Dear Colleagues, 

It seems fitting that in November, National Veterans and Military Families Month, we should pause to consider how well we are serving this important community at Baylor. I’m pleased to share that we have launched a new Task Force on Veterans and Military-Related Initiatives, charged with conducting a comprehensive review of Baylor’s academic programs, support services, and campus amenities for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. 

This group, led by Dean Jeffry Archer, a veteran himself, will explore opportunities for academic innovation, enhanced tuition and financial support, holistic services, and stronger community and military partnerships. Their work will help us assess our current strengths, identify gaps, and recommend strategic enhancements that reflect Baylor’s deep commitment to this population. 

As we launch this Task Force, we also have a cross-campus team assisting our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families during the federal government shutdown, which has delayed their financial support. We are trying to do everything we can for these students – as well as other members of the Baylor Family – during this time of economic hardship. 

I’m excited about the possibilities this task force will uncover and grateful to the dedicated faculty and staff who have agreed to serve. I look forward to sharing their insights with you in the months ahead.  

Warm regards,

Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D.
Provost

Academic Affairs Announcements 

Academic Affairs Administrators Search Updates

• Dean, Louise Herrington School of Nursing- The search committee for the Louise Herrington School of Nursing Dean Search has identified four candidates to invite to campus. These visits will take place in late November through mid-December.
• Dean, College of Arts & Sciences- The search committee is evaluating prospective dean candidates; they report that the applicant pool is very exciting.
• Vice Provost, Undergraduate Education- This position is now open and accepting applications.

Bears Helping Bears Through Challenging Times 

The federal government shutdown has disrupted SNAP benefits, leaving some Baylor students without food support. Your gift to the Baylor Food Pantry provides meals, stability, and hope — keeping our shelves stocked and our students nourished. 

Vice Provost’s Corner

Research Lunch and Learn with Dr. Emmanuella Amoh
November 21, 1:30 to 3 p.m., City of Waco Multi-Purpose Center
The College of Arts & Sciences, in partnership with the vice provost for community engagement and belonging, will host a research lunch and learn featuring Dr. Emmanuella Amoh, assistant professor of history. Dr. Amoh will give a lecture entitled “Chasing Africa: The Mystery and Dilemma of a Continent." Lunch will be provided. Please visit our site online to register for the event.  

Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR)
Virtual office hours will be offered starting in November to help faculty use FAR and generate their annual reports. Vice Provost Toten Beard and Lara Strain, the FAR contact in the Office of the Provost, will be available to answer questions and offer one-on-one support. View office hours details by visiting the online listing. FAQs are now also listed on the FAR web page.  

Review, Promotion, & Tenure (RPT) Packets Now Open
Faculty with mandatory reviews in RPT in the spring now have access to their packets to start adding material. Check the RPT website to find guides, resources, and helpful information. 

Two Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) Positions Opening: Texana and University Houses, North Village
Beginning in fall 2026, two FIR positions will be available in Texana House and University House. Campus Living & Learning invites applications from female faculty who meet the qualifications for this position. To learn more, please visit the Office of the Provost’s website. The application deadline is Friday, January 23, 2026.

Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL)

Learn more about the offerings below by clicking on the class name.

• 10:10:10 Microlearning, Weekdays from November 10-21, 10-10:10 a.m., online- Curious about how AI is shaping higher education? Join us for 10:10:10, a fast-paced microlearning series exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence in teaching, research, and academic life. Each weekday over two weeks, we’ll host a live, 10-minute Zoom session featuring a different speaker and topic. No registration required.
• Seminar for Excellence in Teaching: Pedagogical Potluck, November 17, 2:30 p.m., Moody Library 104- Bring a "dish" – a teaching idea to share.  

Paul L. Foster Success Center

McNair Scholars Program Now Accepting Applications
The Baylor McNair Scholars Program is now accepting applications for the upcoming cohort of undergraduate researchers. This nationally recognized initiative prepares high-achieving, first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students for doctoral study through research experiences, faculty mentorship, and professional development. Faculty are encouraged to identify and refer eligible undergraduate students to apply on the McNair Scholars website. 

