Wrapping Up the Year 
 
Dear Faculty Colleagues,

With the end of the 2016-2017 academic year, we extend our appreciation for the amazing work done by each Senator. The endless hours you have spent working on behalf of the Faculty Senate and the professionalism you have shown has impressed the entire university. Your diligence and self-motivation has been a source of inspiration for the rest of the faculty. Thank you for your dedication. We are proud of the partnerships we've developed as we achieved our goals and we look forward to announcing additional partnerships in the upcoming year.

There was plenty of spirited debate, motions, votes, and opportunities for your voices to be heard. Through feedback we received, it was clear that most found our conversations and engagement on point. As we close out the school year and ready ourselves to welcome the new administration, we have faith that you will take the lessons you have learned with you, and that you will continue to search for new perspectives that will challenge you to make a positive impact on the university and the world. As educators, we know that the dissemination of knowledge has the potential to transform peoples' lives in distinctly significant ways.

In his speech at Harvard University Commencement in 2007, Bill Gates said to the audience, "Get informed, find others with the same interests, see the barriers, and find ways to cut through them. Don't let complexity stop you. Be activists. Take on big inequities. I feel sure it will be one of the great experiences of your lives." While we encourage each and every member of the Faculty Senate to make a difference, we will continue our exploration of ways to drive engagement and we will deal with controversial topics to best facilitate the free exchange of ideas. As thought leaders, we have the potential to reshape the future of our Vanderbilt Community. We cannot wait to see what wonderful and important things you do.

Thank you for your contributions and service. Have a great summer. We will see you in August!


May 2017 Faculty Senate Meeting Summary:

On May 8, at the Faculty Senate Assembly meeting, Faculty Senate Elections were held. Congratulations to our new officers!
  • Chair-elect, Victoria Greene - A&S (ran unopposed)
  • Vice Chair-elect, Jeremy Wilson - Blair (ran unopposed)
The Faculty Manual Committee brought two motions before the Senate. Both motions were adopted.
  • Motion 1 - Interim Changes
  • Motion 2 - Disciplinary Actions
The Executive Committee Report covered:
  • Board of Trust presentation
  • Faculty Senate office relocation
  • Year-end Reports - The EC year-end report will be sent to faculty and posted on the portal in late June.
     
  • Senator Recognition
Nineteen Senators who were recognized for rolling off Senate received their third-year certificates. Twelve Senators were recognized for perfect attendance and twelve who have missed only one meeting. Xenophon Koutsoukos was recognized for meeting all standing committee requirements and requests.Gifts of appreciation were presented to Immediate Past Chair, Richard Willis and Immediate Past Vice Chair, Ann Price. General Counsel, Audrey Anderson was presented a plaque in appreciation of her support to the Faculty Senate.  

Provost Susan Wente provided remarks, thanks, and congratulations on behalf of Chancellor Zeppos. She provided certificates to all present third year senators. If you were not in attendance, your certificate will be sent to you via campus mail.  

Standing committees gave their reports.  

Finally, Dr. Padma Raghavan, Vice Provost for Research, was the scheduled speaker. She provided the Senate with an overview of PIERS, the Office of Research and all of the important work of the Vanderbilt Research Council, Research Operations & Services, and Technology Transfer & Commercialization as it relates to faculty. 
 
For an in depth account of Senate deliberations, please reference the minutes of the meeting posted on the Faculty Senate Portal.

 

Faculty Wellness Survey: 
 

The Faculty Senate heard you! Thank you again for your input. Again, all responses are confidential and discussed only in aggregate formats. 
 
Faculty Wellness Survey: (shared with the Senate by Faculty Life Committee Chair, Scott Pearson during the last meeting)
  • There were 1,590 total respondents who started the survey and 1,065 completed most items.
  • Faculty noted more stress at work than home.
  • Work overload is still the #1 source for stress/burnout.
  • Confidentially and stigma were cited at the #1 and 2 causes to prevent faculty from seeking help (consistent with VUMC surveys in 2009 and 2016).
  • 72% responded 'yes they would use' a faculty commons if one existed.
  • The primary purpose of the faculty commons was selected as social (54%) and would be used primarily for faculty and family members (61%).
A Task Force on Faculty Wellness will review the data in more detail and identify recommendations. They will present to the Faculty Senate in the 2017-2018 academic year.



