2022 Provost's Office Message Archive

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Shreekanth Mandayam

                                    Chief Research Officer

SUBJECT:                   Engaging Research – Fall 2022

 

Welcome to the Fall 2022 issue of Engaging Research!

This edition of Engaging Research introduces stories about life-changing research of four Texas State University faculty. Please join us in celebrating Texas State research by reading and sharing their inspiring work.

New Faculty Research Spotlight

Kelly Clary – School of Social Work

Conceptualizing Student Veteran Well-Being through the Lens of the Camera: A Photovoice Project

Faculty Research Spotlights

Ryan Peterson – Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Mechanisms for Cellular Copper Import via Secreted Cuproproteins

Sarah Blue – Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Organized Crime and Migrant Vulnerability at the U.S.-Mexican Border

Faculty Fellowship Spotlight

Justin Randolph – Department of History

American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Fellowship

 TO:                              Current Graduate Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   Announcing the winners of the 2022-2023 Graduate College Outstanding Mentor and Master’s Thesis Awards

 

It is my distinct pleasure to inform you that we have selected the recipients of the 2022–2023 Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award and the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Awards.

Dr. Ellen Tillman, Associate Professor in the Department of History, is the recipient of The Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award. This award recognizes a faculty member who has had extraordinary success in mentoring graduate students. Congratulations to Dr. Tillman for her excellent work! I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Tillman’s colleagues and former students, who submitted very thoughtfully written letters which described in detail the tremendous positive impact of Dr. Tillman’s mentorship on her students’ careers. 

Brad Biggers, who earned a Master of Arts with a Major in History, is the recipient of The Graduate College’s Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in the Humanities and Fine Arts.  His thesis, “The Scandal of Sanctuary: Transnational Theologies, Progressive Christianity, and the Crisis in Central America, 1980-1990”, was directed by Dr. Sarah Coleman, Assistant Professor in the Department of History. Congratulations to Brad for his outstanding research!

Lauren Henderson, who earned a Master of Science with a Major in Physics, is the recipient of The Graduate College’s Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering. Her thesis, “Magnetic Characterization of Soft Magnetic Iron/PLA MFAAM Filaments and Iron-Doped Gallium Oxide Thin Films” was directed by Dr. Ir. Wilhelmus J. Geerts, Professor in the Department of Physics. Congratulations to Lauren for her outstanding research!

As the winners of these competitions, Dr. Tillman will receive $2,500 to be paid into her research account, while Brad and Lauren will each receive $500. All three will be recognized at The Graduate College’s award ceremony next April. The Graduate College has also entered them into the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools’ respective competitions.

I would also like to acknowledge the following members of the graduate community: Drs. Coleman and Geerts for their exemplary mentorship and commitment to their students; and the faculty members, graduate students, and Graduate College deans who served on the award committees. It was indeed inspiring to read about the excellent research and mentoring which is happening on our campus. And to the entire graduate faculty, I thank you all for your steadfast commitment to graduate education on our campus. 

If you have questions about this award, feel free to contact me via email at agolato@txstate.edu.

 TO:                              Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   TEDx Tickets on Sale – Speakers Announced

 

The Department of Communication Studies and its TEDxTexasStateUniversity Planning Committee invite you to our in-person TEDx event on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. This is event runs from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Student tickets are $10, general admission is $25, and VIP tickets are $75. ASL interpretation will be provided at the event.

TEDxTexasStateUniversity is hosting seven speakers who will be speaking on various subjects surrounding our 2023 TEDx theme compleXity. Speaker bios can be read on the ticketing website.

List of TEDx speakers:

• Jennifer Dahlgren – TXST student, advocate for the Deaf and LGBTQ communities, and faculty in the Sign Language and Interpreter Preparation Program at El Paso Community College
• Dr. Elizabeth Ekren – TXST staff researcher at the Texas School Safety Center with a background in Development Studies
• Madeline English – TXST student and founder and creator of the Queer Agenda, a Texas-based queer education station
• Ethan Ramirez – TXST student, designer, artist, and craftsman who tells stories through the layering of different materials and use of space
• Dr. Philip Salem – TXST Distinguished Professor Emeritus and communication researcher and author
• Broderick Turner – TXST alumnus and Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State and boardgame extraordinaire  
• Dr. Intisar Ameen Tyne – TXST Assistant Professor who researches architecture as it relates to contemporary mental healthcare issues   

The event will also include many audience activations and snacks during breaks and entertainment by local artists. Local artist announcements will be made closer to the event via social media and the TEDxTexasStateUniversity website.

What is TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. This year our speakers will explore ideas related to complexity. Our world is made up of complex systems and processes that have allowed our species to flourish. Operating in the background, these structures impact our everyday experiences and are often taken for granted. Our talks will focus on identifying and navigating these complex systems and will explore and advocate for solutions to complex problems and challenges we face. We invite you to join us for a day of inspiration and conversation as we discover what it means to be a citizen in this complex, global world.

We hope you will join us at TEDxTexasStateUniversity!

For more information or questions email us at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu or visit TEDx Texas State University.

TO:                             Lecturers and Senior Lecturers

FROM:                       Dr. Debbie M. Thorne

                                    Associate Provost

SUBJECT:                   Survey for New Instructional Faculty Title Series - Assistant, Associate & Professor of Instruction

 

Texas State University is committed to establishing a new promotion-eligible faculty title series for faculty members primarily focused on our teaching and instructional mission. The new title series will include the assistant, associate or professor of instruction. We have created a short survey to help the university move forward with the planning and policy to implement this new career path. 

Access survey

Thank you for responding to this survey, which will only take a few minutes of your time. I appreciate your valuable feedback.

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Fall 2022 Commencement

 

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 3,100 candidates in six commencement ceremonies to be held on Friday and Saturday, December 9 and 10, 2022. The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus. As graduates, families, and the university community prepare to celebrate, please note the following announcements and recommendations.

Parking at Commencement

Parking is available for all attendees as indicated on the Commencement Parking Map.

Recommended parking for faculty and staff, with shuttle services, include:

• Lots A and B, located by Bobcat Stadium, will have shuttle bus service.
• Lot C, located adjacent to the UEC, is restricted to those with Limited Mobility.  Golf cart shuttles will be available to assist individuals in this lot.  This lot should be accessed from Charles Austin Drive via Hopkins Street.

Recommended park and walk lots for faculty and staff include:

• Lot D, across the street from the UEC.
• Garage F, at the corner of Edward Gary Street and University Drive.
• Garage H, at the corner of Pleasant Street and LBJ Drive.

All lots and garages listed above are free to those attending commencement.

Please be aware that if you are traveling southbound on IH35 and exit Aquarena Springs Drive you are advised to turn left on to Thorpe Lane and right on to Robbie Lane in order to access Lots A and B. Traffic inbound to campus on Aquarena Springs Drive will not be able to make a left turn into Commencement Parking Lot D.

Information on faculty parking, parking maps, the faculty processional, and other details can be found on the Faculty and Staff Information page of the commencement website.

Sights and Sounds of Christmas Festival

The Sights and Sounds of Christmas festival will be held December 1 – 3 and December 8 – 10, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day. Additionally, the Jingle Bell Run will be held on Saturday, December 10 with events from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m.

Faculty and staff should expect traffic and parking delays during these time periods and are encouraged to follow the special instructions listed below.

Special Instructions

To alleviate the traffic, wait time, and congestion that is anticipated between the conclusion of the 2:00 p.m. ceremony and the start of the 6:00 p.m. ceremony, the following procedures are in place for employees:

Early Release – Friday, December 9, 2022

To ease traffic congestion, supervisors may elect to release selected staff at 3:00 p.m. However, all university offices must remain open until 5:00 p.m. or the normal closing time. Staff members who leave early are expected to use vacation, compensatory, or flex time arrangements approved by supervisors.

Vehicles in the JCK Area

The rear gate at the back of the JCK parking lot will be barricaded from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Vehicles that normally exit on to Sessom Drive will be directed back to the one-way service drive and should exit the back parking lot going the wrong way towards Woods Street or Moon Street. No vehicles will be allowed to access the back parking area starting at 3:00 p.m. A parking guard will be stationed at the service drive at the front parking lot to restrict vehicles from entering the back parking lot.

Vehicles in Other Campus Areas

It is highly recommended that vehicles avoid the Sessom Street, Aquarena Springs Drive/Loop 82, and University Drive roadways between the ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. Every effort should be made to exit the campus and San Marcos using Edward Gary Street, Guadalupe Street, Hopkins Street/Hunter Road, and other routes heading away from the UEC.

Thank you for your cooperation during this momentous time in our graduates’ lives.

Faculty or staff requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact commencement@txstate.edu at least one week prior to the event.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Kristy Daniel

Chair, University Lecturers Committee 

SUBJECT:                   Invitation to Submit Proposals to Sponsor Guest Lecturers for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 

 

The University Lecturers Committee (ULC) acts as a steward for a student activities fund that assists colleges, schools, departments, and campus organizations in sponsoring outstanding speaking engagements at Texas State University. In the current submission cycle, limited funds are available on a competitive basis to bring distinguished speakers to our campuses for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.  

Proposals must be submitted via email to facultysenate@txstate.edu by 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2023. Before submitting a proposal, please contact the speaker or speaker’s agent to determine availability and fees.

Awarded funds cannot be transferred to a replacement speaker. University Lecturers Series funds should be used only for speaker fees, and if needed, travel and accommodations up to a maximum request of $3,000. Receptions, incidentals (such as printing, food, flowers), and other costs will not be funded by the University Lecturers program but may be funded by co-sponsors.

The ULC will review proposals and assign a priority ranking to each based on the following considerations. The evaluation rubric has been updated and we encourage all intending to submit a proposal to review the four rating categories and the percentages assigned to them.

Interest/Anticipated Attendance (25%) 

• potential that speaker/topic will attract a diverse audience (content diversity) 
• potential that speaker/topic will attract a diverse audience (other diversity) 
• potential to reach a wide university audience (expectations of attendance will be adjusted for speakers at the Round Rock Campus)
• potential to reach a community/external audience 

Topic/Speaker Involvement (31.25%) 

• direct involvement of the university community in the scholarly dialogue during the program
• direct speaker involvement with scholarly dialogue during the program
• plans for dialogue/reflection beyond the presentation/Q&A
• clear connection on how event will advance university's diversity mission
• national/international accomplishments of speaker provided in biography 

Event Logistics (18.75%) 

• established contact with speaker 
• tentative commitment by speaker 
• comprehensive description of event planning
• comprehensive description of marketing plan 

Collaboration/ Budget (25%) 

• collaboration across university units 
• joint sponsorship 
• commitment for shared funding
• budget justification

Proposals judged to merit funding will be approved in ranked order until funds are exhausted. In order to support as many speakers as possible, awards are limited to no more than $3,000.

The application form, instructions, evaluation rubric, and lists of past awards are available on the University Lecturers Series web page. Please note that only proposals submitted on the PDF proposal form will be accepted.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact me, Kristy Daniel, ULC Chair, or GG Mortenson, Administrative Assistant to the Faculty Senate, 245-8323.

We look forward to receiving your proposals. The University Lecturers Series offers a valuable opportunity for stimulating scholarly discussion at Texas State. We anticipate notifying successful applicants by email no later than May 1, 2024.

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Accounting

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mina Pizzini as Chair of the Department of Accounting, effective January 1, 2023.

Dr. Pizzini earned a bachelor’s degree the University of Virginia, an MBA from Dartmouth University’s Tuck School of Business, and a Ph.D. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Pizzini joined Texas State University in 2014 and was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2017. Previously, Dr. Pizzini held faculty appointments at the University of Texas at Dallas, Southern Methodist University, and Naval Postgraduate School. She has served as interim chair of the Department of Accounting since September 1, 2022.

