addition, starting this semester, I am joining the Faculty Senate and the Department Head Council each month to provide a 10-15 minute update. I am open to attending other meetings to provide a brief update on Academic Affairs; feel free to reach out to Cynthia or me to further discuss.

It was a pleasure to see all those who joined me and CFO Tina Livingston at the enrollment-budget presentation. Due to the recent ice storm, we have an updated list of dates on which we will present this information. I am pleased to share that on March 2nd we will be on zoom for those of you who would like to join us virtually:


  *   March 1st - 2:00 in the Pride Room
  *   March 2nd - 12:30 on Zoom
  *   March 8th - 10:00 in the Pride Room
  *   April 5th - 2:00 in the Pride Room

I also want to remind you of my open-door meetings on Tuesdays from 4-6 pm. This time is set aside on my schedule for anyone who would like to meet with me about any topic. Please contact Cynthia Rhodes at Cynthia.Rhodes at tamuc.edu<mailto:Cynthia.Rhodes at tamuc.edu> to schedule a 15-30 minute time.

I am pleased to share that the Faculty Ombuds Office is again under the umbrella of the Office of the Provost, rather than University Compliance. As a reminder, the Ombuds Office is available to 1) help faculty members explore issues, concerns, and conflicts; provide information and referrals; and help resolve matters at the earliest and most informal level; and 2) bring systemic concerns to the University for review and resolution. I encourage you to use this resource.

I am also excited about our new, comprehensive employee professional development initiative, "Investing in Us," involving a series of credit-bearing classes. Working closely with the Provost Office, theatre faculty member Dr. Carrie Klypchak is leading this presidential directive in her role as the Senior Executive Director of Academic Investment. She is currently conducting a needs assessment to determine the best additional classes to offer in this new program. If you have ideas about how we can help address professional development needs at our institution, please contact her at Carrie.Klypchak at tamuc.edu<mailto:Carrie.Klypchak at tamuc.edu>. The offered courses pull from our university's significant and relevant academic experience to support our faculty and staff, which will position them to build upon their strengths and talents and invest them back into our university. There is currently one class underway called Designing U: Leadership I, taught by Dr. Villanueva-Russell, in which participants learn to design their life both personally and professionally. No worries if you didn't have a chance to sign up this semester; this course will be offered again next spring.

As always, thank you all for your continued hard work and dedication to our students and this University. Together we are making significant progress and transforming lives. Go Lions!


tvh
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Tammi Vacha-Haase, PhD

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs









Texas A&M University-Commerce<https://www.tamuc.edu/>



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