Faculty Challenge:

Department of Pediatrics takes on Savor Diversity:
 
Dr. Kecia Carrol participated in a Savor Diversity lunch at the Center of Professional Health. She then took the concept to her division head, Bill Cooper. He announced it at their department meeting and the concept of Savor Diversity was disseminated within the entire Department of Pediatrics. Section leaders then held several Savor Diversity lunches. Thank you to all who hosted an event. We would like to recognize Drs. Carroll and Cooper for their efforts and all the following sections who hosted an event. Certificates are being forwarded via campus mail to all who engaged in a Savor Diversity event.
  
Pediatric Pulmonary Division
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics
Neonatal Division
NICU Savor Diversity
Pediatric Division Center




Complete Project Safe Training:

 
A training module created for faculty is available on the Learning Exchange.
Golden Obligation/Golden Opportunity was created by the EAD in partnership
with the Faculty Senate and provides additional information about mandatory reporters, confidentiality, and resources.
  1. To access the course, log in to Vanderbilt's Learning Exchange at:   https://webapp.mis.vanderbilt.edu/absorb-sso/login.action  
  2. You can search for the course by title: Golden Opportunity/Golden Obligation
  3. The training module will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.


What's News for the Faculty Senate?
 
1. VUMC Culture Survey: The survey, which began Monday, May 1, will run until Monday, May 22. Read more... 
 
2. Vanderbilt International Response Travel Team (VIRT): is coming in August 2017. This incident reporting system is being developed for all VU travelers who are traveling for VU business. It will provide a single point of service for our students and faculty travelers.
 
3. SkyVU: Go live date is October 1, 2017. Learn more at SkyVU.  
 
4. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Campaign: Help spread the word and destigmatize mental health illnesses. Get your posters from the MHW team. Learn more at Go There.
 
5. MAPS: Consider MAPS training!! "MAPS is a Vanderbilt University joint initiative with the Psychological and Counseling Center (PCC) and the Center for Student Wellbeing designed to prevent suicide in the campus community while promoting mental health awareness."
 
6. TIPS: Submission deadlines are:
    Proposal window opens: September 2017 (tentative)
    Pre-proposals due: October 2017 (tentative)
    Full proposals due: December 2017 (tentative)
    Award announcements: May 2018 
    Funds available: July 1, 2018
 


Farewell to Two Senators

As the Faculty Senate will bid farewell to Lou Outlaw and Tony Weil who will retire from Vanderbilt this year, we express our deepest gratitude to them for their work with the Faculty Senate. They have imparted a great amount of knowledge into their students and have been true friends to all. May this new phase of their lives see good health, happiness and intellectual fulfillment. Thank you for your service as an educator and inspiration to us.
 
 
Lucius Outlaw, Jr., PhD
Professor of Philosophy           

Outlaw enjoys talking about race in socio-political life.  He received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Boston College in Boston, MA.

He is the author/editor of numerous publications, including a collection of essays titled  On Race and Philosophy,  and has written a monograph,  Race, Reason and Order.He maintains an electronic database of biographical and bibliographical information on philosophers of African descent, past and present, from which he prepared the International Directory of Philosophers of African Descent. His teaching and scholarly interests are: Racial Matters in socio-political life, in the United States in particular, and in legacies and practices of European and Euro-American Philosophy; Social and Political Philosophy; Africana Philosophy (African; African American, for example, Martin Delany, W.E.B. Du Bois, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, among others); American Philosophy.  
 

The focus of research in the laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic transcription initiation. For the last ten or so years he has been examining the eukaryotic transcription factors which mediate initiation complex formation and thus represent potential targets for trans-regulation. He has utilized the simple eukaryote, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Baker's Yeast, for his work. This organism was chosen for the studies because both biochemical and genetic approaches can be taken with yeasts. The focus of his research in the Weil Laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic transcription initiation. The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics has been consistently ranked in the top three physiology departments in the nation. Faculty in the department use diverse cutting edge techniques to address important research questions that span the spectrum of biomedical sciences.
 
Best wishes to both of you. Your work truly made a lasting impact, and has changed the university and  medical center for the better in so many ways. As you embark on your next adventures - scholarly and otherwise - we wish you great joy and success!     
 


