Dear Colleagues, 

Thanks so much to those who attended the Fall Faculty Meeting on September 20 at the new Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. I hope you enjoyed the warm and engaging "welcome" provided by Baylor's newest building just off Interstate 35. A full meeting video is available on the Office of the Provost website for those who could not attend.

At the meeting, we welcomed new academic leaders and a new cohort of 124 faculty, now more closely reflecting the diversity of our student body. We also celebrated faculty receiving Baylor's outstanding research and teaching awards, the University Distinguished Professor Award, Centennial Professor Awards, Collins Outstanding Professor Award, Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year, and those receiving prestigious national awards, such as the Ernest Guenther Award in the Chemistry of National Products.

President Livingstone shared her goals for the upcoming year and her expectations for the ongoing strategic planning process. Building on a solid financial foundation, she provided confidence and inspiration for our long-term planning to continue building Baylor University as a university committed to transformational education, research, and scholarship at the highest levels, excellence in arts and athletics – all in a caring, Christian educational environment. 

An essential distinctive of a Baylor education is our commitment to student formation – academically, socially, and spiritually. A unique partnership between Vice President of Student Life Kevin Jackson and the Division of Student Life with three of our faculty (Drs. Kevin Dougherty, Perry Glanzer, and Sarah Schnitker) has enabled us to study student faith and character development at Baylor. For example, they found that most students are either stable or growing in their faith as well as in their application of that faith in service to others during their time at Baylor. Positive associations with this growth include church attendance, peer influences, prayer, Bible study, and faculty relationships. They also find our students increase in their patience and social altruism. 

Finally, I closed with commentary on Baylor's transformative undergraduate education by sharing information on student success and efforts underway to provide even more robust support for our students. Of particular note was the significant impact of the new College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum on timely graduation and on faculty and staff who are designing ways to engage students in rigorous academic courses more effectively. Many of our most strategic efforts to improve student outcomes are being led by lecturers and senior lecturers. By the end of the semester, we will have the final policy completed that recognizes the vital work of all lecturers by providing a third tier of promotion for our teaching faculty.

Again, I am grateful for all who were able to join us at Hurd Welcome Center for the Fall Faculty Meeting. The Spring Faculty Meeting will be held virtually on January 23, 2024, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. See you there!

Best regards, 

Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D.
Provost

Academic Affairs Announcements 

Cherry Award: Please Save the Dates

The Cherry Award for Great Teaching program is pleased to present the public lectures for our three Cherry Award finalists. Please join us!

• Jay Banner - 21st Century Texas: Climate, water, science and society.
  October 24, 2023, 3:00 p.m., Baylor Science Building B.110.
• Kelly Lambert - Brain Sculpting: Stranger than fiction tales of neuroplasticity.
  October 30, 2023, 3:30 p.m., Paul & Jane Meyer Conference Center, Foster 250.
• Claire Katz - Inquiring Minds: Philosophical communities and transformational education. November 6, 2023, 3:30 p.m., Armstrong Browning Library, McLean Foyer of Meditation.

More information is available on the Cherry Award website.

Faculty Panel on Artificial Intelligence

Mark your calendars for a faculty panel on artificial intelligence titled, “Understanding AI and How it Works,” on October 26 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Panelists will include Professors Matthew Brammer and Matthew Cordon, Drs. Liang Dong, Pablo Rivas, and Lauren Short.

Faculty Retirement Program Deadline

Faculty who are interested in participating in the Faculty Retirement Program must submit their interest via the online form by November 15, 2023. Additional information on the program for retirement dates of May 2025 or May 2026 is available on the HR website.

Interim Director of the Institute for Faith & Learning (IFL) Announced 

The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce that Dr. Elijah Jeong, assistant director of the Institute for Faith and Learning, has been appointed IFL’s interim director effective January 1, 2024, following Dr. Darin Davis’s 17-year stint in IFL, which ends on December 31.  

Dr. Jeong joined IFL in 2021 and has led the Crane Scholars Program since 2022. He has also helped to lead IFL’s various faculty formation efforts, including Missio. His scholarly interests include the integration of faith in higher education administration and the intersection of religion, race, and higher education.