Dr. Pizzini’s research focuses on management control system design with a special interest in incentives for non-executives. Her work has been featured in numerous top publications including the Journal of Management Accounting Research, the Journal of Corporate Accounting & Finance, The Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting & Economics, and Advances in Management Accounting. She has held multiple leadership positions in the Management Accounting section of the American Accounting Association.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Mina Pizzini on her appointment as Chair of the Department of Accounting.

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing

SUBJECT:                   Bobcat Day – November 12, 2022

 

On Saturday, November 12,  2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., future Bobcats will have the opportunity to see what life is like at Texas State University. As a campus, we will welcome potential students and families to experience Texas State by connecting with faculty, staff, and students. Bobcat Day creates the opportunity for students to learn about academic majors, programs, and services in addition to taking a campus tour, experiencing a few of the residence halls, academic buildings and centers.

If you have any questions, please contact Kennadee Lindop via email at Kennadee@txstate.edu.

Also, please mark your calendars for the next Bobcat Day which will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

 Spread Holiday Cheer with a Texas State University Holiday Ornament

 

2022 Texas State University Holiday Ornament
Bring Texas State home with our newest collectible holiday ornament.

This year’s piece captures the spirit and traditions of TXST with our “Eat ’Em Up, Cats” and “The Heart of Texas State” hand signs featured in the design. This one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake is ideal for those who cherish TXST and comes with a gorgeously designed maroon gift box.

Your purchase of the holiday ornament supports scholarships that help TXST students thrive and accomplish what’s NEXT.

Let us be a part of your family’s holiday tradition. Ornaments must be purchased online. Sales begin Monday, November 7, 2022, at 9 a.m. and close Friday, December 16, at noon.

Credit/debit card only for all purchases. Cash and checks not accepted. TXST departments are required to pay with an interdepartmental transfer (IDT).

Please allow 7 days for order processing. You will receive a confirmation email when your order is ready for pickup or has been mailed. Pickup will take place at JCK 860 during standard business hours.

Please note: We are only able to ship to physical addresses or via campus mail. The shipping company we use does not deliver to P.O. boxes or residence halls.
For more information or questions, please contact umarketing@txstate.edu.

 TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students

                                    Faculty

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   Honors Research Conference, November 17-18, 2022

 

The Honors College is pleased to present the Honors Research Conference (HRC) :

Thursday, November 17, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., LAMP 407
Friday, November 18, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., UAC 308, 309, 310  

The Thursday event will showcase honors creative works. On Friday, student panels will present their research on topics ranging from Green Countercultures to Preparing Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs to Global Perspectives on Incarceration and Conflict. 

The schedule for these presentations can be found on Symposium.* Everyone is welcome to attend!

Questions should be directed to ugresearch@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2266. 

*Note: If you haven't used Symposium before, you will be prompted to sign up with your TXST email address. Then, once you are signed in, you will be prompted to "register" for the event Texas State Honors Research Conference 2022.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Services

                                    Dean, University College

SUBJECT:                   National First-Generation Day and Week Long Celebration

 

Texas State University will celebrate the 4^th annual First Gen Week November 7 – 11, 2022 at both the San Marcos and Round Rock Campuses. There are over 12 program and events that will be hosted to recognize the commitment and success of first-generation college students and their families. The events celebrate students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, staff, and alumni for their achievements in pursuing and completing a higher education degree.
November 8^th is National First-Generation College Celebration Day and recognizes President Lyndon B. Johnson who signed the 1965 Higher Education Act, ensuring college access and support are provided to students pursuing a post-secondary degree. Dr. Stephen Santa-Ramirez, Assistant Professor of Higher Education, University of Buffalo will present at 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the LBJSC Grand Ballroom. Dr. Santa-Ramirez’s presentation will focus on his lived experiences as the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. Click here to RSVP.

For more Information about First Gen Week events, to share a first gen story, or to identify as a first gen faculty/staff, visit the First Gen Proud webpage.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Education Abroad Fair

 

Education Abroad invites you to the annual Texas State Education Abroad Fair on Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the LBJSC Grand Ballroom. Representatives of different programs will be providing information to those interested in studying, teaching, working, and/or researching abroad through travel and through digital platforms. The fair includes a variety of options for international experiences, including faculty-led education abroad programs, affiliated programs, exchange programs, Global Online Learning Experiences (GOLE), internships, volunteering and service-learning opportunities, as well as semester-long programs through partner institutions, among others. In addition, a representative from the Education Abroad office will be at the Round Rock Campus on Thursday November 17, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Avery Building, second floor atrium, to provide general information and respond to any inquiries about Education Abroad programs. A presentation will follow from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Avery Building, room 204.

Texas State students also have the opportunity to apply for the International Education Fee Scholarship (IEFS). The funding available for the 2022-2023 academic year is approximately $300,000.  For more information, please visit the Education Abroad website. 

If you have any questions, please contact Education Abroad at (512) 245-1967 or via email at educationabroad@txstate.edu.

 TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Annual Course Review

 

The annual calendar for the Course Information Management (CIM) system provides an opportunity for faculty across campus to review the course proposals from all academic units. The faculty review period this year ends on November 30, 2022.

At this time, all faculty and Academic Affairs staff are invited to review the proposed course additions, changes, and deletions that are located in the CIM system. For the fall 2023 cycle, there are 168 additions, 387 changes, and 109 deletions. Faculty and staff who are interested in more details about the course proposals can visit the CIM system.

Per Academic Affairs PPS 02.01.01, “faculty who have comments or concerns regarding any course addition, change, or deletion should submit those comments or concerns in writing to their department chair or school director who will be responsible to confer with the originating department chair or school director.”

Should you need additional information, please contact Ms. Sonya Gutierrez in the Office of Curriculum Services at (512) 245-8857.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Christine Hailey

                                    Dean, College of Science and Engineering

SUBJECT:                   2022-2023 University Lecturers Series: Sustainable Food System

 

Texas State University Lecturers Series

Creativity Amidst Diversity

Dr. Mohamed Omar

"Life throws challenges at us when we least expect it, but the world continues to spin even amidst them. How do we move on? In this talk, the presenter shares a story of a life-changing obstacle, how he moved through it, and how it sparked academic creativity he could never have predicted or imagined."

Friday, October 21, 2022

3:30-4:30 p.m.

Derrick Hall 329

Reception immediately following

Dr. Mohamed Omar is Associate Professor of Mathematics and Joseph B. Platt Chair in Effective Teaching at Harvey Mudd College. His research is in algebraic methods in graph theory and combinatorial optimization. In addition to his academic pursuits Omar is heavily involved with mathematics outreach and increasing diversity in STEM. He has won numerous awards for his research and service,was selected in the 2020 Class of Karen EDGE Fellows, and was awarded the Inaugural Claytor-Gilmer Fellowship of the American Math Society.

For questions, please contact the Department of Mathematics at (512) 245-2551.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Services

                                    Dean, University College

SUBJECT:                   The Lost River Film Festival | TO THE END | Sunday, October 23

 

The Common Experience is delighted to partner with the Lost River Film Fest to present a special screening of TO THE END. Associate Producer Karen Gaytán, a recent Texas State University alum, will be in attendance for a special Q&A. Join us for a thrilling screening of this new documentary that chronicles four remarkable young women of color — amid turbulence and crisis — fighting for a Green New Deal and igniting a historic shift in US climate politics. Stopping the climate crisis is a question of political courage, and the clock is ticking. This free event is open to all students, staff, faculty, and the public. If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact (512) 245-4161 at least 72 hours in advance of the event or email the Common Experience at commonexperience@txstate.edu. TO THE END Sunday, October 23, 2022 3:00-5:00 p.m. Performing Arts Center This free screening is courtesy of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, the Common Experience, the Department of History, the Department of Sociology, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department of Philosophy.

​

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Jaime Chahin

                                    Dean, College of Applied Arts

SUBJECT:                   2022-2023 University Lecturers Series: Sustainable Food System

 

Dr. Frank Asche

Professor, Natural Resource Economics, Florida Sea Grant Affiliated Faculty, University of Florida

President, International Association of Aquaculture Economics and Management

Please join us for this university lecture where Dr. Asche will highlight sustainable food system. Dr. Asche is a globally renewed resource economist with a primary research focus on seafood. Dr. Asche is editor for Aquaculture Economics and Management and associate editor for Marine Resource Economics.

Thursday, October 27, 2022

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

LBJSC Teaching Theatre 4-16.1

Reception immediately following

For questions, please contact the Department of Agricultural Sciences at (512) 245-2130.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Free Concert Tickets

 

Complimentary Tickets To This Special Event

HEATHER PIERSON is a pianist, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, song leader, and performer whose inspiring live performances and growing catalog of releases delve into Americana, blues, New Orleans jazz, vocal chants, instrumental piano, and folk. Best known for her ease at the piano and her bell-tone vocals, her songs and musicianship embody joy, honesty, playfulness, and a desire to share from the heart. In over 20 years on her own record label, Vessel Recordings, she has released 14 albums and several singles of original music.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022 at 7:30 P.M.

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION for Texas State students, faculty, and staff.

Tickets will be needed. Texas State university community can log in with their Texas State ID and password to download FREE General Admission Tickets for this event.

Download tickets

________________________________________

Coordinated through the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   The Common Experience & " WELDON ANGELOS & HIS UNLIKELY ALLIES" | Sunday, October 23

 

The Department of History is delighted to partner with Lost River Film Fest to present a work-in-progress screening of WELDON ANGELOS & HIS UNLIKELY ALLIES. Director Anthony Pedone – a Texas State University alum – and Producer Big Hollis will discuss their documentary that delves into Weldon Angelos’s case, one of the nation's best-known advocates to end the Drug War. Join us for a thrilling screening of this soon-to-be-released documentary that delves into marijuana prohibition and criminal justice reform. The event will also feature a Q&A with Anthony Pedone and Big Hollis. Weldon Angelos was sentenced to 55 years in prison, with no previous criminal record, for selling $350 worth of marijuana. Today, he has spearheaded a bipartisan movement to end mass incarceration for drug offenses. The screening event will occur on Sunday, October 23 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. This free event is open to all students, staff, faculty, and the public. If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact (512) 245-2142 at least 72 hours in advance of the event or email Dr. Justin Randolph, justin.randolph@txstate.edu.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Success

                                    Dean, University College

SUBJECT:                   National Transfer Student Week, October 17-22, 2022

 

Please join Texas State University’s Transfer Center in celebrating National Transfer Student Week (NTSW), October 17-22, 2022. Recently established under the Generación STEM Title III DHSI grant, the Transfer Center supports transfer students through every part of their journey at Texas State.

During NTSW, transfer students at both the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses can join events and activities that celebrate their accomplishments and build connections to Texas State.

The Transfer Center will share transfer student stories throughout the week on social media and will recognize faculty and staff Transfer Champions who have gone above and beyond in their service to transfer students.

For information about NTSW events, to share your story, or to nominate a Transfer Champion, please visit the National Transfer Student Week webpage. Submissions are due by October 13.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   2022 Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

 

The Graduate College is excited to host this year’s 2022 Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition and invites the entire Texas State University community to join.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a university-wide research communication competition in which graduate students present their thesis or dissertation research and its significance in under three minutes.  This competition challenges graduate students to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience and invites viewers to learn about innovative research by members of the graduate student community.  The competition will consist of a virtual Preliminary Round and an in-person University Final.