Baylor Awarded New TRIO Student Support Services Program
Baylor University is celebrating a major milestone in student success: selection as a recipient of the highly competitive TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This new program, housed in the Office of Student Success and Engagement, expands Baylor’s national impact by providing individualized advising, tutoring, mentoring, and financial literacy education to help first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities achieve academic excellence and graduate with confidence. Learn more about the new TRIO SSS program on the Student Support Services website.

Office of Access and Learning Accommodations (OALA) 

OALA Students and the 7:00 p.m. Final Exam Testing Slot this Fall 
If you are a faculty member who has a course this fall that will have a final exam time beginning at 7:00 p.m., please read the following statement pertaining to OALA students. 

Office of the Registrar

Summer 2026 Schedule 
The summer 2026 course schedule will be published on November 17 by 8:30 a.m.

CIM/CAT Reminder 
Curriculum and Catalog proposal deadlines for 2026-2027 are posted on our website. 

Fall Grading Schedule Reminder  
Due to a limited number of official business days following the end of the fall semester, a condensed grading schedule has been approved to allow the University time to certify and award degrees and process other administrative duties before Christmas. Please take time to review and be prepared to have grades entered by the Fall 2025 Grading Schedule deadlines. 

Spotlight on the Academy 

Honors College

Drumwright Family Lecture on November 11 
The Honors College invites you to hear from Dr. Jennifer Frey, professor of philosophy at the University of Tulsa, as she presents "Why Are We Here? A Liberal Arts Education and the Pursuit of Wisdom.” 

Law School

Baylor Law Hosts McLennan County Adoption Day  
Join Baylor Law School to celebrate families and children as adoptions are finalized during the 2025 McLennan County Adoption Day on November 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Umphrey Law Center. This year’s theme is “Adoptions Are BEARY Special.” 

School of Music

Pure Vocal Electricity!   
Don’t miss VirtuOSO’s fall concert on November 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Roxy Grove Hall! Experience an evening of exceptional a cappella talent and student-led artistry – all are welcome. To learn more, visit our website.

University Libraries, Museums, and the Press

Baylor Libraries Author Series: "We Follow Christ"  
President Livingstone will moderate a conversation with Matthew Kim, Tara Beth Leach, Patricia Batten, and contributor Angela Reed about their new book, "We Follow Christ: Helping Women to Discern God’s Call" on Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at Truett Seminary. 

 Academic Units Deadlines Calendar 

Additional deadlines are available on the Academic Units Deadlines calendar.

• November 10- Last date for available evaluating faculty to submit their Colleague Evaluation Form for Year 2 Tenure-Track in the electronic system
• November 15 to January 15- Outstanding Faculty Committees in each unit make decisions regarding finalists
• November 17- Chair sets the mandatory review meetings, which will take place by January 15 (for promotion to Associate Professor without Tenure in the Law School)
• November 17- Last date for available evaluating faculty to submit their Colleague Input Form for promotion to Associate Librarian and Librarian in the electronic system
• November 17- Last date for supervisors for Academic Professional renewals to submit their recommendation to the dean in the electronic system
• November 17- Last date for the Promotion Committee Chair for Academic Professionals seeking continuing appointment to submit their promotion committee letter in the electronic system
• November 20- Late date to submit chair letter for Year 2 Tenure-Track in the electronic system
• November 25- Last date to submit the dean letter for Academic Professionals seeking continuing appointment in the electronic system
• December 1- Deadline for Cornelia Marschall Smith nominees to VPFA
• December 1- Packets are due by 10:59 p.m. (Central time) in the electronic system for promotion to Associate Professor without tenure in the Law School
• December 1- Last date for the Promotion Committee for promotion to Associate Librarian and Librarian to submit their Promotion Committee Evaluation Form in the electronic system
• December 1- Last date to hold review meeting for promotion to Senior Lecturer, Teaching Professor, Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Associate Professor, Clinical Professor, Associate Professor with Tenure, and Professor with Tenure
• December 1- Last date to submit dean recommendation for Academic Professional renewals in the electronic system
• December 5- Last date to submit the dean letter for Year 2 Tenure-Track

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