Call for Nominations: Director of the Institute for Faith and Learning

The Institute for Faith and Learning invites nominations for the position of director, with service beginning by August 2024. Names of prospective candidates, internal or external to Baylor, may be sent to the search committee co-chairs, Drs. Sara Perry and Darren Middleton. For more information on the position, please visit the Office of the Provost website.

Minnie Steven Piper Foundation Teaching Award (State of Texas)

We are delighted to congratulate Dr. Andrea Dixon for her designation as a 2023 Piper Professor by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, which selects ten Texas professors for their teaching and outstanding academic, scientific, and scholarly achievements.

Readers Meet the Author Series: Dr. Greg Garrett

October 12, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Schumacher Flex Space in the Moody Memorial Library
The Office of the President and the Office of the Provost are pleased to announce this year’s first Readers Meet the Author event, featuring Dr. Greg Garrett’s new novel, “Bastille Day.” Dr. Ronald Angelo Johnson will interview Dr. Garrett. Light refreshments and a book signing will follow the conversation.

Readers Meet the Author Series: Dr. João Chaves

November 8, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Schumacher Flex Space in the Moody Memorial Library
The Office of the President and the Office of the Provost are pleased to announce this year’s second Readers Meet the Author event, featuring Dr. João Chaves’s new work, “Migrational Religion: Context and Creativity in the Latinx Diaspora.” Dr. Felipe Hinojosa will interview Dr. Chaves. Light refreshments and a book signing will follow the conversation.

Strategic Planning Group White Papers

The Strategic Planning Group invites members of the campus community to submit a “white paper” describing a strategic, interdisciplinary or cross-functional initiative that you believe warrants consideration as part of the University’s strategic planning process. A reminder that the due date for all white papers is October 31.

Baylor Welcomes Dr. Anthony Reddie

Dr. Anthony Reddie, professor of Black Theology at the University of Oxford, will be in residence at Baylor for three weeks in November and will present a university-wide lecture at Fudge Auditorium at the Hurd Welcome Center on November 15 at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public – we would love to see you there! While on campus, Dr. Reddie will also be speaking with groups at Truett Seminary, the School of Social Work, and the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, please reach out to Dr. Greg Garrett.

Vice Provost’s Corner 

Vice Provost for Administration and Operations

Baylor Travel Program Updates
Procurement Services is rolling out a revamped travel program, which includes a new travel management company and the Concur Travel booking tool. The goals are to streamline the booking process and increase efficiency in payment and reconciliation. Your business officer will communicate when trainings are available. Training attendance and usage of the new tool will be voluntary, but encouraged.

Alternative Lodging Committee and Exception Process
As an enhancement to the Travel and Business Expense Policy, an Alternative Lodging Committee has been formed to review requests to use non-conventional lodging for business travel. Requests for an exception must be submitted via the Alternative Lodging Exception Form. Learn more on the Payment and Procurement Services website.

Travel Business Expenses
As indicated in the University travel and business expense and travel card policies, employees are strongly encouraged to use a University-issued travel card for Baylor travel and business entertainment expenses. Please contact your Financial Administrator or Financial Manager for questions or assistance.

• Travel Policy.
• Travel Card Policy.

Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

The Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year Award Lecture
November 13, 5:00 p.m., Kayser Lecture Hall, Hankamer Academic Building
Join the Office of the Provost as we welcome Dr. Richard Rankin Russell, the 2023 Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year awardee. Reception to follow – all are welcome!

Call for Nominations: The Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year Award
The Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year Award recognizes a faculty member who makes a superlative contribution to the learning environment of the University. Nominations are requested from all faculty, students, and alumni. Nominations must be submitted to the candidate’s dean by 5:00 p.m., November 21, 2023. Full details can be found on the Office of the Provost website.

Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity and Belonging

Faculty and Staff of Color Welcome Reception
October 17, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Cashion 506
The Office of the Provost and the Faculty of Color Alliance is delighted to welcome the Baylor community to this special event – come and share food and fellowship as we begin the academic year. Please let us know if you’re coming by registering online.

