April 3, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

As you know, this time of the academic year is incredibly busy. There are many responsibilities including classes ending, grading, and student outreach—there are also many ways we celebrate and recognize one another. After yesterday’s early dismissal, the University Awards for Student Success recognition event was rescheduled. We hope you are able to attend the ceremony once the date is finalized.

Campus Scholarship and Innovation Campaign Update

With just over two weeks left in the Campus Scholarship and Innovation Campaign, we have reached 28% participation. Staff participation accounts for a 72% contribution rate, while faculty contributions make up 28% of the total. The goal of this campaign is 50% participation of faculty and staff with a minimum donation of $5, so make your contribution today!

The academic-related area contributions as of Monday, April 1, are:

University Libraries – 53% participation (9% increase over week 2)
College of Graduate Programs and Honors Studies – 43% participation (7% increase over week 2)
College of Health, Education, and Human Services – 33% participation (13% increase over week 2)
College of Engineering and Computer Science – 33% participation (6% increase over week 2)
College of Liberal Arts – 26% participation (3% increase over week 2)
Raj Soin College of Business – 26% participation (2% increase over week 2)
Lake Campus – 21% participation (7% increase over week 2)
College of Science and Mathematics – 14% participation (2% increase over week 2)
Boonshoft School of Medicine – 12% participation (3% increase over week 2)

Annual Faculty Reviews–Due in September

Given that much has changed from prior collective bargaining agreements, please review the updated information about annual faculty reviews in Article 11 (PDF) of the new CBA. Selected highlights are:

Beginning this fall, annual reviews will be due September 15. Faculty will report their academic year activities for the previous academic year (thus, fall 2023 to spring 2024) not for the calendar year, as in the past (11.7)
Submissions will solely be collected through information entered by faculty in Watermark’s Faculty Success software.
- One-hour user training sessions are available.
Evaluation of teaching and service as well as scholarship for TETs will be based on a five-point scoring system. (11.3)
Teaching and service will be evaluated for the year under review only; scholarship will be evaluated for the year under review, with the merit score for that year then averaged with the two prior years. (11.2)
Criteria for evaluation of teaching and service have changed; see section 11.6.
The provost or a provost designee may also periodically review the productivity of faculty who are either tenured or on continuing contract. (11.9)

Best Integrated Writing Journal

Best Integrated Writing: The Journal of Excellence in Integrated Writing Courses at Wright State University annually showcases excellent undergraduate student writing from integrated writing courses taught across disciplines at the Dayton and Lake Campuses.

The 2024 issue of Best Integrated Writing, showcasing the stellar work of nine students, is now available on CORE Scholar.

Beginning this year, the Best Integrated Writing journal will be published biannually. Learn more about the nomination process, which will begin the first week of Fall Semester. While the journal focuses on undergraduate projects completed for integrated writing courses, works from all undergraduate courses at Wright State University are considered for publication.

Solar Eclipse–Group Photo and Events

On Monday, April 8, all of Ohio will experience a solar eclipse, and Wright State University’s Dayton Campus will be on the edge of what is referred to as the “path of totality.” This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The last time Ohio experienced a total solar eclipse was in 1806, and the next time will be in 2099!

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to celebrate the eclipse on April 8 on the Dayton and Lake Campuses.

Dayton Campus highlights include:

A group photo will be taken via drone at 2:30 p.m. on the North Lawn—remember to wear green!
Live music from WWSU
Food trucks
Games and giveaways
Safety demos and viewing equipment from the Astronomy Club and Department of Physics
NASA livestream on campus TVs
Fun run with Campus Recreation

See the full schedule of Dayton Campus events at wright.edu/event/eclipse.

Lake Campus events include:

Presentations of the “science behind a total solar eclipse” and “solar eclipses throughout the years”
Eclipse watch party from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

See the Lake Campus’ events schedule at wright.edu/events/lake-campus-experience-eclipse-us.

Spring Commencement Ceremonies

Lake Campus Ceremony: Thursday, April 25, 5:30 p.m.

Graduate Ceremony: Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony: Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m.

Boonshoft School of Medicine Ceremony: Sunday, April 28, 2:00 p.m.

Commencement is an event that marks a significant moment in the lives of our students and their families. The granting of a degree and the admission to the “rights and privileges” associated with a given degree are extraordinarily important events for those receiving degrees.

The presence of faculty is especially important for the graduates and their families. All faculty should prioritize their attendance and bargaining unit faculty are reminded of their responsibility under Article 7.15.

Registration is required and is open now through April 8:

Lake Campus Ceremony registration
Dayton Campus Graduate and Undergraduate Ceremony registration
Boonshoft School of Medicine Ceremony registration

To confirm attendance, registered faculty must sign in at and attend the event. Bargaining unit faculty are required to attend at least two commencement ceremonies a year (as available on their applicable campus) in full academic regalia.

Events

Join us for ArtsGala, showcasing Wright State's most talented students in the fine and performing arts, this Saturday, April 6 in the Creative Arts Center.

Since 2000, ArtsGala has raised nearly $4 million and provided more than 1,000 scholarships to deserving students. All proceeds go toward scholarships for Wright State's outstanding fine and performing arts students. Learn more.
The University Libraries and the Friends of the Libraries invite you to join us at the annual Friends of the Libraries Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, at 11:00 a.m. in the Wright State Nutter Center Berry Room. Our featured speaker is Vick Mickunas, host of the “Book Nook,” an author interview program on WYSO. A lunch buffet will be provided.

Registration is required and must be completed by April 17. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Libraries. If you need accommodations for this event, please call 937-775-2380 five business days in advance.
As a follow-up to Wright State University’s safety notification review, university employees can engage in Mental Health First Aid Training sponsored by Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services.

While all employees must complete this training, faculty will be the first cohort to go through the training process, starting on April 9.

Learn more and register.

When a Student Needs Support

Wright.edu/help is a great resource for helping students or making referrals. This site contains contact information for emergency or essential departments that can assist your students all in one location.

I hope you all have a wonderful week! You are appreciated!

Amy Thompson, Ph.D.