Dear Colleagues,
Last week, I attended the Celebration of Undergraduate and Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities—and let me just say, “Wow.” This university is truly remarkable. The outstanding work of our students, led by our faculty, is something to be so proud of. I look forward to participating as much as possible in events such as this and am always happy when I have a chance to see firsthand what our university is doing to make an impact.
I am excited to attend Thursday’s Annual Celebration of Faculty Tenure, Promotion, and Reappointment and next week’s National First-Generation College Celebration Day. There is so much to recognize for students, faculty, and staff. Additional information about these events is included in this newsletter.
Academic Efficiency and Effectiveness
Part of the Academic Efficiency and Effectiveness Review of academic programs is a comprehensive quantitative data analysis. A document explaining the quantitative methodological process for the purposes of review is now available.
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 7.4.8.
All faculty are encouraged to attend one or both ceremonies in December. Registration is required and is open now through November 27. Register online.
Graduate Ceremony: Friday, December 15, 7:00 p.m.
Undergraduate Ceremony: Saturday, December 16, 10:00 a.m.
Events
- Annual Celebration of Faculty Tenure, Promotion, and Reappointment
Our annual recognition of faculty who were tenured, promoted, and reappointed during the past academic year is on Thursday, November 2, on the fourth floor of the Dunbar Library from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. All are encouraged to attend and celebrate our colleagues.
- National First-Generation College Celebration Day
Wright State will join campuses nationwide on Wednesday, November 8, for National First-Generation College Celebration Day. Please join us at 10 a.m. in the Student Union Atrium, lower level, for a special event demonstrating our appreciation for first-generation students.
If you are, or were, the first in your family to attend or graduate from college, you are our special guest!
President Edwards will kick off the celebration with remarks at 10 a.m. The celebration will also include:
- 360 video/photo booth
- Refreshments
- Music
- Networking
- Display of encouragement quotes from alumni, graduates, and first-generation supporters
National First-Generation Celebration Day is coordinated by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the NASPA Center for First-Generation Student Success. This nationwide event helps communities to better understand barriers to higher education and the support necessary for this critical and resilient population to continue thriving.
We hope you will join Wright State in acknowledging and elevating first-generation student and alumni identities and contributions. Use the hashtag #CelebrateFirstGen. Celebrate with us!
- Graduate Programs Open House
The Graduate Programs Open House takes place Thursday, November 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room. Future graduate students can learn more about Wright State’s certificate, master’s, and doctoral programs during the event. Students should register online.
- Lake Campus Open House
Lake Campus will host an open house for future students on Thursday, November 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. I encourage you to invite prospective students and their families to register to attend and learn why it’s a great time to be a Laker!
Student Success Summit
Please join us for Conversations on Student Success with Dr. Amy Salazar, associate vice provost of student success at Sam Houston University, on Friday, November 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Student Union Atrium. Registration is not required.
In her address, “Learning Loss and Student Success,” Dr. Salazar will discuss student success metrics and her efforts to examine and respond to student learning loss at Sam Houston.
Dr. Salazar oversees several functional areas related to student success, including Academic Advising, Academic Support, First Year Experience, Career Success, Global Engagement, First Gen Student Center, and Academic Redesign and Course Enhancement. Dr. Salazar also works at the institutional level to identify barriers to student success informed by data and designs and implements solutions to increase the likelihood of student persistence and degree attainment.
She is currently focused on the effects of COVID-19-related learning loss and the ways it has shaped both the student and faculty experience. Her prior experience and publications have focused on student success and TRiO programs, high-impact practices such as undergraduate research, and mentorship programs.
Open Enrollment
The 2024 Benefits Open Enrollment period takes place November 1 through November 14. Benefits Open Enrollment is a once-a-year opportunity for benefit-eligible employees to reflect on their current benefit elections and make necessary changes for the upcoming year. All benefit-eligible employees are required to waive, terminate, continue, or enroll in coverage for 2024. Elections made during open enrollment take effect on January 1, 2024.
For more details, including informational session dates and times, visit the Benefits Open Enrollment webpage.
Healthy Minds Survey
Remember to complete the Healthy Minds Study, which will help the university better understand faculty and staff mental health, well-being, sources of support, and other mental and emotional health topics.
The online, anonymous survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is your chance to reflect on important topics in your life and our campus community.
Those who have not completed the survey will receive regular emails with a personalized survey link. The survey will remain open through November 13.
Participating in this survey will automatically enter you into a sweepstakes for one of two $500 prizes or one of ten $100 prizes. The drawing will be conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in the summer of 2024. Winners will be notified by email and provided with information about how to collect the prize.
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
