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Volume 8 | June 2020
A Quick Update
Greetings, everyone!

As I said in last Friday’s email, the “Plan to Restart Campus and Restore Normal Operations” was approved by the Board of Trustees, contingent upon the state providing the funds needed to implement the plan. If you missed the email that came out, see http://www.uwyo.edu/uw/news/2020/06/uw-trustees-approve-fall-semester-return-plan.html , which also includes a link to the plan itself. 

Another big part of what’s probably on your mind is the budget challenge the state faces. In case anyone missed it, I was “invited” by incoming President Seidel to be part of the just-formed “Budget Reduction Working Group” (along with some other Deans, VPs, Faculty and Staff Senate Chairs, ASUW President, etc…) that is charged with responding to the budget challenge the state faces. See the announcement at http://www.uwyo.edu/uw/news/2020/06/uw-responds-to-governors-requests-to-prepare-for-budget-reductions.html .

I don’t have more details really at this time, but I am feeling optimistic as the “Budget Reduction Working Group” has held several meetings so far and the sessions have been continually fruitful in our discussions. I will continue to keep the College apprised of the details as they become available.

That’s all I have for now. I wanted to keep my message short and sweet so you can enjoy your weekend as soon as possible! Stay healthy and take care!

Warm regards,

Cameron Wright's Signature
Cam Wright
Featured Story
UW Trustees Approve Fall Semester Return Plan
The University of Wyoming intends to restart on-campus educational experiences this fall, with a mix of in-person and online courses and measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The UW Board of Trustees approved a plan for students to return to campus for the fall semester, contingent upon securing funding for implementation from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act through the state of Wyoming.

Under the plan, classes will begin Aug. 24 and end Dec. 4, as scheduled. However, students will not return to campus after Thanksgiving; all courses will move to fully online instruction beginning Nov. 23, and final exams will take place through distance technologies.

“UW is looking forward to welcoming students back to campus for the fall semester. While the united work of everyone to go online in March resulted in a successful spring semester, the message is clear that we need to return to the on-campus experience,” Acting President Neil Theobald says. “Over the last few months, our students, staff and faculty have helped develop a plan that puts us on a path to do so as safely as is reasonably possible during the era of COVID-19.”

The plan approved by the trustees, may be viewed  here.

The plan, which was developed with input from the Wyoming Department of Health, is designed to be adaptable to allow for up-to-date information and changing conditions.

“While none of us can be certain about what the fall will look like, we’re doing everything we can to prepare for as much of the traditional on-campus experience as possible,” incoming President Ed Seidel says. “We’re looking forward to a successful semester. Ultimately, its success will depend upon the personal responsibility of everyone -- and our ability to take action as needed. The planning group has done a very thorough job of preparing the university for this.”

The plan includes robust communication with UW students, employees and others as preparations continue during the summer -- and during the fall semester itself. Check http://www.uwyo.edu/alerts/campus-return/index.html  for frequent updates.
Quick Hit News
UW Creates Summer Online Courses to Help Those Impacted by Pandemic
In response to COVID-19, UW faculty members have assembled a bevy of short, online summer courses to serve the people of the state. To see the complete list and for information on how to register, go to  https://bit.ly/2UP4sFc .
Hill Joins Group For The Association For Philosophy And Computing
Robin Hill, adjunct in Computer Science, will serve as secretary for the Association for Philosophy and Computing, a new affiliate of the American Philosophical Association, that will replace the current committee that produces the APA newsletter on philosophy and computers. Learn more on how Hill's background and interests partner these areas.
Borowczak Becomes Editor of the ASEE Computers In Education Journal
Starting June 23, Loy and Edith Harris Assistant Professor of Computer Science Mike Borowczak will take over as editor of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Computers in Education Journal. Congratulations!
Catch Up On Past CEAS Dean's Newsletters
Missed any of the previous CEAS Dean's Newsletters? Discover all of the CEAS Dean's Newsletters at https://www.uwyo.edu/ceas/dean/index.html.
Who Do You Contact For Building Issues?
If you encounter or hear of any building issues please contact CEAS Facilities Manager Steve Salmans at (307) 766-6170 or by   email.
Family Matters
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Spencer Miller and his wife, April, are thrilled to share the very happy news and announcement of the birth of their second son, Tate Edward Miller — weighing 7 lbs 6 oz and 20 inches long.
Mom and baby are happy and healthy!
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Mark Your Calendar
CEAS Summer Virtual Happy Hour
Every Wednesday
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
All are welcome!
Professional Development Corner
Develop Your Communication Skills and Interpersonal Influence
Learn how to clearly convey information and ideas in an engaging manner. Explore how to build trust, communicate effectively, and be heard in all parts of your organization. Learn important interpersonal communication skills and strategies for igniting curiosity, attention, trust, and respect.
Featured News
Nga Nguyen Receives UW Engagement Fellowship
Nga Nguyen, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is among four recipients of the 2020-21 Faculty Engagement Fellowship awards.
She will receive the Office of Engagement and Outreach (OEO) Faculty Engagement Fellowship. Nguyen will work with OEO and the Science Initiative’s Rachel Watson to combine her work on renewable energy resources with outreach to Wyoming’s K-12 students. The awards are for faculty members working on projects during the 2020-21 academic year. Fellows receive a stipend of $10,000 and up to $2,000 to support outreach programs and travel expenses. Recipients will work with OEO Director Jean Garrison and members of the UW Engagement Council to develop their projects and organize at least one significant outreach program series both on and off campus. Projects focus on faculty development or enhancing engagement and outreach in their respective fields of study. Read more about it here.
UW Engineering Faculty Member Among Inaugural CAES Fellows Cohort
Mike Borowczak, founding director of the Cybersecurity Education and Research center at UW, has been selected to the inaugural Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) Fellows cohort. Launched in spring 2020, the CAES Fellows initiative provides recognition, resources and opportunities to members of the CAES community. Each member of the inaugural CAES Fellows cohort has exhibited impressive leadership by mentoring students; leading research projects and workshops; taking the initiative to create stronger bonds among members of the CAES consortium; and serving as champions for CAES to external communities. Read more here .
June Inspirational Phone Background
Click the button below to download and save this inspirational image to your phone!

"Big Ideas Have Small Beginnings."