October 2023

A Note from the Dean

Dear Colleagues,

The calendar says autumn and some bright orange leaves are starting the annual costume change in the trees this morning so it's here. These last few warm days under clear blue skies seem like a great treat.

Seven departments and programs this year are hosting external reviews. I see the hard work you are doing to prepare self-studies and make yourselves available to the reviewers. The reports always begin with high praise for what we are doing here; we have a strong foundation for our work. And then we get some creative advice on how to incrementally improve. I look forward to our work together in the coming months and years to keep striving for greater excellence.

Now in my third year, the rhythm of the year is familiar. We have begun anew with Fall Academy and welcoming our newcomers and now the parents and young alumni will join us for a weekend. I look forward to a visit from our Science Advisory Board in November and the Shepherd Advisory Board in October to celebrate our accomplishments and look to the future of our programs.

Thanks, as always, for all that you do for our students and our colleagues. We are each an invaluable contributor to our educational mission.

Best wishes,

We'd be grateful if you could give ten minutes of your time to complete a national survey of faculty regarding student career paths. The survey is being administered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), and the Society for Experiential Education (SEE). The survey will establish a benchmark for what faculty are already doing to prepare students for careers. NACE, AAC&U, and SEE will utilize findings from this research to continue to support faculty and institutional innovation. If enough faculty from W&L participate, we'll receive a report on our own campus.

SURVEY LINK - https://nace.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9v45xO0Utw6jgoK

This survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Your responses are saved every time you advance to the next page.
You can leave and return to the survey where you left off as long as you use the same computer or device.
The survey will remain open until December 31, 2023, although we encourage completion of the survey as soon as possible!

Please be sure to add your name and email at the end of the survey, if you would like to enter drawings for five (5) prizes of $100 Amazon gift cards. We will notify the winners in early January 2024.

SURVEY LINK - https://nace.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9v45xO0Utw6jgoK

ACS Program Offered to Current and Potential Department Heads

The ACS is offering a program that may be of interest to you. There is a monthly virtual training that ACS has built. The registration link and more information can be found here. ACS invites you to attend as many of the sessions as you like. Here's the schedule:

November 2, 2023 (4-5pm ET): Supporting departmental faculty as Chair
February 5, 2024 (4-5pm ET): The Budget : dispelling myths and rumors
February 29, 2024 (4-5 pm ET): Support for Chairs
April 2, 2024 (3-4pm ET): Topic to be selected by group in early February

Indigenous People's Day

The Native American & Indigenous Cohort will be running a poster series to highlight Indigenous Peoples Day Monday October 9th

Do you work with or know some amazing people at W&L?

Know someone who's accomplishing great things? Take the time to show them your appreciation by submitting their name and info to The Office of Communications and Public Affairs. If selected, the person may be featured in the Employee Accolades portion of The Columns Weekly newsletter. W&L is filled with amazing people, let's tell each other all about them!