National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity Discussion
October 23, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Virtual
Dr. Stephen Breck Reid and guests will lead a discussion and be available for questions regarding our partnership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD). Join Dr. Reid for a conversation about the excellent resources available to you through the NCFDD. Sign up for this virtual event through our online form.

Vice Provost for Institutional Research and Professional Education

Supporting Online Students 
As a member of the Baylor Family, online students have access to several campus services, including the highly recognized career services, writing center, and mental wellness and health resources. To support your online students, the Student Resources page on the GPE site is designed to answer questions and provide resources to ensure each student succeeds.

Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Academic Affairs

Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL)

Please consider the following upcoming opportunities from the ATL:

• Upcoming Seminars for Excellence in Teaching: A Virtuous Core (Oct. 19), Legos and Lasers (Oct. 25), What Do Grades Mean to Students? (Nov. 9)

Office of the Registrar

New FERPA Release Form for Students
A new centralized FERPA consent to release information form has been created and is now available in BearWeb for students. This centralized FERPA form should replace all existing FERPA release forms across campus. Instructions for viewing student FERPA release information, how students navigate to and use the form, and general FERPA policy information are available online.

New Curriculum Management System Has Launched
Baylor’s new Curriculum Inventory Management System (CIM) has now launched. All curriculum changes (new proposals or revisions to current programs) must be submitted using CIM.  For more on CIM and the new curriculum proposal process, visit the Office of the Registrar website.

Paul L. Foster Success Center

Update on The Store:  Baylor’s On-Campus Student Pantry
Baylor’s On-Campus Student Pantry (The Store) has moved to a new and improved location – come and visit us! The new space (Room 100, Sid Richardson) now boasts a prime 1st-floor location, increased floor space, a new front desk, student lounge area, and will soon include a set of SNAP application assistance offices. 

Financial Education Workshops and Presentations for Students
The Student Financial Wellness Program provides money management education, personalized coaching, and workshops to empower Baylor students for financial stewardship. Faculty and instructors can request a presentation for their classroom, and students can register for weekly workshops online.

McNair Scholars Program
The Baylor McNair Scholars Program is now taking applications! McNair serves first-generation, low-income, and/or students from underrepresented backgrounds in their efforts with undergraduate research and preparing for applying for Ph.D. programs at some of the nation’s top universities. The application priority deadline is November 1, 2023! Check out the website for more information. Please encourage students to apply!

Pathfinders
The Student Opportunity and Accessibility Resources (SOAR) office has launched its newest Pathfinders Program! The program is designed for first-year students who are first generation, who come from an underrepresented minority group, or who are interested in undergraduate research. 

Spotlight on the Academy 

Honors College

Drumwright Family Lecture
October 16, 4:00 p.m., Foyer of Mediation, Armstrong Browning Library
The Honors College invites you to the Drumwright Family Lecture featuring Dr. Vincent Lloyd. The lecture titled “Pursuing Justice in Toxic Times” will focus on the intersection of race, religion, and politics.  

Laura Blanche Jackson Lectureship in World Issues 
October 24, 7:00 p.m., Paul Powell Chapel, Truett Seminary
The Honors College presents the Laura Blanche Jackson Lectureship in World Issues, featuring speaker Dr. Kyle Harper, whose work tries to integrate the natural sciences into the study of the human past, will be speaking on the topic “Pandemics: A Hidden Hinge of Global History.”

George W. Truett Theological Seminary 

Save The Date: Parchman Endowed Lectures  
Truett Seminary invites you to the Parchman Endowed Lectures, October 17-18! John Swinton, professor of practical theology and pastoral care and chair in divinity and religious studies at the University of Aberdeen, will offer three lectures under the topic “A Deeper, Kinder Practical Theology of Mental Health." All lectures will be held in the Paul W. Powell Chapel at Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

• October 17, 11:00 a.m., Lecture 1: Finding Peace With Self and Others: The Challenge of the Western Mind.
• October 17, 4:00 p.m., Lecture 2: Finding Peace With Creation: Culture, Politics, and the Land.
• October 18, 11:00 a.m., Lecture 3: Finding Peace With God: A Deeper, Kinder Practical Theology of Mental Health.

