November 6, 2024 - Forward Momentum

Dear Colleagues,

I want to remind you that in consultation with the administration and the Core Oversight Committee, the deadline to submit Core Transition Forms to Curriculog was extended to Friday, November 8. All Core courses are expected to have submitted an OT36 application, which was due last Friday, November 1. In only a handful of cases will a course be included in the Core if it does not qualify for OT36, and these courses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Core Oversight Committee.

Recognition

Marietta Orlowski, professor and chair of the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, was awarded the 2024 Health Educator of the Year by the Ohio Chapter of the Society of Public Health Education. This distinguished award celebrates Dr. Orlowski’s extensive contributions to leadership, service, and mentoring in public health education and health promotion. Congratulations, Dr. Orlowski!

Events

1. Celebrate the Festival of Lights on Friday, November 8, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Apollo Room in the Student Union. The celebration includes dazzling lights, live dance performances, traditional music, and diverse Indian food options. All are encouraged to attend. Register and learn more.
    
2. The College of Graduate Programs and Honors Studies will host a graduate programs open house on Thursday, November 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Student Union. Many of you will be at the event recruiting new students. Thank you! If you are not volunteering, please stop by and meet some prospective students.
    
3. Wright State University will join with other institutions of higher learning to celebrate students who are the first in their families to further their education on National First Generation College Day on Friday, November 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Atrium.
   
   The celebration will include opening remarks from Kurt Holden, the university’s director of public safety who was a first-generation student; testimonials from alumni, graduates, and first-generation supporters; and music, refreshments, networking opportunities, and a photo booth.
   
   All students, faculty, and staff are welcome!

Register for Fall Commencement

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 7.4.8.

All faculty are encouraged to attend one or both fall commencement ceremonies in the Wright State Nutter Center. Registration is required and is open now through November 27. Register online.

Graduate Ceremony: Friday, December 13, 7:00 p.m.

Undergraduate Ceremony: Saturday, December 14, 10:00 a.m.

Faculty Resources and Workshops

1. On Wednesday, November 13, at 2:00 p.m., The Chronicle of Higher Education will host a free virtual forum on using AI to streamline communications with students. This presentation will address how chatbots are playing a larger role in the classroom and at the institutional level and how generative AI tools are transforming higher-ed practices — including how faculty and staff members communicate and engage with students.
   
   The session will also discuss the findings of a national survey of faculty and administrators by The Chronicle about how AI is changing communications with students.
   
   Register for How AI May Change Student Engagement.
    
2. The Center for Faculty Excellence is pleased to bring weekly tips to your inbox through Monday Morning Mentors. These are quick video presentations with additional materials provided. The presentation and supplemental material for “How Can I Help Students Become Comfortable with the Uncomfortable?” are available through November 10. To access the presentation, use “comfortable566” as the password.
    
3. Closing the Loop on Course Assessment: At the beginning of the term, assessment plans were created for each course. Now that the term is wrapping up, it is time to collect, report, and analyze the data. This workshop will walk through these processes to close the loop on course assessment for the term. Participants will learn how to report and/or collect data in the Planning and Self-Study system, receive tips on analyzing assessment results, and identify data-informed opportunities to improve student success.
   
   Tuesday, November 26, 2:30-3:25 p.m., in-person
   Friday, December 6, 11:15 a.m.-12:10 p.m., virtual (Webex link will be sent upon registration)
   Thursday, December 12, 12:30-1:25 p.m., in-person
   
   Register

Research and Sponsored Programs

The National Institutes of Health will host two webinars, NIH Grants Process Primer: Application to Award:

Part One: Wednesday, November 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Part Two: Thursday, November 14, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Due to the popularity of these topics, there is a strong possibility of reaching capacity on Zoom so participants should plan to log on early on November 13-14. Once capacity is reached, you will be redirected to a live stream on YouTube.

Learn more and register

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