Have you participated in the strategic planning survey yet? It is still open! You can find directions and the link at the Western Today story here.
Faculty for Strategic Planning
As many of you are already aware, Western is embarking on a new strategic planning initiative at the request of President Randhawa. On October 19th, the University Planning and Resources Council, a standing committee of the Faculty Senate, took action to charge an ad hoc committee with oversight of 2016-17 strategic planning efforts, allocating 5 seats to faculty members. One of the five faculty will be selected by the faculty union, the UFWW. The other four names will be sent forward by the Faculty Senate.
Do you know a member of the faculty who has a University-wide perspective? Is able to see Western’s role in the state and the world? Is capable of working effectively in a systems-thinking and consensus-seeking environment? Has a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University? If so, please consider nominating this person to serve on the strategic planning team. And if this describes you, then please nominate yourself.
Nominations are due November 4 by email to Faculty.Senate@wwu.edu. Thank you!
Faculty Awards
From the Provost:
WWU faculty members are committed to outstanding teaching, scholarship, leadership and community service and periodically the Western community has the opportunity to recognize some of our exceptional faculty members. The following annual awards are examples of the university community`s efforts to recognize and show appreciation to faculty members and others for their service and outstanding achievements. Provost Carbajal encourages your nominations for these awards, each of which includes a check for $1,000.
Nominations are due for the following awards by December 2, 2016:
1) Peter J. Elich Excellence in Teaching Award;
2) Excellence in Teaching Award;
3) Paul J. Olscamp Research Award (nominations by faculty members only);
4) Outstanding Scholarship Award (nominations by faculty members only);
5) The Outstanding Faculty Leadership Award;
6) The Carl H. Simpson Bridging Award for faculty, staff and students.
Additional information about each award, the nomination process, and the links to the on-line nomination forms may be found at http://www.wwu.edu/provost/faculty/awards/index.shtml.
New Efforts to Combat Antisemitism
I am pleased to let faculty know about new efforts on campus to combat antisemitism.
First, the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity at Western Washington University has just been established last summer. Visit the website learn more about the institute. Join the Ray Wolpow Institute for their inaugural lecture by acclaimed Holocaust Studies scholar and Academy-Award winning film producer Michael Berenbaum on Wednesday, October 19 st 7:30 PM in AH 100. This event is free and open to the public.
Second, there is a new Taskforce on Preventing and Responding to Antisemitism. They ask for the faculty’s support in identifying specific things that Western needs to do to reduce antisemitism on campus. You may use the form below or directly contact Sue Guenter-Schlesinger.
Senate Library Committee
Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future. — Ray Bradbury
And without faculty who care about the library collections, we have no effective Senate Library Committee. If you, or faculty you know, are interested in the library collections and how the library manages its collections and subscriptions, please consider service on the Senate Library Committee. For more information, please contact Lizzy.Ramhorst@wwu.edu.