Evolving Economic Realities: Public Affairs Theme for 2009 – 2010

Nominations and Applications are solicited for the Provost Fellow for Public Affairs

The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce that the Public Affairs theme for the 2009 – 2010 academic year will be Evolving Economic Realities.

In light of recent global and domestic economic developments, it seems appropriate that the University community should spend time considering the nature of these changes as well as their numerous impacts.

The theme selection committee envisions a wide variety of subtopics that might be included under this overriding topic. These include, but are not limited to: 1) the causes of the recent economic turmoil and the prospects for the future; 2) the impact of these developments on social equity, funding for the arts; charitable causes, student lives, etc.; 3) the role that leadership has played in creating and will need to play in solving these economic realities; and 4) the impact these trends will have on attempts to create green economies.

As is the case this year with the Sustainability theme, the intent will be to incorporate this new theme into as many campus activities and programs as possible. This effort will culminate in the 2010 Public Affairs Conference. The Office of the Provost welcomes applications and nominations for a Provost Fellow who will be responsible for refining this theme, developing and promoting related activities and serve as the chair for the Public Affairs Conference. The person selected will receive a one course reassignment per semester and an $8,000 stipend. Although the appointment will be for one year, the person selected will be asked to shadow this year’s Provost Fellow in order to gain an understanding of the full responsibilities of the position.

Individuals wishing to be considered for this position should submit a CV and letter of interest outlining their experience, skills and ideas to Rachelle Darabi, Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs. Review of the applications will begin on December 5, 2008.

John Catau, Associate Provost

Student Advisement Information

As we draw closer to the time when our students will begin registering for their spring classes I wanted to ask all advisors to suggest that their advisees NOT register for back-to-back classes if one of those classes will be held at one of our downtown sites and the other will be on the main campus.

It is very difficult, if not impossible, for a student to make the trip between our main campus and the downtown sites in the 10 – 15 minutes they currently have available.

Many of our students, and especially our freshmen, are unaware that the Park Central Office Building (PCOB) and Brick City (BRIK) are downtown. Please bring this to their attention as you meet with them in your advising sessions.

The Provost has appointed a Class Scheduling Task Force to look into a variety of issues we are, and will be, facing as we continue to expand our presence downtown, transition to Banner, and strive to improve how we meet the needs of our students. One idea we are certain to consider during our deliberations is whether or not we should adjust the amount of time between classes. I am chairing this task force and welcome your ideas and suggestions.

John Catau, Associate Provost