Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to share that Baylor has reached a significant milestone: the highest four-year graduation rate in our history! This remarkable achievement is a direct reflection of your dedication, innovation, and unwavering support for our students.

Your efforts—reshaping courses, refining the A&S core, offering Wintermester courses that address student needs, mentoring students one on one, and reimagining high drop/fail/withdraw courses — are making a tangible difference. You are helping students build the skills they need to succeed and stay on track toward timely graduation.

In the midst of a busy semester, it’s important to pause and celebrate the wins. And this is a BIG win.

While 77% is an outstanding achievement, I know we can do even more. Every delay in a student’s time-to-degree means increased costs and missed opportunities. One of the most impactful things we can do for their financial well-being is to help them graduate in four years.

Let’s keep the momentum going—together.

With gratitude,

Nancy Brickhouse, Ph.D.
Provost

Academic Affairs Announcements

Upcoming Events

• Administrative Skills Advancement Program: Baylor Branding- October 14, 11:15 to 12 p.m., Pat Neff 300 and online
• Readers Meet the Author: Luke Winslow- October 21, 12 to 1 p.m., Schumacher Flex Commons, Moody Memorial Library and online
• Baylor Homecoming- October 27-November 1, various locations

Academic Affairs Administrators Search Updates

• Dean, Louise Herrington School of Nursing- We have scheduled first-round interviews for mid-November 2025 and expect candidate visits will take place in late November and early December.
• Dean, College of Arts & Sciences- We are currently developing the pool of applicants with first-round interviews slated for mid-November 2025. Submit nominations for the position by emailing the search firm.
• Vice Provost, Undergraduate Education- The search committee kickoff was in late September 2025. We expect first-round interviews in January 2026.

Baylor 101: Finance Recording

The October 2 Baylor 101 on Business and Finance recording is now available onlinefor viewing.

Cherry Award Finalist Lectures

The Cherry Award for Great Teaching program is pleased to present the public lectures for the three finalists. More information is available on the Cherry Award's website.

• Jamie Rankin, “Choose Your Words Carefully: Transforming Language Learning through Research-Based Vocabulary Acquisition,” October 14, 3 p.m., Kayser Auditorium
• Lendol Calder, “Make America Mean Something Again: Rethinking American History in the Age of Trump,” October 20, 4 p.m., Foster 240
• Melissa Gross, “Learning to Look: Cultivating the Anatomical Gaze,” October 27, 3 p.m., Cashion 506

Attention, Curiosity, Response: Keeping Campus Safe

Campus safety depends on each of us. Staying aware of your surroundings, demonstrating curiosity, and knowing how to respond when something seems out of place are critical to mitigating danger on our campus. Please watch this video for further insights on your role in campus safety.

Vice Provost’s Corner

Baylor Generative AI Working Group
Looking to learn more about AI, or suggest resources for the wider University community? Reach out to a member of the Baylor Generative AI Working Group.

Local AI for Research and Teaching: A Hands-On Workshop
October 29, 2 p.m., Design & Data Lab (Moody Memorial Library) and online
We have excellent resources in the library that enable researchers to make use of AI to help with data analysis. Learn how to use AI-based tools on your laptop or specialized Baylor desktop systems available on campus to enhance your research. Register online to attend!

Teaching Innovations Brown Bag
October 16, 12 to 1:15 p.m., Schumacher Flex Commons (Moody Memorial Library)
The College of Arts & Sciences, in partnership with the vice provost for community engagement and belonging, invites you to a Teaching Innovations Brown Bag featuring Dr. Jesus Montaño, assistant professor of English. Dr. Montaño will share his approach to developing the syllabus and course design for ENGL 4310: Shakespeare in Our World.

Awards Season
The awards nominations deadline is November 3. Currently open awards are the Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year and the Outstanding Faculty Awards. Please visit the Office of the Provost’s Faculty Awards webpage for further details.

Interfolio
Wondering if the Interfolio system is down? Interfolio modules are now included on the System Status page.

Institute for Faith and Learning (IFL)

Writing for Public Audiences: A Workshop with Katelyn Beaty
October 27, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m., Truett 309
Interested in sharing your faith-informed research more broadly? Come learn from Katelyn Beaty, editorial director for Brazos Press and former managing editor for Christianity Today. RSVP to the IFL by October 20 for free lunch.

International Student Academic Support (ISAS)
Faculty who recognize international students in need of additional academic or English-language support may submit a referral in Navigate by selecting “International Student Needs Academic Support” and providing any relevant comments. The ISAS office, located in the Center for Global Engagement (Sid Richardson, 1st floor, East Wing), works directly with students to provide tailored support. More information is available at the CGE website.

Celebrate Baylor’s Global Changemakers!
Nominate a faculty member, staff member, or student for the inaugural Global Link for Outreach and Building Equity (GLOBE) Awards, honoring global engagement that reflects Baylor’s mission of faith, learning, and service. Winners will be recognized during Baylor’s International Education Week (November 10–14, 2025). Nominations are due October 26 via the GLOBE Awards Nomination Form. Also, consider submitting an International Education Week event proposal.