School of Music

Lyceum Series Recital by Grammy Award-winning Oboist Alex Klein
Please join us for a spectacular recital featuring Grammy Award-winning Oboist Alex Klein on October 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Roxy Grove Hall as part of the School of Music’s Lyceum Series. Klein is recognized as one of today’s leading oboists and began his musical studies in his native Brazil at age nine. This recital is free and open to the public.

Louise Herrington School of Nursing

School of Nursing Welcomes TV Celebrity for Alumni Reunion
The Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) hosted its LHSON Alumni Reunion on September 16, 2023, with over 75 alums and keynote speaker Cary Deuber, BSN ‘98, and celebrity star on Bravo TV and founder/co-owner of Lemmon Ave. Plastic Surgery and Laser Center. The event also presented awards to: LHSON Distinguished Recent Graduate Award, Dr. Alicia Baldassare; LHSON Friend of Nursing Award, Rita and Carl Bonds and LHSON Distinguished Alumni Award, Gracie Glendinning.   

University Libraries, Museums, and the Press 

MediaSpace (Kaltura) Video Retention Policy 
Important information for those who use Media Gallery in Canvas or use MediaSpace to store and share video: Kaltura, the company that provides Baylor’s MediaSpace video storage and playback platform, recently reminded us of its retention policy. Videos uploaded to MediaSpace (Kaltura) will be retained for four years and then will be removed if they go unplayed for less than 10 seconds. Transcoded versions of videos for different platforms will be removed after two years from their last playback.

Important Academic Dates 

Additional deadlines are available on the Academic Units Deadlines calendar.

• Month of October- 2nd-year reviews for tenure-track faculty (must be done by Oct. 31).
• October 11- Digital Humanities: Discovering DH: Honoring Hispanic Stories.
• October 12- Readers Meet the Author: Dr. Greg Garrett.
• October 16- Deadline for department chairs to provide summary teaching evaluation to 6th-year Regular Lecturers for senior lecturer review.
• October 16- Deadline for department chairs to provide summary evaluations of clinical assistant professors applying for promotion to available tenured faculty, clinical associate professors, and clinical professors in the department.
• October 17- Faculty and Staff of Color Welcome.
• October 31- Notebooks for senior lecturer consideration due to chairs (or deans in schools where the dean acts as chair).
• October 31- Chair provides evaluation forms to available tenured faculty and senior lecturers for meeting with regular lecturer (meeting should occur by Nov. 30).
• October 31- Clinical assistant professors will submit their promotion notebooks.
• October 31- Department chairs provide colleague evaluation forms to the available tenured faculty, clinical associate professors, and clinical professors and schedule Nov. 30 meetings.
• Month of November- Available tenured faculty, clinical associate professors, and clinical professors in the department are to review clinical associate professor’s notebooks during November. Also, candidates for promotion to full professor will meet with departmental professors, chair, and dean. Review meetings will also take place with candidates for senior lecturer (must be completed by Nov. 30).
• November 1- Deadline for tenure candidates to submit tenure notebooks. The chairs distribute summary teaching evaluations and external letters to tenured faculty (UTC distributes evaluation forms). The chair also schedules meetings to evaluate the tenure candidate(s).
• November 1- Research leave applications due to the dean.
• November 2- University Teaching Development Grant applications due to ATL.
• November 2- All tenure review candidate materials are due to the chair via BOX folder.
• November 3- Tenure review candidates lose access to BOX folder.
• November 8- Readers Meet the Author: Dr. João Chaves.
• November 10- Deadline to collect colleague evaluation forms for 2nd-year T-T faculty.
• November 13- Cornelia Marschall Smith Award Lecture: Dr. Richard R. Russell.

Previous issues of the Provost Newsletter can be accessed on the Office of the Provost website.