Provost Newsletter - September 2023
Dear Colleagues,
Every fall, I am excited as new faculty arrive and current faculty return. Students move into residence halls, off-campus houses, and apartments and find their way through a new schedule of classes, clubs, and other activities. There is a rhythm to the academic year that I find rejuvenating. It also feels nothing short of miraculous that all the little details seem to fall into place. I thank you – thousands of you– for making this happen. I know this is the product of your good work.
Please mark your calendars for the Fall Faculty Meeting on September 20, which will be held in person at the new Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, starting at 3:00 p.m. At that time, I will share data on the new class of students (more Texan and more diverse than our last two classes) as well as the latest data on student success.
As many of you know, we are developing a new strategic plan for Baylor to be presented for affirmation by the Board of Regents in May. The Strategic Planning Group (SPG) has been meeting monthly throughout the summer to plan for the listening sessions that are now in progress. We have already held 35 listening sessions and have nearly 60 planned sessions between now and early November. Please do all you can to attend the session scheduled for your department, school, college, or division. Also, if you have an interdisciplinary idea that cuts across departments that you would like the SPG to consider for the University’s strategic plan, please submit a 500-word white paper describing the idea, why Baylor should consider it, and who would be involved in developing and implementing it. The deadline for white papers is October 31, 2023.
My prayer as we begin a new academic year is that we will love one another as Christ loves us and that this love will be manifest in us as the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Blessings,
Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D.
Provost
Academic Affairs Announcements
Fall Faculty Meeting
Wednesday, September 20, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center
We’re excited to welcome you to the Fall Faculty Meeting at the brand-new Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center! Sign interpretation will be provided for guests on-site in the front row of the space, stage right. If you are able, please walk to the Hurd Welcome Center (parking will be limited). Please register your attendance online.
CARA Training Opportunities and Outside Activities and Interests Research Disclosures
Compliance and Research Administration (CARA), Baylor’s new online system, will roll out to all units for proposal submission this month. If you have not yet been trained in CARA, sign up for sessions online.
Also launching in September is Baylor’s new module for Outside Activities and Interests. Research Compliance and Internal Audit have partnered to provide Baylor faculty and staff with a single centralized system for all full-time faculty, staff, and researchers to electronically report, track, and update their outside activities and financial interests. You will receive an email notification prompting you to log into the system to submit your initial disclosure. Training sign ups and job aids for disclosers and supervisory reviewers are available online. Please reach out to internal_audit@baylor.edu or ResearchCOI@baylor.edu if you have any questions.
Faculty Retirement Program Deadline
Faculty interested in participating in the Faculty Retirement Program must submit interest via the online form by November 15, 2023. Additional information on the program retirement dates of May 2025 or May 2026 is available online.
Reminder: Campus Climate Survey
Last week, you should have received an email from the Office of Institutional Research asking you to participate in Baylor’s 2023 Campus Diversity Climate Survey. The study is distributed every three years and helps the University understand perceptions of respect, cooperation, diversity, belonging, and accessibility, among other matters. We know these can be difficult subjects to talk about, and although progress has been made, the work is never complete. Hopefully, you have visited the campus-wide website on matters of diversity to see some of the forward steps we have taken. Remember the survey is anonymous – unless you offer personally identifiable information – and it should take about 15 minutes to complete.
Cherry Award Finalists: Please Save the Dates
The Cherry Award for Great Teaching program is pleased to present the public lectures for our three Cherry Award Finalists.
- Dr. Jay Banner, October 24, 2023, 3:00 p.m., Baylor Sciences Building B.110.
- Dr. Kelly Lambert, October 30, 2023, 3:30 p.m., Foster 250.
- Dr. Claire Katz, November 6, 2023, 3:30 p.m., Armstrong Browning Library, McLean Foyer of Meditation.
More information is available on the Cherry Award website.
Readers Meet the Author Series: Dr. Greg Garrett
October 12, 12:15-1:15 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. Garrett will be interviewed by Dr. Ronald Angelo Johnson, along with a time of Q&A. Light refreshments and a book signing (books will be available for purchase) will follow the conversation.
Vice Provost’s Corner
Vice Provost for Administration and Operations
Expense Module Improvements
In the spring, an initiative was launched with the aim of reducing the time and effort required to process an expense report. Pain points and gaps were collected from stakeholders involved at every step of the expense reimbursement process, and several changes have been implemented as a result. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact your college/unit business office.
Reminder: Register Your International Travel
Please remember that travel registration is required (per the Baylor University Global Safety and Security policy 2.2c) for anyone traveling internationally on behalf of BU. This includes all faculty, staff, students, dependents, and guests. Baylor international travel is covered by an On Call insurance policy at no cost to faculty and staff. Your travel registration is your enrollment for insurance for all travelers. Students, dependents, and guests will pay for insurance at a rate of $2 per day to Baylor University. Personal travel is not required to be registered and NOT covered by this insurance policy.
To register, please visit the Center for Global Engagement’s registration portal (you must be on a VPN if registering from off campus). If you have any questions or need registration assistance, contact Lynae Jordan or call 254-710-2657.