New Associate Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives
The Office of the Vice Provost for Research is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sarah Schnitker as associate vice provost for interdisciplinary initiatives. This important leadership role aligns with Baylor’s strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds, and reflects key insights from the COACHE survey. We look forward to Dr. Schnitker’s contributions as she advances interdisciplinary collaboration across the university.

Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL)

Register for the offerings below by clicking on the class name.

• SET: Actionable Feedback Now, Not After: Designing Mid-Semester Evaluations- October 16, 2 to 3 p.m., online
• 30-Minute Mastery: Making Videos Students Will Watch- October 17, 12 to 12:30 p.m., online

Faculty Institutes in 2026
Beginning in 2026, Baylor’s long-standing Summer Faculty Institute will evolve into a refreshed Faculty Institute model, now offered twice annually in shorter, three-week minimesters—one in summer and one in winter. The new format preserves core goals of accessibility, engagement, and professional development, while providing greater flexibility for faculty schedules and broader participation.

Applications are open now and will be accepted until November 1 for the inaugural Gold Track (Teaching Focus) Institute, scheduled for May 18 to June 4, 2026. Be sure to check out the ATL website for full details and application information.

Paul L. Foster Success Center

Two New Student Success Grants Awarded to Baylor
We are very pleased to report that Baylor has been awarded a Student Support Services (SSS) TRIO grant, which will expand our capacity to serve 140 additional students. We are also pleased to share that the McNair Scholars Program has been funded again, ensuring continued support for our students pursuing a graduate education. These grants reinforce our commitment to advancing student success.

First-Generation Celebration Day
November 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Vara Martin Daniel Plaza
This national event honors the resilience, dedication, and accomplishments of students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. We invite you to be part of this exciting celebration by volunteering or hosting a table at the event!

Progress Report Campaign
The University’s Progress Report Campaign launched September 29 and will run through October 20. Please be sure to report any students who need additional academic assistance. Faculty members making the right people aware of students who are struggling is a key piece of our student success efforts.

Office of the Registrar

CIM/CAT Reminders
Recordings of CIM/CAT trainings held on September 10 for the 2026-2027 catalog and curriculum processes are posted on our website. Also available online are the proposal deadlines for 2026-2027.

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.

Office of Institutional Effectiveness (IE)

Academic Certificates
Institutional accreditors are focusing more attention on academic certificates as educational programs. All educational programs, including certificates, are required to have learning outcome statements and an assessment process for continuous program improvement. For more Baylor-specific information, visit our website or email IE with any questions.

Spotlight on the Academy

George W. Truett Theological Seminary

Parchman Lecture with Dr. Rowan Williams
Truett Seminary will host the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, on October 28-29 for the Parchman Endowed Lectures. Learn more by visiting our event page!

Honors College

Laura Blanche Jackson Endowed Lectureship
The Honors College invites you to hear from David Beasley, former Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme and Governor of South Carolina. From 2017–2023, he led the Programme, earning the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.

School of Engineering and Computer Science

30th Anniversary and Homecoming Events
Everyone is invited to ECS 30th Anniversary Homecoming events on Oct. 31, with fun for the whole family at Dr Pepper Hour at the BRIC and an interactive AI lecture on how to create a digital twin. Learn more and RSVP on our website.

Law School

Baylor Law Hosts McLennan County Adoption Day
Join Baylor Law School on Friday, November 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Umphrey Law Center for McLennan County Adoption Day. This year’s theme is “Adoptions Are Beary Special” as we celebrate families and children finalizing their adoptions.

School of Music

From Paris to Baylor: Olivier Latry in Concert
Join us for a rare evening with Olivier Latry, organist of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Tuesday, October 14, at 7:30 p.m., live in Jones Concert Hall. Don’t miss this world-class event!

University Libraries, Museums, and the Press

Baylor University Press Publishes New Catalog
Over 40 new titles in theology and religious studies, including several Baylor faculty. From Paul's theology, to early Christian worship, to Palestinian Christian theology—there's something for everyone. Use Code 17CTLG26 for 20% off + free shipping.

Academic Units Deadlines Calendar

Additional deadlines are available on the Academic Units Deadlines calendar.

• October 15- Chair sets the mandatory review meetings for promotion to senior lecturer, teaching professor, associate professor with tenure, professor with tenure, clinical assistant professor, clinical associate professor, and clinical professor, which will take place by November 30
• October 20- Last date for available evaluating faculty to submit their Colleague Input Form for academic professionals seeking continuing appointment in the electronic system
• October 31- Last date to hold review meeting for Year 2 tenure-track
• November 3- Deadline to submit Outstanding Faculty Award and Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year nominations to deans
• November 3- Packets are due in the electronic system by 10:59 p.m. (Central time) for promotion to associate librarian, librarian, senior lecturer, teaching professor, clinical assistant professor, clinical associate professor, clinical professor, associate professor with tenure, and professor with tenure, as well as academic professional renewals
• November 10- Last date available for evaluating faculty to submit their Colleague Evaluation Form for Year 2 tenure-track in the electronic system

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