Emeriti Faculty Announced

Thirty-two retiring faculty members were recognized during Commencement on May 12. Vanderbilt honored the faculty's years of service and bestowed upon them the title of emeritus or emerita faculty. Read more about the Emeriti Professors here


     
Senators Rolling Off
   
During the May 8 Faculty Senate Assembly meeting, Provost Susan Wente recognized Senators who have served their three-year terms and are rolling off. She and Chair Charlene Dewey presented appreciation certificates to the following nineteen Senators to thank them for their service to The Senate.
          • Brian Bachmann, Ph.D.
          • Mark Cannon, Ph.D.
          • Tom Christenbery, PhD, RN, CNE
          • Brian Christman, M.D.
          • David Cliffel, Ph.D.
          • Charlene M. Dewey, M.D., M.Ed.
          • Ray Friedman, Ph.D.
          • Richard Haglund, Ph.D.
          • Brian L. Heuser, Ed.D., M.T.S.
          • Xenofon Koutsoukos, Ph.D.
          • Peter R. Martin, M.D., M.Sc.
          • Holly McCammon, Ph.D.
          • Nicole Streiff McCoin, M.D.
          • Caglar Oskay, Ph.D.
          • A. Scott Pearson, M.D.
          • Sean Seymore, Ph.D., J.D.
          • Tom Talbot, M.D., MPH
          • Bill Walsh, M.D.
          • Donna Webb, Ph.D.


Commencement Photos :
 
  Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos, BOT Chairman Mark Dalton
  Faculty Senate Chair, Charlene Dewey carries the mace at Commencement.

Three Faculty in School of Medicine served as chair of the Faculty Senate  
(from left to right) current Chair, Charlene M. Dewey, 
Chair-elect, Geoffrey Fleming, Past Chair (2014) and current Parliamentarian, Donald Brady

 
  Chair Rocks with Faculty Senate Administrative Manager Debbie Hayes 



Focus on Spiritual Wellness - Part 2:
 
Happiness, meaning, and faith are concepts that can contribute significantly to our spiritual wellbeing. Positive Psychology is a growing field and is defined as: "Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play." -  
                                                                                                     - Positive Psychology Center at U Penn 
                                                                                           
Happiness: Have you ever heard the saying, "Happiness is a choice?" Evidence suggests you can become a more positive, happier person using Positive Psychology. In general it is presumed that happier people experience both positive and negative events similarly to those who rate themselves as negative people, but their responses in these situations are generally different and produce more of a positive outcome than a negative one. There are methods that support happiness and reduce depressive symptoms and relieve suffering. Martin Seligman's latest book entitled, "Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being," helps individuals utilize the five pillars of positive psychology (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments - PERMA) as building blocks for a "life of profound fulfillment." The book is geared toward helping individuals achieve well-being and flourish.
 

PERMA:
  • Positive emotion: happiness is a powerful positive emotion
  • Engagement: or flow is the well-being you get from being engaged in your tasks
  • Relationships: caring and supportive relationships as interpersonal connections
  • Meaning: provides a stable foundation and a sense of personal/career direction
  • Achievement: progressing toward goals and competence
A few examples of scales available through the U Penn Authentic Happiness web page are listed below. The first two are found in this writing below the reference section. Registration is free, but required to complete any scale on the web page.
  1. Subjective Happiness Scale also known as the Generalize Happiness Scale
  2. Meaning in Life Questionnaire
  3. Grit
  4. Work-Place PERMA
  5. Satisfaction with Life Scale
  6. Gratitude Survey
 
Meaning : How do you define your meaning? In Maslow's hierarchy, he places meaning in safety - employment, finances, etc. only second to life sustaining measures such as food and water. He also emphasizes meaning in relationships and belonging or love needs, meaning in esteem needs (to excel or be exceptional), in the next two levels of the hierarchy. Maslow identified these as deficiency needs that without them, our motivation to get or achieve them is higher. Meaning comes from lessons we are taught within our families and our beliefs in a higher power or nature. Bridget Grenville-Cleave [Positive Psychology: A practical guide] notes meaning is "important because it provides both a stable foundation and a sense of direction in life." She also notes that evidence suggests when we pursue meaningful activities over pursuing pleasurable events we promote happiness. Meaning can be measured in different ways but also includes spirituality (self-transcendence), self-actualization, order (holding values and traditions), and well-being and caring for others (community and love). Consider writing/journaling on your meaning using the mnemonic PURE - Purpose Understanding, Responsibility and Enjoyment/Evaluation. Start with asking yourself, do I see my work as a job, a career or a calling? Then ask, "If I had the opportunity to create my own job in my current work environment, what would it be? Then describe what you need to get there.
 