You are invited to view the virtual 3MT® Preliminary Round presentations and vote for your favorites during the People’s Choice Voting from Thursday, October 20, 2022 through Wednesday, October 26, 2022 on the 3MT® webpage.  Nine finalists selected by judges and three finalists selected by the People’s Choice Voting will advance to the University Final.

On Friday, November 4, from 10:00 – noon, the University Final will be held in the LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom.  All Texas State faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are invited to attend.  During the University Final, audience members will have the opportunity to vote in person for their favorite presentation to help a competitor win the final People’s Choice Winner award.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided, and there will be door prizes and raffle prizes.

For questions, please contact Dr. Patti Giuffre, Assistant Dean in The Graduate College, via email at the3mt@txstate.edu or at (512) 245-2581.

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing

SUBJECT:                   Bobcat Day – October 15, 2022

 

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., future Bobcats will have the opportunity to see what life is like at Texas State University. As a campus, we will welcome potential students and families to experience Texas State by connecting with faculty, staff, and students. Bobcat Day creates the opportunity for students to learn about academic majors, programs, and services in addition to taking a campus tour and experiencing many of our residence halls, academic buildings, and centers.

If you have any questions, please contact Kennadee Lindop via email at Kennadee@txstate.edu.

Also, please mark your calendars for the next Bobcat Day which will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

 TO:                                         Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                                   Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

Associate Vice President for Academic Success

                                                Dean, University College

SUBJECT:                               October 18 | Common Experience Insight Series event featuring Dr. Cathy O'Neil Live

 

The Common Experience Insight Series is thrilled to host a lecture by Dr. Cathy O’Neil, author of the 2022-2023 Common Reading, Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy. O’Neil will deliver her virtual lecture on Tuesday, 18 October, 2022 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. At the end of the talk, student moderators will ask questions of O’Neil that have been curated from University Seminar courses, Common Experience social media channels, and the online question form. Submit a question for O’Neil using the online event question form. Visit the event webpage for speaker information and to watch the event LIVE on 18 October. This free TXST NEXT event is open to all students, staff, faculty, alumni, friends, and the general public. For questions about the event, contact Camrie Pipper, Assistant Director of the Common Experience via email at commonexperience@txstate.edu.

Undergraduate Academic Center 149 601 University Drive San Marcos, Texas 78666 Phone: 512.245.4161      Email: commonexperience@txstate.edu

 TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Associate Provost/Associate Vice Presidents

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Faculty Ombudspersons

 

In June 2022, Texas State University announced that Dr. Todd Jewell, Professor of Finance and Economics, and Dr. Colleen C. Myles, Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, have agreed to serve as the Faculty Ombudspersons for a term of three years.  Their appointments began June 1, 2022 and continue through August 31, 2025.  Short biographies the ombudspersons are provided below.

The university is implementing a new model of support that includes two faculty ombudspersons.  This model is designed to better serve Texas State's large and diverse faculty body.  The faculty ombudspersons are advocates for respectful and civil dialogue, transparent and fair policies, and continuous improvement.  They are neutral persons with whom faculty members can confidentially voice concerns, evaluate situations, organize thoughts, and identify options.

Ombuds support is available to faculty during the fall, spring and summer terms.  Faculty members seeking assistance may contact either ombudsperson by emailing facultyombuds@txstate.edu, indicating the preferred ombudsperson (if any), and providing their name, contact information, and preferred meeting times/days.

Ombudsperson Biographies:

Dr. Colleen C. Myles, a first-generation college student, earned a BA in Liberal Studies and Political Science from Sonoma State University and a MS in Community Development and PhD in Geography, both from the University of California, Davis.  Dr. Myles served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer as an undergraduate and then as a Community-Based Natural Resource Manager in Tanzania with the Peace Corps following graduation.  Dr. Myles came to Texas State as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies in 2013 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2019.  She is currently the Regional Councilor for the Southwest on the National Council for the American Association of Geographers and is the former Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee at Texas State.  Dr. Myles is a human geographer and political ecologist whose research and teaching focus on land and environmental management, sustainability, food and agriculture, and fermented landscapes. 

 

Dr. Todd Jewell earned a BA in Economics from Pepperdine University and a MA and PhD in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.  Before joining Texas State as Chair of the Department of Economics and Finance in 2014, Dr. Jewell worked at the University of North Texas, where he was the Chair of the Department of Economics from 2010 to 2014.  While at Texas State, Dr. Jewell has also served as the Associate Dean for Research and International Programs in the McCoy College of Business and as the Interim Chair of the Department of Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Methods.  Dr. Jewell’s main research areas are health economics, especially international health, and sports economics, especially the labor markets of professional sports.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   The University Star invites you to Star Stories: True Stories of Life at TXST

 

Come join The University Star for its fourth annual Star Stories event, taking place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. 

“Star Stories: True Stories of Life at TXST” will feature true personal narratives from four storytellers that reveal something about our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities. The goal is to open a dialogue among diverse groups while assigning value to first-person narratives. Trigger warning: Some stories may include descriptions of abuse, mental illness, sexual assault, and other sensitive topics. 

Tickets are available online at Eventbrite.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   Conversations with NPR's Erika Aguilar

 

Please join as we welcome Erika Aguilar, Executive Producer of NPR’s Morning Edition and Up First.  A graduate of Texas State University, majoring in History and Journalism, Aguilar leads the team that delivers the news that many of us listen to on our morning commutes.  Aguilar will be visiting Texas State as part of the History in the Making Series and Mass Communication Week.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Keynote/Q&A, 7:00 p.m., Alkek Library Teaching Theater

(reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Taylor-Murphy Courtyard)

Sponsored by the Texas State Department of History, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Texas Center for Public History, the Center for the Study of the Southwest, KTSW, the College of Liberal Arts, the Honors College, the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and The Berkshire Conference on the History of Women. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, contact Dr. Louie Dean Valencia at (512) 245-2103 or via email at lvalencia@txstate.edu.  Requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance of the program start time to ensure availability.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Academic Administrative Unit Name Change

 

Effective fall 2022, the Emmett and Miriam McCoy College of Business Administration will be renamed to the Emmett and Miriam McCoy College of Business (unit code remains BA) and the Department of Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Methods will be renamed to the Department of Information Systems and Analytics (unit code ISAN). 

Please join me in extending best wishes to the faculty, staff, and students of the College and the Department.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Sanjay Ramchander

                                    Dean, McCoy College of Business Administration

SUBJECT:                   October 18 | The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

 

The McCoy Conversations series offers topical lunchtime webinars for the community to bridge academic and industry perspectives. Please join us on Tuesday, October 18, 12:00-1:00 p.m. for a candid conversation on “The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.” We’ll explore how business can use artificial intelligence for social good, to address social problems, and to enact social change.

Zoom registration is required. Visit the event webpage for speaker information and the registration link.

Featured Panelists Include:

Dr. Robert Giacalone

Jerry D. and Linda Gregg Fields Chair in Ethics and Corporate Responsibility, McCoy College of Business

Ilana Golbin

AI Director, PwC Labs

Recognized by Forbes as one of “15 AI Ethics Leaders”

Dr. Bernhard Koelmel

Professor of Global Process Management, Pforzheim University School of Engineering & Visiting Research Scholar, McCoy College of Business

Dr. Haniyeh Mahmoudian

Global AI Ethicist, DataRobot

Recognized by Forbes as one of “15 AI Ethics Leaders”

This free event is open to all students, staff, faculty, alumni, friends, and members of the business community. For questions about the event, contact Dr. Alexis Stokes, Associate Dean for Faculty and Research in the McCoy College of Business via email at McCoyResearch@txstate.edu.

 TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

                                    Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Instructional Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Teaching and Instruction

 

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and information related to teaching and instructional responsibilities, student records, students with disabilities, and classroom materials.  All employees serving in instructional roles, including teaching assistants and instructional assistants, are asked to visit the websites linked below and to talk with their department chairs/school directors about specific questions regarding these policies and practices.   

Faculty-Authored Teaching Material

AA/PPS 02.03.30, Faculty-Authored Teaching and Instructional Material, requires approval before a faculty member may require any textbook, notebook, manual, or other materials written or prepared by a member of the Texas State University faculty for which a charge is required.  The policy covers materials authored or prepared by Texas State University faculty, even if the materials are used in classes taught by other instructors.  The approval process, which is described in the policy, involves the faculty member requiring the course material, department chair/school director, dean, and provost.  The deadlines for the submission of requests for materials to be used are: July 1 (fall semester), November 1 (spring semester), and April 1 (summer sessions).  Instructors may only require materials that meet instructional goals and student learning outcomes of the course.

Inadvertent Release of Student Education Records: Updated with Secure Communication Instructions

This is a reminder of your obligation to guard against the inadvertent release of student education records as stipulated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  UPPS 01.04.31, Access to Student Records Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, addresses this law and faculty and staff obligations. 

A few examples of inadvertent releases of student education records are emailing student grades, grade point averages, test scores or posting grades by student ID numbers, social security numbers, or other numbers that make student identities easily traceable.  These actions violate federal law and university policy.  A list of frequently asked questions is available for additional information.

Please review File and Data Sending and Receiving information standards as well as best practices for Data Classification (confidential, sensitive, or public) from the division of Information Technology.  To securely send and receive confidential student education records per FERPA regulations, use the university’s secure File Transfer system.

Faculty and Staff may login the Bobcat Family Portal to verify a student has granted someone access to their records, which includes detailed login instructions.

Regular and Substantive Interaction in Distance Learning

Regular and substantive instructor and student engagement in distance learning courses improves student learning outcomes and student satisfaction and aligns with Texas State’s long-held commitment to quality teaching and learning.  In addition, the university’s continued eligibility to award federal financial aid depends on the ability to provide evidence that this engagement takes place in a timely way and within certain regulatory guidelines.  Instructor-initiated actions, feedback, and oversight are expected to be timely, ongoing, focused on the course subject and assignments, and integral to the course plan and learning outcomes.  Instructors should plan to retain records of student engagement in academic activities that occur on or before each semester’s census day to document student engagement for financial aid purposes.  More information may be found in G/PPS 02.03, Distance Education Courses and Programs, on the Office of Distance and Extended Learning’s Federal Financial Aid and Distance Learning webpage, or through discussions with department chairs/school directors or instructional design staff.

Students with Disabilities

Texas State complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA).  The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides certain students with written certification or an academic accommodation letter to share with faculty or staff members that outlines and requests appropriate accommodations specific to the student’s disability-based need.  Instructors are expected to work collaboratively with ODS and students who present written certification or accommodation letters and are asked to review Students with Disabilities, a Teaching Resource Guide for information on legal mandates, ODS procedures, types of accommodations, and best practices for ensuring access to full educational opportunity.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   TEDxTexasStateUniversity Call for Speakers and Artists

 

The Department of Communication Studies’ TEDxTexasStateUniversity team is seeking speakers to share innovative ideas at this year’s TEDx event on Saturday, February 11, 2023. The application portal is open, and we need your help finding speakers who will inspire our community and embody our theme, compleXity. 
2023 Theme Description and Call for Speakers: 

Our world is made up of complex systems and processes that have allowed our species to flourish. Operating in the background, these structures impact our everyday experiences and are often taken for granted. TEDxTexasStateUniversity’s 2023 theme will explore compleXity. Our talks will focus on identifying and navigating these complex systems and will explore and advocate for solutions to complex problems and challenges we face. The talks will represent a variety of fields and perspectives including technology, health, the arts, media, social sciences, the humanities, and the natural sciences. We invite you to join us for a day of inspiration and conversation as we discover what it means to be a citizen in this complex, global world.
If you or someone you know has an idea worth sharing that fits the compleXity theme, please apply!
The application is open to anyone of any age and the deadline to apply is Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. The application also requires a two-minute video of the applicant talking about their idea. You do not have to have a fully written or developed presentation to apply, just an idea worth sharing. If selected, speakers will work with our speaking coaches starting in mid-October. Community members who are not affiliated with the university are also encouraged to apply. Though this event will be live, the speakers will be featured in a professionally edited video, post-event, that will be uploaded to TED Headquarters. 

