March 20, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

In just over two weeks the solar eclipse will occur. Many events are scheduled for the Dayton and Lake Campuses. As we learn more about the impacts of this rare event, the Dayton Daily News recently highlighted how the color green will “pop” during the eclipse. This visual will be amplified if a large group of people were together. We will share a time and location for a Raiders in Green Photo Opportunity, so I encourage you to wear your Wright State green on April 8! Learn more about how the university is participating in the solar eclipse.

Faculty Spotlight

Sean Pollock, associate professor of history, has partnered with a Ukrainian university to provide a series of virtual lectures about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ten Wright State students and 10 students from V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University will meet online to discuss the impact of the conflict on Ukrainian society.

As Pollock explained in an interview with NPR, "As an historian, I'm very keen to have multiple perspectives on every question that we address. In an ideal world, we would bring Russian faculty and students into this conversation." Read more.

We Serve U—Volunteer Opportunity

A cornerstone of Wright State's mission is service to our communities. We Serve U Day is a day of volunteerism approved by the University administration for staff and faculty to volunteer at community nonprofits without using time off. Our next We Serve U Day is Wednesday, April 3.

The We Serve U committee has arranged multiple volunteer opportunities, including the Ronald McDonald House, Crayons to Classrooms, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, and the Wright State Office of Admissions.

View details about each organization’s opportunities and register to volunteer. Learn more about We Serve U.

Mental Health First Aid Training

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.

Faculty Awards—Nominations Due Friday

Nominations for the annual Faculty Awards for Excellence are open through March 22. All nominations should be submitted by the Dean’s Office as a single electronic PDF file via Secure Share to franchesca.alford@wright.edu. Learn more about the nomination process (PDF).

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

The University Awards for Student Success Champions recognition event will be held on Tuesday, April 2, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Berry Auditorium (009) in the Student Success Center. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Registration is not required, and light refreshments will be provided.
ArtsGala is celebrating 25 amazing years! Join us for Dayton's premier event showcasing Wright State's most talented students in the fine and performing arts on April 6.

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.

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.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs