Dear Colleagues,

As we wrap up the fall semester, let us reflect upon Baylor’s remarkable achievements this fall. After a year of planning and University-wide consultation, we launched Baylor in Deeds, helping us to answer the question, “What does the world need Baylor to do?” We also welcomed the most diverse cohort of first-year students in Baylor’s history, reminding us of the diversity of the communities we serve. Additionally, we achieved the highest first-to-second-year retention rate ever, reflecting our supportive environment for students.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Together, we are shaping a bright future for Baylor. A well-deserved break is on the horizon — enjoy this time with your family and friends. Shortly after Christmas, Wintermester begins. We expect to offer 58 courses online, with another 10 classes in-person on campus, and to send nearly 200 students abroad to a dozen countries. Many thanks to the many faculty members who are making these opportunities available to our students during the break.

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Warmly,

Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D.
Provost

Academic Affairs Announcements

Mark Your Calendars!

• Commencement- December 21, 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Ferrell Center.
• Spring Faculty Meeting - February 4, 3-4:30 p.m., Virtual.
• Breakfast Celebrating the Teaching and Research of Baylor Women Faculty- March 4, 8:30-10 a.m., Foster 250.
• University Faculty Retirement Reception- April 9, 3-4:30 p.m., Baylor Club.
• Retirement Reception for Dean Larry Lyon- May 2, 1-3 p.m., Barfield Drawing Room, Bill Daniel Student Center.

Two Assistant/Associate Vice Provost Position Openings

Please note that Dr. J. Wesley (Wes) Null has announced openings for two assistant/associate vice provost positions beginning May/June 2025. You can find more details about each position and the related search processes by clicking on the link for each role:

• Assistant/Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Success.
• Assistant/Associate Vice Provost for Student Access.

Vice Provost’s Corner

PI Project Tracking Dashboard Survey 
OVPR desires feedback on the PI Project Tracking Dashboard, which provides consistent financial data on sponsored programs for project managers, principal investigators, co-PIs, business officers, financial managers, financial administrators, OVPR research administration staff, and others with project oversight responsibilities. Please use this link to take a short four-question survey to help us gauge the success of this tool.

Planning for Proposal Deadlines Around Christmas Break 
Please note that OVPR will be closed along with the University from December 23-January 5. All proposals due to the sponsor from December 20-January 7 must be completed and submitted by December 20.

The Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL)

Course Design Workshop
December 19-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Moody Library 104 & Virtual via Zoom
Join a cohort of Baylor instructors as we investigate and develop the best ways to foster environments for learning that align with learning objectives and motivate students. Learn more and register online.

Paul L. Foster Success Center

Please Share “Preparing for Final Exams Packet”
Since finals are quickly approaching, we want to make you aware of the Fall 2024 Preparing for Finals Packet that has been developed to help students prepare and thrive during final exams. Creating a plan for these important assessments is an essential step to a successful outcome.

Office of the Registrar

Fall Grading Schedule Reminder
Due to a shortened number of business days following the end of the semester, a condensed grading schedule has been approved to ensure the certification of degrees before Christmas. Please be prepared for the fall 2024 grading schedule deadlines.

Spotlight on the Academy

Baylor Libraries

Bring the whole family to kick off the holidays with Cocoa & Keepsakes in the Experiential Learning Commons of Moody Library on December 11 from 4-6 p.m.

Baylor Law School

Explore the law at Baylor Law School’s People’s Law School on February 15, 2025! This free, half-day event offers practical courses from experienced attorneys. Sign up to be notified when registration opens and empower yourself with legal knowledge.

Mayborn Museum

Enjoy Christmas Lights in the Village December 13-15 and 20-22 from 6-8:30 p.m. and then start 2025 with Portal to the Public training to learn effective science communication skills on January 25, January 31, and February 8.

Important Academic Deadlines

Additional deadlines are available on the Academic Units Deadlines calendar.

• December 10- Completed colleague evaluation forms are due to the chair for Year 6 lecturers and clinical assistant professors.
• December 12- Chair letter and all other materials due to dean for Year 6 T-T candidates.
• December 16- Department chairs' summary letters to the dean for Year 6 clinical assistant professors are due.
• December 16- Non-reappointment notification of Year 2 T-T candidates is due to faculty.
• December 16- Department chairs provide summary teaching evaluations to the Year 2 and Year 4 lecturers for inclusion in their notebooks.
• December 18- Each dean's letter and all other materials are uploaded for Year 6 T-T candidates.

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