We are also looking for fine arts performances and exhibits for the event. If you have an idea for a performance or exhibit, please contact us via email at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu.

If you have questions about the application process or event, please contact us via email at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu.  

Together, we can build an amazing event. 

 

TEDxTexasStateUniversity Organizing Team 

Dr. Michael Burns, Department of Communication Studies 

Dr. Kristen Farris, Department of Communication Studies 

Mr. Mark Paz, Department of Communication Studies 

Dr. Prisca Ngondo, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   Philosophy Dialogue Series Fall 2022

 

Hosted by the Department of Philosophy at Texas State University, this eight-week series provides opportunities for thoughtful conversations about difficult topics. The Fall 2022 Philosophy Dialogue Series will have eight weekly themes: 

• September 19-23                                       Dialogue Retrospective  
• September 26-30                                       Systems Thinking  
• October 3-7                                                 Peaceweaving  
• October 10-14                                            Reckoning with Our History  
• October 17-21                                            Talk  
• October 24-28                                            Sex and Gender  
• October 31-November 4                          The Sacred and the Profane  
• November 7-11                                          School Daze   

The full schedule is available on the Philosophy Dialogue Series website. We invite you to join the conversation! 

All events are free and open to the public.

Unless otherwise indicated, on-campus events will take place in Comal 116. The San Marcos Public Library is located at 625 E. Hopkins Street.

Please direct any questions regarding the Philosophy Dialogue Series to philosophy@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2285.

The Philosophy Dialogue Series Program Endowment supports the Philosophy Dialogue Series and its outreach activities at the San Marcos Public Library. Co-sponsors of the Philosophy Dialogue Series are the American Democracy Project, College of Liberal Arts, Common Experience, Gina Weatherhead DialogueFund, Alliance, Step Up For State,  Sustainability Studies, The Alkek Library, Humanities Texas, National Endowment for the Humanities, ΦΣΤ ( Phi Sigma Tau, the philosophy honor society), University Seminar, The New York Times, The Acorn: Philosophical Studies in Pacifism and Nonviolence, the Honors College, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Vice President for Student Affairs.

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, contact the Department of Philosophy at (512) 245-2285. Accommodation requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance of the program start time to ensure availability. 
Stay in touch by following the Department of Philosophy's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! 

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Common Experience Event

 

TXST Faculty/Staff

B.O.G.O. FREE ​with Promo Code: AUGUST

Standing alone on-stage, award-winning actor, Eugene Lee (III) becomes the voice of Pulitzer-Prize Winner, August Wilson. This one-man play is a memoir recounting Wilson's life as a Black artist in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. Walk the path from his roots, his first job, his first loves, and his experience with racism through the decades. How I Learned What I Learned gives an inside look into the experiences that shaped one of the most celebrated playwrights of the 20^th Century.

“Lee is a magnetic actor who holds attention with a change of posture, a shrug of his shoulders, or a wide-eyed stare of mock disbelief. His wonderfully flexible vocal instrument allows him to become the various people whom Wilson encountered while his body moves in time to the rhythms of Wilson’s language, enhanced by the jazz music that he loved and a brief but expressive passage of Afro-American dance.”
~ Iris Fanger, "Theater Mania"

“Eugene Lee’s virtuoso performance propels the show.”
~ Jeremy D. Goodwin, "The ARTery"

The promotion is good for TXST faculty and staff through September 18, 2022 using the Faculty/Staff price type for all tickets. At checkout use promo code AUGUST. 

• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, AT 7:30 P.M.
• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AT 7:30 P.M.
• FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 7:30 P.M.
• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 7:30 P.M.
• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 AT 2:00 P.M.

• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 AT 7:30 P.M.
• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 AT 7:30 P.M.
• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT 7:30 P.M.
• FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 7:30 P.M.

 Tickets available at txstatepresents.com.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   The University Star invites you to Star Stories: True Stories of Life at TXST

 

The University Star will be hosting its 4^th annual Star Stories event. They are looking for fantastic storytellers to tell first-person stories about Texas State University’s greatest challenges and opportunities. 

“Star Stories: True Stories of Life at TXST” will feature true personal narratives from eight storytellers that reveal something about our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities. The goal is to open a dialogue among diverse groups while assigning value to first-person narratives. 

The deadline for applications is September 21, 2022.

More information and to apply

TO:                             Faculty Teaching General Education/Core Curriculum Courses

                                    Deans

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Success and Dean of University College

SUBJECT:                   Initial Academic Feedback (IAF) grading is now open

 

We are pleased to offer faculty teaching General Education/Core Curriculum courses a new opportunity to connect students to the support they need. You can help identify students who may be struggling by submitting early grades for your students between September 8 and 26 using the Initial Academic Feedback (IAF) tool. Please see the attached instructions to learn more about submitting early grades from your Canvas Gradebook. Your entry of Initial Academic Feedback will help our academic support staff make timely interventions to help students succeed.  

Thank you for all you do to support our students’ learning and success.

*Note: IAF is an academic early alert notification that will allow us to provide academic intervention through our academic services units and is different than behavioral alerts submitted to the Dean of Students. If you have a student behavioral issue, submit a Here to Help form.

 TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Time and Leave Policy – Faculty Sick Leave Reporting Requirements

 

Faculty members appointed in benefits-eligible positions (50% or more appointment) earn sick leave and must report sick leave taken even if no classes were missed. Reporting is required by the State of Texas (Texas Government Code 661.203).

Faculty must report sick leave for the actual time missed from carrying out their normal, negotiated workload responsibilities, including teaching, research and scholarly/creative activities, and service. Sick leave taken must be recorded in hours, including partial day absences.

The specific guidelines and procedures for faculty to use in reporting sick leave are prescribed in UPPS 04.04.30, University Leave Policy. In particular, please review Section 03, Sick Leave Procedures, Section 03.10, Faculty, Section 15, Record Keeping Policy, and Section 16, Record Keeping Procedures. 

Employees, including faculty, may take sick leave with pay when illness, medical and dental appointments, injury, immunizations, pregnancy, or confinement prevent carrying out their normal, negotiated workload responsibilities, or when the employee needs to care for an immediate family member who is sick or to obtain medical or dental examinations as part of an employee’s or immediate family member’s personal health maintenance program. Employees are allowed to use up to eight hours of sick leave each fiscal year to attend educational activities of their children in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.

Questions regarding the use and recording of faculty sick leave should be directed to the appropriate department chair/school director. Each department/school must have a procedure in place for timely reporting and assigned responsibility for getting time entered into the SAP time management system, either by a faculty member or the departmental time administrator.

​

 TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

                                    Deans

                                    Associate Provost/Associate Vice Presidents in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Ethics and Compliance

 

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and other information related to ethics and compliance following university, state, and federal regulations and policies. This message addresses required ethics and compliance training, dual/outside employment, and reporting of relatives working at Texas State University. Specific questions regarding these policies and practices may be addressed to supervisors.

University Ethics and Compliance Program

Texas State is committed to ensuring that our institution maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity throughout all aspects of operations. As public servants, university faculty and staff are guardians of the resources entrusted to it and have a responsibility to students, parents, alumni, donors, and the citizens of Texas to ensure those resources are used efficiently and for their intended purpose. Several reporting tools are available that provide a confidential avenue for reporting concerns about potential waste, fraud, and abuse of resources; the lack of compliance with laws, regulations, and/or University Policy and Procedure Statements; or violations of The Texas State University System’s Code of Ethics. We encourage you to report such issues through one of the following tools:

· EthicsPoint Website

· The Texas State University System (TSUS) Toll-Free Hotline at (866) 294-0987. Para hacer un reporte en Espanol, favor de llame (866) 294-0987.

· Texas State University Office of Internal Audit Hotline at (512) 245-1707

Please note the following training requirements:

1. Ethics and Compliance Training: The Tools for an Ethical Workplace course is offered online via the employee learning management tool, Success Factors (SF) Learning. All employees are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by TSUS. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.     

2. EEO and Title IX Training: The Preventing Harassment and Discrimination course is offered online via the employee learning management tool, SF Learning. All employees are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by the State of Texas. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.

3. Cybersecurity Training: To combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3834 in the 2019 legislative session, which requires certain state and local government employees to complete a cybersecurity training program certified by the state’s Department of Information Resources (DIR). All employees must complete the Cybersecurity Training available within SF Learning. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.

4. Clery Act and Campus Security Authorities: The Clery Act is a federal law that requires the institution to provide accurate and timely information about crime and campus safety to the university community as well as prospective students and their families. The act requires the identification of individuals and organizations that meet the definition of a campus security authority (CSA). While many faculty members are not designated as CSAs, based on their position, those who serve as advisors to student organizations or program trip leaders will be CSAs. Employees designated as CSAs will be notified by the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator and are required to complete the CSA Clery Training Course available within SF Learning annually. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.

Dual/Outside Employment

UPPS 04.04.06, Outside Employment and Activities, defines outside employment as any compensated employment, consulting, or service performed by the employee outside of the employee’s employment relationship with Texas State for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee or the organization serviced. Outside activities that involve non-compensated services are not always reported. However, there are special provisions for holding public office. Employment or activities must not interfere or create a conflict of interest or commitment with any employee’s duties and responsibilities at Texas State.

Outside employment, financial conflict of interest (FCOI), conflict of commitment (COC), and inappropriate foreign influence may be related topics that potentially present challenges in managing overlapping dimensions. This is particularly important for faculty and staff involved in federal grant awards and sponsored programs. To encourage and support the research community, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will continue to develop and disseminate information and guidance regarding disclosures to internal and external entities, including funding agencies. Contact Sean Rubino, Director, Research Integrity and Compliance, via email at srubino@txstate.edu for questions or more information in this regard.

Annual approval is required for 1) any outside employment or consulting prior to beginning such outside employment or consulting; 2) any employment with another state agency, community college, or school district (regardless of the faculty member’s FTE at Texas State);  3) any employee holding public office (elected or appointed to serve for a federal, state, or local government entity including school districts, cities, and towns); or 4) non-compensated activities where the employee or supervisor believes there may be a conflict of interest or interference with the employee’s university duties and responsibilities, or if the outside activities will take place during or interfere with the employee’s normally scheduled work hours.

If the outside employment is with another State of Texas entity, Texas law requires that all state employees must inform their state agencies or institutions of higher education before accepting an additional employment with another agency or institution. See section 03.02 of UPPS 04.04.06.

Annual reporting is required. Thus, outside employment approved from a prior academic year must be reported for the current year if the employment is ongoing. The current reporting academic year is 9/1/22 – 8/31/23. Employees are also required to report any changes that may occur during the academic year (e.g., additional outside employment throughout the year or change in outside employment workload). Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal, under the “Self-Report” tab. At least one supervisor in the approval workflow, such as a department chair/school director, director, assistant vice president, dean, or associate vice president, must document there is no conflict of interest or commitment with outside employment before the request flows to the Office of the Provost.  

Note: Honorariums need not be reported.

Online Reporting of Relatives Working at Texas State University

An online form is available for employees to report certain relatives also working at Texas State University. With centralized records, Human Resources and Faculty and Academic Resources will be able to better manage potential conflicts and provide accurate reports as required by state law and The Texas State University System Regents’ Rules and Regulations. The governing policy is UPPS 04.04.07, Nepotism and Related Employment.

