November 29, 2017
  Celebrating Accomplishments, Looking Ahead
Dear Colleagues,

It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the academic year. As a community, we have much to be proud of. We have had wonderful occasions for academic exchange through events like the Fall Science Symposium and the Tucker-Boatwright Festival . Our colleagues continue to add new knowledge in their disciplines while actively mentoring our students. I hope you will join me in a collective toast at the A&S Holiday Party .
 
The end of the semester and the holiday season are also a good time for us to reflect on our goal of moving from Good to Great . At the State of the School address , I set three priorities for the year: continuing our Concept 30 planning process; crafting Career Profiles; and developing shared governance structures. I am pleased with the progress we have made toward each of these goals.
 
The Concept 30 planning process is nearly complete; the Executive Board and Planning Group have been working diligently to revise the draft documents based on feedback they have received. Our   last Town Hall will be held on November 30 . This is a time to answer any questions about the pillars ( Values, Mission, Foundations, and Goals ) as well as hear suggestions regarding initiatives. Faculty and staff will be asked to affirm the process that has led to the pillars. Thank you for your participation and engagement.
 
I have met with the majority of our A&S departments to discuss Career Profiles. The Faculty Handbook (p.39) recommends these as best practice, and our own faculty in A&S have recognized the nationwide move to support clarity on promotion practices through our Ad Hoc Committee on Promotion and Reviews . Career Profiles, which are a first step to clear career pathways for all faculty and staff, will help us create the thriving and inclusive academic community we are seeking to build. I recognize and appreciate the work that is required to create these Profiles, and I continue to be available to provide guidance to departments as you work through this process.
 
Regarding governance, the Shared Governance Task Force, which Professor Jennifer Erkulwater leads, is crafting bylaws for A&S. This Task Force was the result of your voting, at the end of the spring 2017 semester, for action on the front of clear governance bylaws. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Task Force during the spring semester and sharing their progress with you.
 
As I reflect on all we have accomplished in 2017, I am inspired and ready for our activities in 2018. We are planning two events that will help our students to refine the skills and competencies that will prepare them for their chosen career paths. On March 2-3, 2018, we will host A&S NEXT, a career preparation event designed specifically for A&S students. And on April 20, the Student Symposium will take place at the Jepson Alumni Center and the Modlin Center for the Arts, allowing us all to come together and celebrate the academic and creative achievements of our students. More details on these events will be provided in the new year, but I mention them now with the hopes that you will mark your calendars, and encourage students to attend.
 
Thank you again for all of your diligence in ensuring that A&S is a thriving, inclusive, and caring community of learners! All the best on completing your fall semester, and we will see each other again as we celebrate the end of the year.
 
Sincerely,

Patrice Rankine
Dean, School of Arts & Sciences
Mark Your Calendars

Nov. 30

Dec. 4
Enhanced sabbatical applications due

Dec. 7
Final faculty meeting of the semester, followed by the holiday party

Dec. 8
Applications due to DAC for one-time requests

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Concept 30 Corner

The Dean has asked for the faculty and staff to affirm the process that led to the pillars. The Dean's Office will align the budget and initiatives with the strategic plan during the spring semester.

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New Dean's Office Staff

We are pleased to welcome Surabhi Vittal as Director of Financial Planning and Budget, and to have Dr. Dan Palazzolo serve as Interim Associate Dean through the end of the academic year.

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