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Mentoring Resources
Mentorship matters for faculty as well as for students! The Office of the Provost is helping support several faculty mentorship opportunities this fall, including sessions for new tenure-track/tenured faculty, chair peer-training once a month, and a virtual seminar for lecturers in Years 2 and 4.
In the spring, look for a mentor event for clinical faculty, additional mentoring sessions with tenure-stream faculty, and other development events. I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to mentor and be mentored by your colleagues. In the words of Proverbs: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Vice Provost of Faculty Diversity and Belonging
Black Faculty and Staff Association Kickoff
September 13, 3:30-5:00 p.m., Martin Museum of Art
This exciting event will include refreshments and a guided tour of the Museum’s current exhibit, “Narrative as Reality: Constructing an Identity.”
Baylor Black Alumni Alliance Reunion
September 22-24
This will be an exciting time to connect and reconnect with current and former students! Faculty are especially encouraged to register and attend the Alumni/Faculty Dr Pepper Hour on Friday, September 22, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Celebration of Hispanic Heritage
September 27, 3:30-5:00 p.m., Baines/Fentress Rooms in the Bill Daniel Student Center
Come and meet our new Latinx faculty and welcome them to campus! Events are going on throughout Sept. 15-Oct. 15 for Hispanic Heritage Month. Check the Instagram @latinxfsa_bu for details. Register your attendance online – we look forward to welcoming you.
Military-Connected Faculty and Staff Get-Together
October 6, 1:30-3:00 p.m., CASE Commons in the Sid Rich basement
Join members of Baylor’s military-connected community for fellowship together.
Faculty and Staff of Color Welcome Reception
October 17, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Cashion 506
The Office of the Provost is delighted to welcome the Baylor community to this special event – come and share food and fellowship as we begin the academic year.
Vice Provost for Institutional Research and Professional Education
GPE Online Program Research Support
As you think about future programs in GPE, our team can help you research program viability with data from industry resources like:
- Lightcast, EMSI Market Insights- provides best-in-class data with the most detailed information about skills, jobs, and supply and demand throughout the labor market.
- EAB- a higher education research organization that leverages the industry's largest data set to help identify emerging trends, challenges, and solutions.
Reach out to GPE to request a report or specific program-related data. We look forward to hearing from you.
Vice Provost for Research
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) is proud to offer a new series of workshops covering Responsible Conduct of Research. More information on the comprehensive list of topics covered can be found on the preceding link; offerings begin September 14. To attend, please register online.
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Academic Affairs
Office of the Registrar
New Curriculum Management System (CIM) to Launch
The new Curriculum Inventory Management System (CIM) will be opening next week on September 18. CIM resources and training opportunities are available on the Office of the Registrar's website.
Searchable Software Dashboard Helps Faculty Discover New and Existing Software Options
Are you interested in using a new software platform for teaching or research? Baylor’s new Software Dashboard may already provide a recommended option. Have Baylor-licensed software you are using that doesn't appear? Let us know by contacting HelpDesk+ at (254) 710-4357 or helpdesk@baylor.edu. Many vendors contact faculty and staff about selling their products, but not all software programs are approved for student data. This dashboard includes information about reviewed platforms with limited/ no approval, as well as those that are currently under review.
Academy for Teaching & Learning (ATL)
Teaching and learning are social activities. ATL invites you to join in our mission—as a friend, participant, or leader—to support and inspire a flourishing learning community. Please consider the following opportunities for engaging with us:
- Seminars for Excellence in Teaching are up and running. Join colleagues in teaching development dialogue by registering here: “Spiritual Lives of Students” (Sep. 28), “Taking Fear Out of Learning” (Oct. 5), and “Faith Traditions in Pedagogy” (Oct. 10)
- Complete our Teaching Inventory- Help us support you by completing our teaching inventory.
- Summer Faculty Institute (SFI)- Monday, October 2 application deadline.
The 2024 SFI Fellows will convene May 28 to June 28, 2024. Learn more about SFI, Baylor’s longest-running teaching development program, and download the application form on our website. - University Teaching Development Grant- The submission deadline is November 2. This grant provides financial support for activities that enhance faculty effectiveness in the classroom. Please apply online.
- Best Teachers Workshop with Ken Bain- Transform your classrooms into spaces where students thrive and exercise ownership of their success. In this partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, you will have two opportunities to join an online workshop led by Ken Bain, Baylor alumnus and author of “Super Courses” and “What the Best College Teachers Do.” Register for September 26 or September 27 (same workshop both days).
- ATL Staff & Office Location- Moody Library Suite 201. Visit our website to learn more about ATL staff, resources, and programming.
Paul L. Foster Success Center
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars program aims to prepare undergraduates—specifically students from low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented backgrounds—to acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully complete Ph.D. programs at prominent universities nationwide. Please spread the word that Baylor’s McNair Scholars Program is now accepting applications for the 23-24 cohort. Learn more by visiting our website.