Note: If you have already reported relatives working at Texas State and there are no changes, no action is required. After your initial certification, you must report any changes as they occur.

If needed, please take action by October 14, 2022 and provide complete information, including hours worked per week and other details that aid reviewers in decision-making. Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal, under the “Self-Report” tab. Instructions for Self-Reporting of Relatives at Texas State are available. The records will be reviewed by Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources against the organizational structure in SAP. If there is a potential conflict, Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources staff will contact the department head for resolution. Faculty-related questions may be directed to Faculty and Academic Resources at (512) 245-2786.

Thank you for your commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Please forward this email, as appropriate, to ensure all employees in Academic Affairs are aware of these commitments and requirements.

 

 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Accounting

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mina Pizzini as Interim Chair of the Department of Accounting, effective September 1, 2022.

Dr. Pizzini earned a bachelor’s degree the University of Virginia, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and a Ph.D. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Pizzini joined Texas State University in 2014 and was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2017. Previously, Dr. Pizzini held faculty appointments at the University of Texas at Dallas, Southern Methodist University, and the Naval Postgraduate School.

Dr. Pizzini’s research focuses on management control system design with a special interest in incentives for non-executives. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including the Journal of Management Accounting Research, the Journal of Corporate Accounting & Finance, The Accounting Review, and Advances in Management Accounting.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Mina Pizzini on her appointment as Interim Chair of the Department of Accounting.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Constitution Day

 

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance recognizing the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become United States citizens by birth or naturalization. It is normally observed on September 17, the day the United States Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787 in Philadelphia. During any year that September 17 falls on a weekend, colleges and universities may present educational programs on the week preceding or following September 17.

This year, Texas State University is hosting Dr. Phillip Vincent Muñoz, Tocqueville Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. An award-winning teacher, lecturer, and author, Dr. Muñoz has authored a variety of award-winning and widely-used books, including God and the Founders: Madison, Washington, and Jefferson (Cambridge University Press, 2009), and Religious Liberty and the American Founding: Natural Rights and the Original Meanings of the First Amendment Religion Clauses (University of Chicago, 2022). His articles have appeared in in a variety of journals including The Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, American Political Thought, and the American Political Science Review and his work has been cited numerous times in Supreme Court opinions, most recently by Justice Alito in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia (2021) and by both Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Thomas in Espinoza v. Montana (2020). His Constitution Day lecture is entitled "Religious Freedom, Natural Rights, and Our Forgotten Principles of Constitutional Liberty" and will take place on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Alkek Teaching Theater. The lecture is sponsored by Discourse in Democracy, the Department of Political Science and made possible by a grant from the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History. For more information, you may contact the Department of Political Science via email at politicalscience@txstate.edu.

Also, Student Government will be at the Quad on September 15, 2022 and September 16, 2022 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., distributing pocket-sized United States Constitutions to students. The main goal during this activity is to make their fellow students understand the importance of the U.S. constitution and in particular, the right to vote which is one of the greatest privileges in a democracy. Because of this, Student Government will have students who are deputized and who can assist students to register to vote in Hays County.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Finance and Economics

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Haiyong Liu as Chair of the Department of Finance and Economics, effective August 1, 2022.

Dr. Liu earned his Bachelor of Science in Economic Geography from Peking University and his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Liu joins Texas State University from East Carolina University, where he served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics and Co-Coordinator of the East Carolina Graduate Certificate Program of Applied Data Sciences.

Dr. Liu’s research focuses on health and labor economics as well as the use of econometrics in public policy analysis. His work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the United States Coast Guard, the Department of Defense, and the Duke Endowment. He has published in numerous journals, including Empirical Economics, Journal of Econometrics, Journal of Economic Inequality, International Economic Review, and others.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Haiyong Liu on his appointment as Chair of the Department of Finance and Economics.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Management

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. William McDowell as Chair of the Department of Management, effective August 1, 2022.

Dr. McDowell earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Christian University, an MBA from California State University Dominguez Hills, and a Ph.D. in Management from the University of North Texas.

Dr. McDowell joins Texas State University from Bradley University, where he served as Executive and Academic Director of the Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Turner Chair of Entrepreneurship at the Foster College of Business. Previously, he served as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University and East Carolina University. Dr. McDowell currently serves as an Executive Business Coach for Harvard Business School.

Dr. McDowell’s research focuses on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial ecosystems, small business, and family business. His work has been featured in prestigious publications including the Journal of Business Research, Journal of Innovation and Knowledge, Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, and Review of Managerial Science. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Small Business Strategy.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. William McDowell on his appointment as Chair of the Department of Management.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Students

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   The Graduate College’s Outstanding Dissertation Award

 

It is my pleasure to inform you of the outcome of The Graduate College’s recent Outstanding Dissertation Award competition.

Dr. Christie A. Lawson, who earned her Ed.D. in Developmental Education on December 11, 2021, has won The Graduate College’s Outstanding Dissertation Award in the Social Sciences. Her dissertation, Undergraduate Latina/o/x Student Motivation: Moderating Influences of Cultural Capital on STEM Persistence at a Hispanic-Serving Institution, was directed by Dr. Carlton J. Fong, Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Dr. Lawson’s dissertation is a quantitative correlational study that explores the associations between elements of expectancy-value theory of achievement choices and Latina/o/x students’ intention to persist in their STEM major at a Hispanic-serving institution. The theoretical framework includes both expectancy-value theory (Eccles & Wigfield, 2020) and the Community Cultural Wealth Model (Yosso, 2005), positioning non-traditional types of cultural capital as variables which may moderate the influences that expectancy of success and subjective task value have on academic intentions to persist. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed statistically significant interaction effects between expectancy and aspirational capital, value and aspirational capital, value and navigational capital, and value and resistant capital. Findings contribute to the gap in scholarly understandings of how culturalized assets operate within traditional theories of achievement motivation and suggest that Latina/o/x STEM major students may benefit from the purposeful validation of these assets.

Dr. Joyce H. Anderson, who earned her Ph.D. in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization on August 8, 2020, has won The Graduate College’s Outstanding Dissertation Award in Mathematics, Engineering and Physical Sciences. Her dissertation, Measurement of Thermal Conductivity of Gold Nanowires and Nanofilms, was directed by Dr. Mark Holtz, Professor in the Department of Physics.

In her dissertation, Dr. Anderson studies the thermal properties of nanoscale metallic conductors. Materials at the nanoscale have properties that differ substantially from their bulk or thin film counterparts. This leads to significant challenges related to the materials used when miniaturizing electronic and photonic devices with at least one dimension at the nanoscale. In conductors, differences at the nanoscale include increased electrical resistivity and reduced thermal conductivity. The self-heating that results from driving electrical current in devices is consequently greater and more difficult to dissipate. The trend in manufacturing to increase device density exacerbates these problems by producing a concomitant increase in power and heating densities. Self-heating and electromigration ultimately lead to device failure. Given that nanostructured gold is currently used in a wide range of applications, including interconnects, solar cells, flexible screens, detection of cancerous cells, and energy storage, this dissertation investigates systematically nanostructured gold to examine the hypothesis that reduced length scales have the profound effect of reducing thermal conductivity. The results of this study clearly establish a dramatic effect of dimension of gold nanostructures on resultant thermal conductivity at both room and elevated temperature. The relatively extensive data set was found to be consistent with the few published values. Further, the application of established physics was found to not be predictive of the results in this study, further highlighting the importance of direct measurements to characterize nanoscale behavior and signaling the need for new theoretical approaches for understanding heat transport at the nanoscale.

As the winners of these competitions, Drs. Lawson and Anderson will each receive $1,000 and will be recognized at The Graduate College’s Awards Ceremony next April. We have also entered them into the Council of Graduate School’s national competition for best dissertation in the above-mentioned categories.

Congratulations to Dr. Lawson and Dr. Anderson on their outstanding work! I would also like to acknowledge Professors Fong and Holtz for their exemplary mentorship and commitment to their students.

If you have questions about the dissertation awards, please contact Dean Andrea Golato via email at agolato@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Information to Include in Fall 2022 Course Syllabi

 

As we quickly approach the fall 2022 semester and prepare for an exciting array of classes, activities, and events, the following message provides guidance on course syllabi and implementation, including the university’s commitment to health and wellbeing and processes that support timely action and communication, including ongoing monitoring of public health matters and university-wide updates as necessary.

This message also provides information about the university’s mission and shared values, emergency management, and the reporting responsibility of faculty and staff who learn of sexual misconduct. Extensive information on course syllabi and classroom procedures is found in AA/PPS 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses. Please pass this message along to new faculty and teaching assistants, as new hire transactions occur daily.

Our Mission and Our Shared Values

Faculty who wish to include information about the university’s mission and shared values statements in a syllabus for fall 2022 courses should use the following statements from the 2017-2023 Texas State University Plan: 

Mission

Texas State University is a doctoral-granting, student-centered institution dedicated to excellence and innovation in teaching, research, including creative expression, and service. The university strives to create new knowledge, to embrace a diversity of people and ideas, to foster cultural and economic development, and to prepare its graduates to participate fully and freely as citizens of Texas, the nation, and the world.

Shared Values

In pursuing our mission, we, the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State University, are guided by a shared collection of values:

• Teaching and learning based on research, student involvement, and the free exchange of ideas in a supportive environment;
• Research and creative activities that encompass the full range of academic disciplines—research with relevance, from the sciences to the arts, from the theoretical to the applied;
• The cultivation of character, integrity, honesty, civility, compassion, fairness, respect, and ethical behavior in all members of our university community;
• A diversity of people and ideas, a spirit of inclusiveness, a global perspective, and a sense of community as essential conditions for campus life;
• A commitment to service and leadership for the public good;
• Responsible stewardship of our resources and environment; and
• Continued reflection and evaluation to ensure that our strengths as a community always benefit those we serve.

Health and Wellbeing

• On a regular basis, please visit the Student Health Center for information on vaccinations, quarantine and isolation guidelines, on-campus services, travel guidance, frequently asked questions, and much more. Please watch your Texas State email for updates from Dr. Emilio Carranco and the Student Health Center through the VPSA email account.
• Bobcat Trace has been discontinued, as the CDC COVID-19 Community Level is now a more reliable tool for assessing transmission and providing guidance on prevention measures.
• While vaccines and medications have reduced the risk of severe illness, COVID-19 continues to circulate and cause infections. We still need to take steps to protect against infection with COVID-19. Protecting against illnesses starts with practicing good health hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when ill, washing hands or using hand sanitizer, and other safe measures.  
• There are no requirements for face coverings, social distancing, and other measures at Texas State. Off-site providers of clinical courses, internships, student teaching, or other activities may have different requirements.  

Student Absences and Absence Notification

Faculty are encouraged to remain flexible in supporting students who are ill. As in the past, faculty have discretion in managing student absences, including those due to illness. Faculty members determine appropriate arrangements for students who miss class.

For faculty who ask students requesting excused absences to contact the Dean of Students Office, students should be directed to use the online Student Absence Notification System. Additional information is available on the Dean of Students’ Absence Notifications webpage. Students should only be referred to the Dean of Students Office if they are unable to complete the on-line request due to access limitations or emergencies/crises.

For questions, contact the Dean of Students Office at (512) 245-2124.

Student Resources for Wellbeing

The Dean of Students Office unveiled a new initiative, HERE TO HELP, which replaces PAWS Alert. Submissions are received directly by the Dean of Students Office’s CARE Center to assist students experiencing crises or emergencies or displaying concerning behaviors. This process takes an individualized and holistic approach to assessing submissions and determining an appropriate course of action or referral based on the information provided in the submission.

