Dear Colleagues,
Our commitment to student success in all aspects is our top priority. Alongside ongoing initiatives in and out of the classroom, another opportunity presents itself this week. The annual Campus Scholarship and Innovation Campaign began on Monday and runs through April 19. I hope to see you at the launch event breakfast on Friday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room.
The goal of this campaign is participation—your involvement with a minimum donation of $5 will make this successful. Last year participation by faculty and staff was 42%. Our goal this year is 50%, and I know we can achieve it. By now, you know that I love competition. We’ll provide participation updates over the next several weeks, and I look forward to recognizing the units with the highest participation rates!
To learn more about the 2024 Campus Scholarship and Innovation Campaign or to make a gift online, visit wright.edu/csic.
Faculty Awards—Nominations Due March 22
Trustees’ Award for Faculty Excellence: The Wright State University Trustees’ Award for Faculty Excellence is the highest award given by the university. It is an annual award given to outstanding Wright State University full-time, fully affiliated faculty who have demonstrated a sustained and balanced contribution to the teaching, research, and professional service mission of the university. The award honors those who serve as the most outstanding of role models for all faculty. A faculty member may receive the award once and may not hold an administrative position above the rank of chair.
Distinguished Professor: The title distinguished professor is a special rank awarded by the Board of Trustees in three categories: teaching, research, and professional service. Nominees for Distinguished Professor of Teaching must have demonstrated outstanding skills as teachers and advisors as evidenced by student and peer evaluations, course development and improvement, and/or scholarly publications in the area of teaching. Nominees for Distinguished Professor of Research must have produced a significant body of work in scholarship, research, or the creative arts that brings distinction to the university and national or international recognition to the faculty member. Nominees for Distinguished Professor of Professional Service must have provided exceptional service to the university and the community through outstanding leadership and other significant contributions.
President’s Award for Faculty Excellence: Early Career Achievement Award: Recognizes excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service during the formative years (the first four years) of a junior faculty member’s initial appointment. While nominees may excel in one or two areas, they must be successfully contributing in all three.
President’s Award for Outstanding Non-Tenure Eligible (NTE) Faculty: Teaching: Recognizes a full-time, non-tenure track faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, while still successfully contributing in all aspects of faculty responsibilities, and participates in professional development.
President’s Award for Outstanding Non-Tenure Eligible (NTE) Faculty: Service: Recognizes a full-time, non-tenure track faculty member who demonstrates excellence in service, while still successfully contributing in all aspects of faculty responsibilities, and participates in professional development.
President’s Award for Faculty Mentoring: Recognizes faculty members who have made significant contributions to faculty success through faculty mentoring. Mentoring may take several forms, including advice on professionalism; feedback and guidance on teaching, research, and service; career coaching; and advice on improving work and life balance.
Nominations for the annual faculty awards are open through March 22. All nominations should be submitted by the Dean’s Office as a single electronic PDF file via Secure Share to franchesca.alford@wright.edu. Learn more about the nomination process (PDF).
Spring Commencement Ceremonies
Lake Campus Ceremony: Thursday, April 25, 5:30 p.m.
Graduate Ceremony: Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.
Undergraduate Ceremony: Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m.
Boonshoft School of Medicine Ceremony: Sunday, April 28, 2:00 p.m.
Commencement is an event that marks a significant moment in the lives of our students and their families. The granting of a degree and the admission to the “rights and privileges” associated with a given degree are extraordinarily important events for those receiving degrees.
The presence of faculty is especially important for the graduates and their families. All faculty should prioritize their attendance and bargaining unit faculty are reminded of their responsibility under Article 7.15.
Registration is required and is open now through April 8:
- Lake Campus Ceremony registration
- Dayton Campus Graduate and Undergraduate Ceremony registration
- Boonshoft School of Medicine Ceremony registration
To confirm attendance, registered faculty must sign in at and attend the event. Bargaining unit faculty are required to attend at least two commencement ceremonies a year (as available on their applicable campus) in full academic regalia.
Information about renting regalia from the Wright State Bookstore was emailed to faculty on February 16, with a deadline of March 15. If you have questions about regalia rental, please contact merchteam@ecampus.com.
Events
- All students are encouraged to attend the Career and Internship Fair today from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Student Union Apollo Room.
More than 70 employers are expected to attend the fair, offering opportunities for students from all class levels and all majors to connect with representatives to learn about internships and full-time professional positions.
Because the number of employers recruiting our students at this spring’s fair has increased, it is essential to have excellent student participation. Please encourage and support your students to attend the fair. Get additional information, including details on how to register.
- ArtsGala is celebrating 25 amazing years! Join us for Dayton's premier event showcasing Wright State's most talented students in the fine and performing arts on April 6.
Since 2000, ArtsGala has raised nearly $4 million and provided more than 1,000 scholarships to deserving students. All proceeds go toward scholarships for Wright State's outstanding fine and performing arts students. Learn more.
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