Progress Report Campaign to Launch September 25
The Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE) will oversee the fall progress report campaign from September 25 through October 16. We encourage all faculty to submit progress reports for any student falling behind in your class. Please be on the lookout for additional communication that will be sent closer to the September 25 launch date. For more information about how the process works, visit the academic progress reports site online.
Spotlight on the Academy
George W. Truett Theological Seminary
Save The Date: African American Preaching Conference
Truett Seminary invites you to the African American Preaching Conference, September 26-28! Shaped by 30 African American leaders, this conference features nationally noted speakers and workshops rooted in the rich resources of the University and the Seminary.
School of Music
Distinguished Artist Series: Rhythm & Brass
September 21, 7:30 p.m., Jones Concert Hall, Glennis McCrary Music Building
As part of the Distinguished Artist Series (D.A.S.), the School of Music welcomes Rhythm & Brass, featuring Professor of Trumpet Wiff Rudd. This group continues to live up to the ideal of a musical presentation not bound by time, geography, or culture. Tickets are on sale now.
Hearn Innovator Series: Elias Dummer
September 25, 6 p.m., Recital Hall II, Waco Hall
You are cordially invited to join us for the fall 2023 Hearn Innovator Series as the Dunn Center for Christian Music Studies presents Juno and GMA Canada Covenant Award-winning and Dove Award-nominated musician Elias Dummer.
Baylor Libraries, Museums, and the Press
From Dean Archer
Greetings, faculty! I hope you enjoyed a restful and productive summer. Exciting things are happening around the Libraries, the Mayborn Museum, and Baylor Press - new resources, renovated spaces, upcoming publications, exciting exhibits, engaging events, and more! I would love to visit with you to talk about your research, our resources, and the future. Contact Janell Wellbaum to coordinate with my calendar.
Baylor Libraries Author Series
Dr. Jon Singletary will discuss his new book, “Leadership by the Number: Using the Enneagram to Strengthen Educational Leadership,” on September 21 at 6 p.m. Then, on October 5 at 2:00 p.m., Dr. Greg Garrett and Dr. Robert P. Jones will engage in a conversation on Race, History, and James Baldwin, reflecting on their books, “The Gospel According to James Baldwin” and “The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future. “
DIVE (Designing Instruction for Virtual Engagement) Offers Online Course Development Support
DIVE participants will work for six weeks through a series of assignments and meet with faculty guest facilitators in live sessions aimed at deepening faculty members’ skills for online course design and delivery.
Broader Impacts with the Mayborn Museum
The Mayborn works closely with OVPR's Research Development team to expand opportunities for Baylor researchers in the grant submission process. Recent successful grants have included collaborations with the Mayborn on science outreach programs, including Sic ‘em Science and Teen Takeover. If you are interested in collaborating with the Mayborn for your research proposal, visit their website online.
SPSS, Statistics Workshops Coming this Fall
The Libraries’ Digital Scholarship faculty will offer workshops on statistical methods and SPSS coming in October and November. Click the headline to see the full calendar of workshops for the semester.
Fundamentals of Data Research Fellows Celebration
Celebrate the work of 15 faculty and doctoral students who spent the summer learning new research techniques as part of the Libraries’ FDR Fellows program.
New Baylor University Press Catalog
Baylor University Press recently released its catalog of new publications for fall 2023 and spring 2024, featuring new titles by Philip Jenkins, Amy Carr and Christine Helmer, Gary Dorrien, Devan Stahl, Micheal O'Siadhail, Katherine J. Dell, and many more.
Collection Management Update
Moody and Jones Libraries were built to accommodate a much smaller student population than we have on campus today. In our quest to provide spaces for 15% of Baylor’s on-campus student population, we are more actively managing our print collections with the goal of returning space back to students. Click the header to follow our collection management plans and updates.
Important Academic Dates
Additional deadlines are available on the Academic Units Deadlines calendar.
- September 15- University Teaching Exploration Grant applications due to ATL.
- September 20- Fall Faculty Meeting (Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center). *
- September 25- The Office of the Provost will send notification of each Regular Lecturer’s current year of consecutive, full-time service to the Regular Lecturer and the Regular Lecturer’s department chair and dean.
- September 25- The Office of the Provost will send notification of each Clinical Instructor’s and Clinical Assistant Professor’s current year of consecutive, full-time service to the faculty member and their department chair and dean.
- September 29- The chair (or dean in schools where the dean acts as department chair) will inform Regular Lecturers that application for the rank of Senior Lecturer must be made.
- September 29- The chair will inform the Clinical Assistant Professors that application for the rank of Clinical Associate Professor must be made and inform them of any materials that must be submitted in addition to the notebook.
- September 29- Intent to apply for promotion to Clinical Professor due to department chairs.
- October 1 through the 31- Conduct 2nd-year reviews for tenure-track faculty (must be done by October 31).
- October 2- Summer Faculty Institute applications are due.
- October 2- Tenure notebooks for 2nd year T-T faculty due to chairs. The chair distributes colleague evaluation forms to tenured faculty and schedules the meetings to evaluate the 2nd year T-T faculty.
*Please note the date change.
Previous issues of the Provost Newsletter can be accessed on the Office of the Provost website.