The Counseling Center provides counseling, telemental health, and educational workshops and videos for students. If students are struggling with anxiety or depression, Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is a free online program available to faculty, staff, and students that helps build skills for dealing with such problems. In addition, the Student Health Center provides evaluation and medical management of these common mental health issues and others.  

Syllabus Content Reminders (see section 13 of AA/PPS 02.03.01 for all syllabus requirements)

• Required class materials, access to materials, use of Canvas, and/or instructional strategies.
• Technology or software needed for the class, including getting support from ITAC.
• Exams, assignments, grading rubrics, assessment and testing, and due dates.
• Office hours.
• Attendance policy and record-keeping procedures.
• Assessment and testing strategies to enhance academic integrity.

Class Instruction Modes and Substantive Interaction

Classes will be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the Fall 2022 Schedule of Classes in Catsweb. In all courses, faculty members provide regular and substantive interaction with students. This interaction is instructor-driven, content-oriented, frequent, and consistent throughout the semester.

Statement on Civility in the Classroom and Instructional Settings

Civility in instructional settings is fundamental to an effective educational process and is everyone’s responsibility. The university’s shared values, sense of community, and collective commitment to respect, civil dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas are the cornerstones of successful teaching and learning. If students have questions about appropriate behavior in a particular class, they should address them with their instructor first. Although rare, disciplinary procedures may be implemented for refusing to follow an instructor’s directive, disrupting classroom activities, posting offensive comments on class discussion boards, or disregarding university policies. For more information regarding conduct in the classroom, please review policies at AA/PPS 02.03.02, Section 03: Courteous and Civil Learning Environment, and Code of Student Conduct, number II, Responsibilities of Students, Section 2.02: Conduct Prohibited.  

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

• Code of Student Conduct
• The Honor Code

Instructor Absences

Faculty who are absent from class coordinate with their department chairs/school directors to ensure continuity of instruction. In some cases, a faculty member teaching face-to-face may transition to remote learning for a brief period by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools. For extended absences, another faculty member may be asked to assume responsibility for the class. Deans and chairs/directors may contact the Office of the Provost for support or guidance.

Emergency Management  

In the event of an emergency, students, faculty, and staff should monitor the Safety and Emergency Communications web page. This page will be updated with the latest information available to the university, in addition to providing links to information concerning safety resources and emergency procedures. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to sign up for the TXState Alert system. 

Sexual Misconduct Reporting (SB 212)

Effective January 2, 2020, state law (SB 212) requires all university employees, acting in the course and scope of employment, who witness or receive information concerning an incident of sexual misconduct involving an enrolled student or employee to report all relevant information known about the incident to the university's Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX coordinator. According to SB 212, employees who knowingly fail to report or knowingly file a false report shall be terminated in accordance with university policy and The Texas State University System Rules and Regulations. Please access the webpage of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX for more information.

Thank you. I greatly appreciate your ongoing dedication to the mission, vision, and shared values of Texas State University and look forward to seeing you soon.

 

 

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Success

                                    Dean, University College

SUBJECT:                   SLAC Open House for Faculty

 

The Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) cordially invites you to attend an open house for faculty and professional staff working in academic units. All are welcome to learn more about SLAC’s academic support service delivery, as well as to tour SLAC’s study spaces and forthcoming redesigned website featuring menu options tailored for faculty and staff. Each of the twelve open house opportunities will last approximately 45-55 minutes depending on Q&A, and all will be held in Alkek Library, Rm. 441/442. Kindly RSVP using this Qualtrics LINK by August 26. Light refreshments will be served.

Monday, August 29

10:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 30

11:00 a.m.

4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 31

9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 8

9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Dear Colleagues,

 

As a reminder, the University Convocation and Annual General Faculty Meeting will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in Strahan Arena in the University Events Center.  The event will be live-streamed so that friends and family may attend from afar.

Please join President Damphousse and me for conversation and refreshments prior to the convocation.

For special accommodations, please contact the Office of Faculty and Academic Resources at (512) 245-2786 or via email at facultyresources@txstate.edu at least 72 hours in advance.

Details regarding the Convocation are found in the message below dated May 2, 2022.

Sincerely,

Gene Bourgeois

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Summer 2022 Commencement

 

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 1,400 candidates in 3 commencement ceremonies to be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022.  The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus.  As graduates, families, and the university community prepare to celebrate, please note the following announcements and recommendations.

Parking at Commencement

Parking is available for all attendees as indicated on the Commencement Parking Map.

Recommended parking for faculty and staff, with shuttle services, include:

• Lots A and B, located by Bobcat Stadium, will have shuttle bus service.
• Lot C, located adjacent to the UEC, is restricted to those with Limited Mobility.  Golf cart shuttles will be available to assist individuals in this lot.  This lot should be accessed from Charles Austin Drive via Hopkins Street.

Recommended park and walk lots for faculty and staff include:

• Lot D, across the street from the UEC.
• Garage F, at the corner of Edward Gary Street and University Drive.
• Garage H, at the corner of Pleasant Street and LBJ Drive.

All lots and garages listed above are free to those attending commencement.

Please be aware that if you are traveling southbound on IH35 and exit Aquarena Springs Drive you are advised to turn left on to Thorpe Lane and right on to Robbie Lane in order to access Lots A and B.  Traffic inbound to campus on Aquarena Springs Drive will not be able to make a left turn into Commencement Parking Lot D.

Information on faculty parking, parking maps, the faculty processional, and other details can be found on the Faculty and Staff Information page of the commencement website.

Special Instructions

It is highly recommended that vehicles avoid the Sessom Street, Aquarena Springs Drive/Loop 82, and University Drive roadways between the ceremonies on Saturday.  Every effort should be made to exit the campus and San Marcos using Edward Gary Street, Guadalupe Street, Hopkins Street/Hunter Road, and other routes heading away from the UEC.

Thank you for your cooperation during this momentous time in our graduates’ lives.

Faculty or staff requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact commencement@txstate.edu at least one week prior to the event.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Chair, Department of Curriculum and Instruction

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Glenna Billingsley as Interim Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, effective July 11, 2022.

Dr. Billingsley joined the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas State University in 2012 as an Assistant Professor after eight years of teaching on a per-course basis.  In 2018, she received tenure and was promoted to Associate Professor.  She has served as the Associate Chair of the department since 2021.  Prior to that, she was the Program Coordinator and Graduate Advisor for the Special Education program.  Dr. Billingsley earned a B.S.E. in English and Social Studies from Emporia (Kansas) State University as well as a M.Ed. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Education (School Improvement) from Texas State.

Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Billingsley was a special education teacher and behavior specialist in the Austin Independent School District and Hays Consolidated Independent School District for 26 years.  She taught students with emotional and behavioral disabilities in a variety of educational settings.

Dr. Billingsley’s research primarily focuses on schoolwide and individual application of positive behavior interventions and supports as well as academic and behavioral interventions for students with emotional, mental, and behavioral health needs.  She has published research in a variety of leading journals in the field of exceptional learners including Behavioral Disorders, Exceptionality, Behavior Modification, and the Journal of Disability Policy Studies.  In 2021, she co-authored a textbook, Positive Behavioral Supports for the Classroom, with Dr. Brenda Scheuermann.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Billingsley on her appointment as Interim Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Director, Faculty and Academic Resources

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Lyndi Wittekiend as Director, Faculty and Academic Resources, effective July 11, 2022.  

Ms. Wittekiend earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas State University and is an AIRS Certified Diversity and Inclusion Recruiter.  She has 14 years of professional experience at Texas State, serving three years in the Texas Statewide Tobacco Education and Prevention (STEP) Program before joining Faculty and Academic Resources in 2011.  For the past six years, Ms. Wittekiend has served as the Faculty Employment Manager, where she was responsible for collaborating with academic units and managing processes for faculty recruitment, faculty contracts, faculty awards, outcomes assessment, tenure and promotion, and related matters.

Please join me in congratulating Ms. Wittekiend on her new appointment. 

TO:                             Academic Affairs Full-Time Staff Members

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Staff Educational Development Leave – Spring 2023

 

The Staff Educational Development Leave Program provides an opportunity for one full-time staff member per semester in each division of the university to receive special support for degree work.  Applications for participation for the spring 2023 semester are now being accepted.  This is a reminder that after approval by the appropriate supervisor(s), the final date to receive applications in my office is September 2, 2022.  A decision will be made by October 3, 2022.  Applications received after the September 2 deadline will not be considered.

Please refer to UPPS 04.04.35, Professional Development and Educational Opportunities, for details regarding eligibility criteria, program requirements, and the application procedure.  The application form is attached to the UPPS.

Please contact Ms. Stacey Rodriguez, Executive Assistant, in my office at (512) 245-2791 if you have any questions.

Thank you.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Radiation Therapy Program

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Megan Trad as Chair of the Radiation Therapy Program, effective July 1, 2022.

Dr. Trad began her academic career at Texas State University in 2009, after serving as a radiation therapist and clinical supervisor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for five years.   She was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2015 and promoted to Professor in 2020.   She received her M.S. in Radiologic Science from Midwestern State University and her Ph.D. in Adult, Community, and Professional Education from Texas State University in 2012.  Her doctoral work focused on the use of engaged scholarship as a teaching methodology to better equip radiation therapists to enter the professional workforce.  Since then, she has published extensively on the topic of engaged scholarship and other innovative teaching methodologies, as well as identifying deficits in learning among university-aged students about cancer prevention, detection, and screening.  She was recognized as an Alpha Chi Favorite Professor in 2021.  Dr. Trad was the recipient of the 2017 Presidential Distinction Award for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activity from College of Health Professions and the 2016 Faculty Excellence Award from the College of Health Professions.

Dr. Trad is a named editor for the fifth edition of Washington and Leaver's Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy and authored five chapters in the textbook.  She recently served as Chair of the editorial review board for Radiation Therapist and currently serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.  She was named Educator of the Year in 2011 by the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences and received the Harold Silverman Distinguished Author Award from the American Society of Radiologic Technology in 2016.  She has taught in the Radiation Therapy Program at Texas State for 14 years and is passionate about continuing to produce highly skilled and qualified radiation therapists to meet the needs of future cancer patients. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Trad on her appointment as Chair of the Radiation Therapy Program.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Free Summer Dance Event

 

Join us in the celebration of LatinX, Hispanic, and African arts at the 2^nd annual SemillaFest!

June 24-25, 2022 at the Outdoor Plaza Park and the San Marcos Public Library

This year we have two outdoor performances, a dramatic reading, and a panel discussion.  All events are FREE.

Live performance at the City of San Marcos Outdoor Plaza Park

June 24 and 25, 2022 @ 7:30 p.m.

401 E. Hopkins, San Marcos TX

Featuring work by:

Ana Baer, Richard D. Hall and Osmani, Francisco Graciano, Rocio Luna and Natalia Reza, and Eileene Vicencio

Working with TXST Merge Dance Company and Theatre students

With special guests Danzantes de Corazón

Bring your lawn chair, bug spray and water!!

