Dear Colleagues,
I hope everyone was able to experience the solar eclipse on Monday. Having never seen one in totality before, I understand the buildup surrounding it now. It was truly a remarkable event. Thank you to everyone who hosted eclipse-related events and to those who worked to manage such a monumental task.
The rescheduled date for the University Awards for Student Success Champions recognition event is Friday, April 19, from 4–5 p.m. in the Berry Auditorium (009) in the Student Success Center. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Registration is not required, and light refreshments will be provided.
Campus Scholarship and Innovation Campaign Update
With just over one week left in the Campus Scholarship and Innovation Campaign, we have reached 31% participation so far. Staff participation accounts for a 71% contribution rate, while faculty contributions make up 29% of the total. The goal of this campaign is 50% participation of faculty and staff with a minimum donation of $5, so make your contribution today!
The academic-related area contributions as of Monday, April 8, are:
- University Libraries – 56% participation (3% increase over week 3)
- College of Graduate Programs and Honors Studies – 54% participation (11% increase over week 3)
- College of Engineering and Computer Science – 36% participation (3% increase over week 3)
- College of Health, Education, and Human Services – 34% participation (1% increase over week 3)
- Raj Soin College of Business – 29% participation (3% increase over week 3)
- Lake Campus – 28% participation (7% increase over week 3)
- College of Liberal Arts – 28% participation (2% increase over week 3)
- College of Science and Mathematics – 16% participation (2% increase over week 3)
- Boonshoft School of Medicine – 13% participation (1% increase over week 3)
Provost Fellow – Application Open
Last week a call for applications for the Provost’s Faculty Fellows program for 2024–2025 was announced. The Provost’s Faculty Fellows program offers a unique faculty leadership development experience while the Fellow works on issues that help advance the university’s strategic goals and priorities. This Fellow will work closely with academic administrators who will provide mentoring and share insights into higher education administration.
This year, one Fellow will be selected to assist and enhance the Research Enterprise. Working with the Provost’s Office, this Fellow will have the opportunity to coordinate a university-wide project and engage with administrative and faculty leaders across the university. Projects will focus on one or more areas related to advancing research and technology transition at Wright State. Examples of topical areas include:
- Developing a research mentorship program to support early-career or mid-career faculty.
- Increasing awareness of research and opportunities to encourage multidisciplinary research.
- Fostering engagement of undergraduate students with research and experiential opportunities with faculty.
- Implementing strategies to increase tech transition and encourage entrepreneurship opportunities for students and faculty.
- Working with the vice provost for research and innovation on a grant writing workshop.
The Fellowship will begin in August 2024 and continue through May 2025 with the opportunity to apply for a second year, contingent on progress toward agreed-upon goals/outcomes and availability of funding. Fellows receive one three- or four-credit discretionary offset per semester during the academic year.
Learn more about responsibilities, eligibility, and application requirements.
Faculty Resources
The presentation and supplemental material for “How Can I Help Students Who Are Struggling with Online Learning? (PDF)” are available through April 14. This content is provided by Monday Morning Mentors. To access the presentation, use “struggling25” as the password.
Benefits – Dependent Audit Verification
As previously communicated, Wright State is currently conducting an audit of employees covering a dependent on their healthcare plans. BMI, the university’s dependent audit third-party administrator, sent letters requesting supporting documentation by April 26, 2024. This correspondence was mailed to your home address on file with Human Resources. If you did not receive a letter, please contact BMI at 877-634-7780, Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. to request login instructions to retrieve your letter from the BMI portal. BMI assigned each employee a confidential audit identification number to access its portal.
If you have completed the verification process with BMI, no further action is required.
If you have questions regarding the status of your dependent audit, please contact BMI at 877-634-7780, Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Events
The University Libraries and the Friends of the Libraries invite you to join us at the annual Friends of the Libraries Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, at 11:00 a.m. in the Wright State Nutter Center Berry Room. Our featured speaker is Vick Mickunas, host of the “Book Nook,” an author interview program on WYSO. A lunch buffet will be provided.
Registration is required and must be completed by April 17. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Libraries. If you need accommodations for this event, please call 937-775-2380 five business days in advance.
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