Faith : In our spiritual faith we attribute meaning of life's events has having purpose or some benefit for us or humanity. Spirituality and belief in one God (monotheism) is practiced in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism while the spiritual practices or beliefs in many gods (polytheist) are a part of Hinduism or perhaps Buddhism. So as an example, in my faith and belief in God as my supreme being, I feel my purpose in life is to worship God and to serve others over and above myself. This sense of purpose and meaning gives me a sense of support as my foundation (God can do all things) and also helps me feel secure in troubling times (I am not in it alone). My spiritual well-being then consists of my focused attention to nurturing my own spirit through prayer, worship, and service to others in my role at work and home and within my community. My happiness and meaning are tied together to support my spiritual well-being. So ask yourself, "How do I relate to a higher power other than myself?" Consider a spiritual journey to find, establish or strengthen your faith. If you choose to be spiritual in nature, then ask yourself, "How do I see myself fitting in with nature or the world?"

So how do you nurture your overall spiritual well-being? Consider how you support and nurture your spiritual well-being through your happiness, meaning, and faith beliefs and practices. Try some of these techniques to nurture your spirituality:
  1. Prayer
  2. Meditation
  3. Journaling
  4. Yoga
  5. Quiet reflection
  6. Take a walk in nature
 
References:
  1. University of Pennsylvania - Positive Psychology Center at:  https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/ 
  2. University of Pennsylvania - Well-being in Health Care Professionals Survey at:  https://upenn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bsl6i3M8vb53LSJ  
  3. University of Pennsylvania Authentic Happiness at: https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/ 
  4. Subjective Happiness Scale at:  https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/resources/questionnaires-researchers/subjective-happiness-scale  
  5. McLeod, S. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Simple Psychology, 2007, updated 2016 at:  https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html 
  6. Burton, N. Our Hierarchy of Needs: Why true freedom is a luxury of the mind. Psychology Today at:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201205/our-hierarchy-needs  
  7. Grenville-Cleave, B. Positive Psychology: A practical guide. Chapter 6, Meaning and Purpose. MJF Books, New York, New York, 2012.
  8. Polytheism: https://www.britannica.com/topic/polytheism  
  9. Monotheism:  https://www.britannica.com/topic/monotheism  
  10. Psychology Today: Spirituality at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/spirituality
Scales:
  1. The Subjective Happiness Scale also known as the Generalize Happiness Scale - is a valid, 4-item scale to assess happiness. It uses a 7-point rating scale. ( By Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D.)
1)    In general, I consider myself: not a very happy person 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 a very happy person
2)    Compared to most of my peers, I consider myself: less happy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 more happy
3)    Some people are generally very happy. They enjoy life regardless of what is going on, getting the most out of everything. To what extent does this characterization describe you? not at all 1 2 3 4 5 6 7  a great deal 
4)    Some people are generally not very happy. Although they are not depressed, they never seem as happy as they might be. To what extend does this characterization describe you? not at all 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 a great deal
 
 
(Item 4 is scaled in revers)
 
2. Contribute to change...take the 15 minute Well-being in Health Care Professionals Survey.  
    research and to help identify solutions within healthcare. (It is a survey, you don't get responses.)
 
      

Other Announcements 

 

 
     Thoughts, Concerns, New Business:
 
     A ny senator with thoughts, concerns or new business for the Executive Committee to address can submit them in   
     writing to the EC via e
mail or anonymously via the Faculty Senate Portal Feedback Form . Your comments are 
     expected and appreciated. 
                          
                                                    Enjoy your Summer!  
                                        
From Your
                                                   
                          
                                                                 

The next Faculty Senate Meeting is 
                     If you have any questions, please contact:                        

Debbie Hayes
Administrative Manager
615-343-3841