FREE events at the San Marcos Public Library

625 Hopkins St, San Marcos TX

1. Reading of the play Óyeme la Beautiful by Miriam Gonzales @ 4:00 p.m. 

This year’s SemillaFest Festival will focus on migration and the performing arts.  It will feature a reading of the play Óyeme, the beautiful by award-winning playwright Miriam Gonzales.  Gonzales is the co-developer of Imagination Stage’s ¡Óyeme! Project, which is a theatre arts program for Central American refugee youth.  About Óyeme, the beautiful: “Laura and Valentina are just trying to make it through another day in middle school.  However, unlike many of their peers, they are refugees from Central America who have fled brutal violence in their home countries to find shelter and pursue their dreams in the United States.  Step inside their shoes, hear their stories, see their struggle and feel their strength as we move through their day.  Óyeme, the beautiful brings to light the undaunted courage and beautiful spirit that fuels these young people and teaches us the power of friendship, family and hope.” (Dramatic Publishing) 

1. Panel Discussion on Art and Migration @ 5:00 p.m.

The San Marcos Public Library will also host a panel discussion about the performing arts and migration.  Moderated by Lecturer of Theatre Dr. Kevin Byrne, artists and scholars will engage in a conversation that addresses the unique opportunities and challenges that performance offers for the representation of migrants’ stories.  Panelists include Assistant Professor of Theatre, Dr. Ana Martínez whose current research focuses on Latinx and Latin American Performance, Migration, and Environmentalisms.  Alicia Laguna and Jorge A. Vargas, co-directors of Mexico’s renowned experimental theatre company, Teatro Línea de Sombra, and award-winning playwright Miriam Gonzales.

Funded by:

Texas State College of Fine Arts and Communication, College of Applied Arts, Department of Theatre and Dance, Center for Diversity and Gender Studies, Center for the Study of the Southwest, Merge Dance Company

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Health and Human Performance

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ron Williams as the Chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance, effective June 15, 2022.

Dr. Williams joined the Department of Health and Human Performance at Texas State University in 2013 as an Assistant Professor, receiving tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2015, and promotion to Professor in 2020.  He has served as the coordinator of the M.S. in Public Health Education and Promotion since 2018.  Dr. Williams earned a B.S. in Physical Education: Health and Exercise Science in 2001, a M.Ed. in Health Promotion in 2003 from Northwestern State University, and a Ph.D. in Public Health Education and Health Promotion from the University of Alabama in 2006.  

Prior to arriving at Texas State, Dr. Williams served as a faculty member at both Mississippi State University and Southeast Missouri State University.  As a Certified Health Education Specialist®, Dr. Williams has expertise in program evaluation and has served as lead evaluator for numerous substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.  He has also served as an evaluation consultant for the Service to Science initiative of the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.  Locally, Dr. Williams collaborates with multiple school districts to assist School Health Advisory Councils with the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System projects.

Dr. Williams’ research primarily focuses on exploring adolescent health risk behaviors, particularly substance use and sexual risk behaviors.  He has served as PI or Co-I on over $2.3 million in funding from organizations such as the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, Texas Department of State Health Services, and others.  His work has been featured in prestigious publications including the Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse, American Journal on Addictions, Substance Use and Misuse, American Journal of Health Promotion, Health Promotion Practice, Journal of Community Health, and many others.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Williams on his appointment as Chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Director, School of Music

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Todd Sullivan as the Director of the School of Music, effective July 1, 2022.

Dr. Sullivan holds a PhD in Musicology and an MM in Music History and Literature from Northwestern University and a BM in Music Education from Denison University.  Previously, he served as Director and Professor of Musicology in the Northern Arizona University School of Music and Associate Professor of Musicology and Chair of the Department of Music at Indiana State University.  He also taught at Northwestern University and DePaul University.

A passionate educator and advocate for the arts, he received the Indiana State University College of Arts and Sciences Educational Excellence Award in 2000, was nominated twice for the Distinguished Teaching Award at Northwestern University, and earned accolades as a Gold Axe Award Educator of Influence at Northern Arizona University in 2018.  The Flagstaff Arts Council awarded him the prestigious 2015 Viola Award for Excellence in Leadership, recognizing his contributions to the arts on campus and within the community.

Dr. Sullivan’s scholarship operates within the realm of public musicology, bridging the space between academic research and the general public.  He has written thousands of program notes, liner notes, and educational materials for major performing arts organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Spain.  Dr. Sullivan’s research draws on history, languages, philosophy, cultural practice and values, racial and social justice, psychology, economics, religion, politics, international relations, journalism, business, and digital design and narrative—whatever complementary discipline shines light on the music and its makers.

His publications and presentations reflect a variety of research interests and he has presented papers at the College Music Society (CMS), National Association of Schools of Music, and American Musicological Society, and at the Second International Conference of the Cyprus Musicological Society.  In addition, he has remained active as an early-music performer, choral conductor, and church musician.

Dr. Sullivan has held advisory positions on the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Flagstaff Arts Council Board of Directors, Flagstaff Arts and Business Alliance, Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Cultural Alliance of Terre Haute (founding member), National Advisory Council for the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music at Hazard Community and Technical College, Arts Fellowship Panel of the South Carolina Arts Commission, and Opera/Choral Panel of the Illinois Arts Council.

At a national level, he has served the CMS as Board Member for Musicology, general editor of CMS Books & Monographs, and member of the Nominations Committee, Committee on Academic Leadership and Administration, and Program Committee for the 2016 National Meeting in Santa Fe, NM.  For the National Association of Schools of Music, he was elected to the Committee on Ethics (two terms as chair), serves as a Visiting Evaluator, and is an elected member of the Commission on Accreditation.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sullivan on his appointment as the Director of the School of Music.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Director, School of Art and Design

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Beth A. Thomas as the Director of the School of Art and Design, effective July 1, 2022.

Dr. Thomas earned her Ph.D. in Art Education and M.A. in Integrated Teaching and Learning from The Ohio State University and her B. A. in Art Education from the University of Cincinnati.  Beth is joining Texas State University from SUNY New Paltz where she served as Director of Art Education and Chair of the departments of Art and Music.

Dr. Thomas’ research interests include the development of art teachers’ professional identities, intersections between language and art learning, and the role of arts education in advancing equity and justice in contemporary society.  Her master’s thesis research investigated ways language-rich instruction in visual art impacts elementary students’ development of event-mapping and visual stories.  Dr. Thomas’ doctoral research drew on Lacanian psychoanalytic theory and conceptual metaphor theory to develop an application of metaphor analysis to writing about situated artistic practice.  Her current research investigates ways college students in art studio, art education, and design bring past experiences and future goals together to construct professional identities as artists, designers, and art educators.

Dr. Thomas has presented her research widely at peer-reviewed conferences across the United States and has published in peer-reviewed journals, including Art Education Journal, Arts Education Policy Review, Studies in Art Education, Visual Arts Research, SYNNYT/Origins, and Journal of Reading Education.  She is a member of the editorial board for Studies in Art Education and reviews for the Journal of Social Theory in Art Education.  She is also a member of the Council on Policy Studies in Art Education and the National Council of Arts Administrators.

Dr. Thomas has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in qualitative research and writing methods, curriculum research and development, instructional practices, historic and contemporary approaches in art education, arts integration, art criticism, and methods for supporting engagement with and communicating about works of art.  She has developed courses focusing on arts-based research, learning and teaching in art museums, and integrating the arts across the curriculum, as well as a study abroad course focused on social justice and education in rural Maya communities in Guatemala.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Thomas on her appointment as the Director of the School of Art and Design.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Event Grant Proposals: 2022-2023 Common Experience

 

Faculty and staff, in conjunction with students, are invited to apply for up to $1,000 in funds for a Common Experience event planned for fall 2022 or spring 2023.  

The 2022-2023 Common Experience theme — Systems Thinking — provides students a method of figuring out and describing why a system behaves the way it does rather than the way people tell you it should.  Areas of exploration will range from exploring the university, societal norms, the local community, and themselves to develop a better understanding of how systems operate.  Event grants are intended to foster cross-disciplinary exploration and dialogue about the theme.  Additional information can be found on the Common Experience website.

To access the online proposal form, use the link at the bottom of this page.  For additional information, contact the Common Experience team. 

Proposals will be evaluated on:  

• the relationship to the Common Experience theme
• the number of co-sponsors providing financial support
• the level and quality of involvement of students in the creation and facilitation of the event
• the potential for continued dialogue about the Common Experience theme  
• the diversity and size of the anticipated audience  
• the publicity plan for the event  

The evaluation committee will look favorably upon proposals that reflect collaboration across university areas through joint sponsorship and shared funding.  Funds may not be used for the purchase of food.  

Please submit your completed proposal via the Common Experience Event Grants online form before 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022.  

All applicants will be notified by August 15, 2022, regarding the status of their proposals.  All funded applicants must provide a brief follow-up report to the committee within one month of the event conclusion.

 

 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   2022-2023 Common Experience Theme 

 

Texas State University presents an engaging academic theme each year, providing numerous opportunities for everyone — students, faculty, staff, and community members.  This is OUR Common Experience.  

The Common Experience theme for the 2022-2023 academic year is Systems Thinking.  Students are made of, surrounded by, and embedded in systems from the moment they enter the world.  When they choose to attend Texas State, they choose to insert themselves into one of the most impactful systems of their lives.​ 

When you understand a system, you can better navigate it.​ 

When you can navigate a system, you can advocate for change.​ 

As part of the Common Experience, all incoming first-year students receive a critically acclaimed book related to the year’s theme.  Students discuss the book in their University Seminar class and other courses.  The 2022-2023 Common Reading book is Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O'Neil.  First-year students will receive a free copy during Bobcat Welcome Week. 

Watch the new Common Experience video for an overview of the theme. 

The Common Experience team welcomes interdisciplinary collaboration.  To discuss the theme, events, and activities planned for the 2022-2023 academic year, please contact (512) 245-4912 or commonexperience@txstate.edu. 

@TXSTCE on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn 

 

 

TO:                             Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Re-naming the Undergraduate Academic Center

 

I am pleased to announce that Texas State University is re-naming the Undergraduate Academic Center (UAC) on the San Marcos Campus as a fitting tribute to President Denise M. Trauth, who is retiring on June 30, 2022, after two decades of stellar service to the university.  The UAC will now be known as the Denise M. Trauth and John L. Huffman Undergraduate Academic Center.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents unanimously approved the resolution to re-name the UAC in recognition of Dr. Trauth’s outstanding leadership, during its quarterly meeting on May 20.

The board also conferred Dr. Trauth with the title of President Emeritus.  She is the first Texas State president to receive emeritus status.

Throughout her 20 years at Texas State, Dr. Trauth has worked to ensure the university reached several firsts, including designation as a Texas Emerging Research University, elevation to an R2 in the Carnegie Classification system for research universities, achieving designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, and moving to the FBS subdivision of NCAA Division I.

She set Texas State on the trajectory to become a national research university by advancing research and development spending to an all-time high of $72.5 million, bringing the latest technology to learning and laboratory spaces, attracting top faculty who excel in teaching and research, and building world-class graduate and undergraduate research initiatives focused on solving real-world problems.

