Dear Colleagues in Academic Affairs,
The official start of the 2022-2023 academic year is a few days away, and it’s wonderful to see the campus starting to come alive again with the sounds of students arriving and colleagues reuniting.
As I reflect on the last few months, I’m filled with gratitude and renewed optimism. In particular, I’m appreciative of the time and care invested throughout the summer preparing our students and campus for a successful year. The passion for our students’ success is remarkable, witnessed in more than two dozen orientation sessions; calling campaigns to help students re-enroll; the installation of new technology and furniture in classrooms; and the planning for this week’s robust Week of Welcome activities.
This summer, we also celebrated the work of our retiring colleagues and recognized more than three dozen faculty who were promoted and/or earned tenure. Promotion and tenure are not earned lightly; this step recognizes years of commitment by these faculty to their research, scholarship and artistry. Our faculty and instructors are exceptional, and their contributions to their disciplines and our community are immeasurable. We’ve also been joined by several new faculty colleagues this fall; please join me in welcoming them to the Huskie community. I look forward to the impact they will make to our research, teaching and engagement missions.
Several new colleagues have recently joined NIU in leadership positions as well, including Vice President of Student Affairs Clint-Michael Reneau and Ombudsperson Sandra Cox. Together they bring expertise to our campus in areas that include leadership; wellness; diversity, equity and inclusion; strategy and transformation; and service education. Above all, they demonstrate passionate commitment to students.
Speaking of students, I know you’ll all give them a warm welcome. We must work together to ensure our new Huskies have a smooth transition into college. To help, we’re launching a communications campaign to engage new students early on, stressing the importance of getting involved, going to class and asking for help.
During the last two years, as both new and returning students nationwide balanced their college responsibilities in the midst of a pandemic, many struggled with engagement and focus. It’s imperative that we provide them with support, patience and guidance.
Toward that end, the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning this week is sending resources for “Week of Engagement” ideas to instructors of all 100- and 200-level courses. Additionally, the new Faculty Academy on Cultural Competence in Education (FACCE) will kick off its monthly series of workshops, created and delivered by NIU faculty and staff, with the first session to be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. FACCE provides an opportunity for all NIU faculty and instructors to join an engaged community of fellow educators in learning and professional development.
Finally, I encourage you all to take care of yourselves and each other during this busy time and throughout the academic year. I deeply appreciate your efforts to ensure the success of our Huskies. Their return to campus this week brings back memories of our own college experiences and the exciting opportunities that shaped our lives. For our Huskies, those opportunities lie ahead, thanks to you.
Sincerely,
Beth Ingram
Executive Vice President and Provost
Northern Illinois University