Dr. Trauth led Texas State to unprecedented growth during her tenure, increasing enrollment by almost 50% and opening the Round Rock Campus.  Research and development expenditures and funding grew to record-breaking levels, transforming the university from a regional institution to one of statewide and national prominence.  Learn more about Dr. Trauth’s impact and legacy at Texas State.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Trauth on these most recent and well-deserved honors.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

 

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

 

SUBJECT:                   Promotion and Tenure

 

PROMOTIONS

From Associate Professor to Professor

Dr. Taylor W. Acee, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Suparno Banerjee, English

Dr. Emily K. Brunson, Anthropology

Dr. Jose C. de la Puente, History

Dr. Joseph R. Falocco, English

Dr. Jesse S. Gainer, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Paige Haber-Curran, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Ronald R. Hagelman III, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Noland H. Martin, Biology

Dr. Melissa A. Martinez, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Scott A. Mogull, English

Dr. Clara M. Novoa, Ingram School of Engineering

Dr. William Oxford, Music

Dr. Jessica R. Pliley, History

Dr. Anadelia Romo, History

Dr. Omar Sanchez-Sibony, Political Science

Dr. Sharon K. Strickland, Mathematics

Dr. Feng Wang, Ingram School of Engineering

Dr. Walter A. Wright, Mathematics

Dr. Ziliang Zong, Computer Science

From Assistant Professor to Associate Professor

Dr. Emmanuel Alanis, Finance and Economics

Dr. Linda Alkire, Marketing

Dr. Sidney T. Anderson, Marketing

Dr. Ashley N. Arnio, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Dr. Ashleen Bagnulo, Political Science

Dr. Nicholas J. Bishop, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Sarah M. Blalock, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Alyson A. Collins, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Carolyn T. Conn, Accounting

Dr. Sara T. Damiano, History

Dr. Anton M. Dochtermann, Mathematics

Dr. Paulina S. Flasch, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Michelle E. Forsythe, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Corey J. Fox, Management

Dr. Sarah R. Fritts, Biology

Dr. Lori L. Gallegos de Castillo, Philosophy

Ms. Kathryn P. Glasheen-Dentino, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Priscilla M. Goble, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Nestor D. Guillen Matheus, Mathematics

Dr. Maria D. Haiyasoso, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Susan P. Hall, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Maria del Mar Huertas Pau, Biology

Dr. Angela M. Jones, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Dr. Sean B. Justice, Art and Design

Ms. MiHyun Kim, Art and Design

Dr. Dincer Konur, Computer Information Systems, and Quantitative Methods

Ms. Alice J. Y. Lee, Art and Design

Dr. Yumeng Li, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Matthew W. Logan, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Dr. Cynthia J. Luxford, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Matthew J. McAllister, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Mary Odum Dixon, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Xi Pan, Sociology

Dr. Katherine E. Purswell, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Daria S. Rabotkina, Music

Dr. Suzanne D. Ramo-Gechter, Music

Dr. Caroline B. Ritter, History

Dr. Ramona Salcedo, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Eric R. Sarmiento, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Ollie J. Seay, Psychology

Dr. Yishan Shen, Family and Consumer Sciences

Ms. Marika A. Sherman, Art and Design

Mr. Dimitry S. Tetin, Art and Design

Dr. Louie D. Valencia, History

Ms. Holly E. Veselka, Art and Design

Dr. Min Wan, Management

Dr. Katherine R. Warnell, Psychology

TENURE

Dr. Emmanuel Alanis, Finance and Economics

Dr. Linda Alkire, Marketing

Dr. Sidney T. Anderson, Marketing

Dr. Ashley N. Arnio, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Dr. Ashleen Bagnulo, Political Science

Dr. Nicholas J. Bishop, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Sarah M. Blalock, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Alyson A. Collins, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Sara T. Damiano, History

Dr. Anton M. Dochtermann, Mathematics

Dr. Paulina S. Flasch, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Michelle E. Forsythe, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Corey J. Fox, Management

Dr. Sarah R. Fritts, Biology

Dr. Lori L. Gallegos de Castillo, Philosophy

Ms. Kathryn P. Glasheen-Dentino, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Priscilla M. Goble, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Nestor D. Guillen Matheus, Mathematics

Dr. Maria D. Haiyasoso, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Maria del Mar Huertas Pau, Biology

Dr. Angela M. Jones, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Dr. Sean B. Justice, Art and Design

Ms. MiHyun Kim, Art and Design

Dr. Dincer Konur, Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Methods

Ms. Alice J. Y. Lee, Art and Design

Dr. Yumeng Li, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Matthew W. Logan, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Dr. Cynthia J. Luxford, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Matthew J. McAllister, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Mary Odum Dixon, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Xi Pan, Sociology

Dr. Katherine E. Purswell, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Daria S. Rabotkina, Music

Dr. Suzanne D. Ramo-Gechter, Music

Dr. Caroline B. Ritter, History

Dr. Ramona Salcedo, Family and Consumer Sciences

Dr. Eric R. Sarmiento, Geography and Environmental Studies

Dr. Yishan Shen, Family and Consumer Sciences

Ms. Marika A. Sherman, Art and Design

Dr. Michael Solem, Geography and Environmental Studies

Mr. Dimitry S. Tetin, Art and Design

Dr. Louie D. Valencia, History

Ms. Holly E. Veselka, Art and Design

Dr. Min Wan, Management

Dr. Katherine R. Warnell, Psychology

 TO:                             Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Commencement Participation

 

Commencement is the celebration of student success by the awarding of a degree and is a special moment for candidates, guests, and the campus community signaling that the student has met all requirements for the award of a degree.  Having a formalized procedure that allows students to participate in commencement prior to the successful completion of all degree requirements has come at a great loss to students, their professional growth, and their family.  Candidates often do not reapply for graduation or return to complete their degree requirements after participating in a commencement ceremony.  This results in situations, sometimes years later, where a candidate realizes they never officially graduated.  Preliminary reports show that 24 percent of students that were allowed to participate early in a commencement ceremony never officially graduated.  This is a significant loss of time and resource investment for our students.

Spring 2020 brought uncertainty to the commencement planning process and ceremony implementation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Commencement Planning Work Group recommended, and the deans approved, that only graduating candidates would be included in each ceremony, hereby providing for socially distanced, safer commencement ceremonies.  In an effort to foster greater student academic success, the current procedure will be continued, allowing college deans and the dean of The Graduate College to make the decision for candidates to participate in a ceremony prior to completion of all degree requirements on a case-by-case basis, and only in the most extenuating circumstances.

Moving forward, candidates that choose to participate (walk) in a commencement ceremony must attend their corresponding college/department ceremony during the semester they will complete their degree requirements.  Candidates with extenuating circumstances should contact the academic dean’s office (undergraduate candidates) or The Graduate College dean’s office (graduate candidates).

If you have any general commencement related questions or concerns, or would like additional information about commencement, please contact Ms. Kristin McDaniel, Commencement Coordinator, at (512) 245-8313 or via email at commencement@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Cathy Supple Memorial Concert

 

Before she passed away this spring, Cathy Supple asked that we celebrate her life by hosting a memorial concert featuring a few of her favorite musicians.

John Kirk and Trish Miller, as well as the Jamcracker Dans have been frequent artists at Supple Music concerts throughout the years.  They were friends of Jerry and Cathy from their days in New York.

To help pay tribute to Cathy, there will be a few speakers interspersed throughout the concert.

It is a complimentary event, but we ask that you download tickets, both for a headcount for the pre-concert reception, and to ensure we have sufficient seating.

 

 

Celebrating the life of Cathy Supple

 

 

An original and traditional folk music concert featuring: 

John Kirk and Trish Miller 
and
The Jamcrackers Dans
(Dan Berggren and Dan Duggan)

John and Trish Since 1988, John Kirk and Trish Miller have toured as a duo throughout the world, from the Grand Canyon to Barbados, from Carnegie Hall in New York to the Academy of Culture in St. Petersburg, Russia, playing music and singing in concerts, festivals, and schools, and calling contra and square dances.  Many of their music selections are rooted in the local lore of the northeast woodlands.  A love of traditional tunes and witty songs are presented with brilliant arrangements using fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin and warm clear vocals.  Humorous, storytelling, original, and poetic pieces make their shows delightful entertainment for all ages.

Jamcrackers Seasoned solo performers Dan Berggren and Dan Duggan have combined talents to create a dynamic duo named in honor of the river drivers who broke up log jams.  They worked hard to find solutions, to get things rolling again, and it was a job that couldn't be done alone.  Dan and Dan feel the same way about their music.  These good friends and accomplished musicians bring a rare blend of humor history and musical spirit to their performances.  

________________________

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 

6:00 p.m. Reception

7:00 p.m. Concert

_______________________

PRICES:

Tickets are complimentary, but space is limited.  Please login to download your tickets.

BOX OFFICE OPENS 1 HOUR BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE.  SEATING BEGINS 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE.

Special Event Parking for all fine arts events occurring in the Theatre Center and Performing Arts Center is now only available in the Edward Gary Street Garage located on the corner of University Drive and Edward Gary Street.

Contact | Website 

 

 

 

 

 

TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students

                                    Faculty

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   16^th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference and Thesis Forum Awards

 

The Honors College and Office of Research and Sponsored Programs are pleased to announce this year’s Scott Emerson Health Innovation Award recipient at the 16^th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference and Thesis Forum: 

            Analynn Cooper, Chin May Teoh, Karisa Renteria, Dr. Michelle Lane, Dr. Jie Zhu and Dr. Gar Yee Koh, Supplementation to a High-Fat, High-Sucrose Diet During Pregnancy and Lactation

Alters Vitamin D Status in Offspring Rats at Weaning, Advisor, Dr. Gar Yee Koh, School of Family and Consumer Sciences 

We are also happy to announce our general category poster presentation award winners: 

            1^st Place, Michael Quinto, Bobcats Repurpose: A Recycling Revolution, Advisor, Dr. Austin Talley, Ingram School of Engineering

2^nd place, Margaret Grizzaffi, Sniffing Bacteria: Steroid Signals Integrate Olfactory Immune Function in Rainbow Trout, Advisors, Dr. Mar Huertas and Maruf Billah, Department of Biology

3^rd place, Katherine Cruz, Diamond Mitchell, and Ari Rios Garza, Effects of Colorism and Racial/Ethnic Discrimination on the Educational Expectations of Latinx Youth, Advisor, Dr. Yishan

Shen, School of Family and Consumer Sciences 

Honorable Mention, Fabiola Alonso, The Bidirectional Effects Between Mother-Child Relationship and Academic Achievement, Advisors, Dr. Priscilla Goble and Pond Ezra, School of Family

and Consumer Sciences

Honorable Mention, Christopher McDonald, Transcriptional Response of Copper Scavenging Proteins in the White-Nose Syndrome Pathogen, Advisor, Dr. Ryan Peterson, Department of

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Honorable Mention, German Guardiola, David Reyna, and Esteban Guerrero-Ortiz, Positive Co-Parental Communication and Its Correlation with Parental Stress in Latinx Adolescent

Parents, Advisor, Dr. Norma Perez-Brena, School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Honorable Mention, Carson McAllister, Jacob Calhoun, and Jaylen Adams, Predictive Analysis of the Austin Texas Real Estate Market, Advisor, Dr. Tahir Ekin, Department of Computer

Information Systems and Quantitative Methods

Please join us in congratulating these students’ outstanding work in research!

Abstracts for all presentations can be viewed online at the 16th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Beth Wuest

                                    Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness

SUBJECT:                   Seeking Feedback on Proposed Mission and Values

 

Part of our planning culture at Texas State University involves the opportunity for feedback from our university community.  Earlier this year, you provided feedback on the current mission and shared values in preparation for the development of the upcoming 2023-2029 Texas State University Plan.  A Mission Review Task Force, established and charged with drafting our new mission and value statements, used your feedback as a basis for their revision.

Please review the proposed version of the mission and values shown below and provide your feedback by May 20, 2022, on the linked survey.

While participation is optional, feedback provided will help to ensure that the mission and shared values reflect a meaningful picture of Texas State’s priorities and future direction.

PROPOSED MISSION AND SHARED VALUES

Our Mission  

Texas State University is a public, student-centered research institution dedicated to excellence, equity, inclusion, and innovation.  We create new knowledge, embrace a diversity of people and ideas, foster cultural and economic development, and educate our graduates to fully and freely participate in the communities of Texas, the nation, and the world. 

Our Shared Values

In pursuing our mission, we, the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State University, are guided by a shared collection of values:

• Teaching and learning based on research, student needs, and the free exchange of ideas in a supportive environment;
• Research and creative activities that encompass the full range of academic disciplines;
• Meaningful student engagement built on active involvement, accessibility, and intentional educational experiences;
• The cultivation of a university community that consistently practices integrity, civility, compassion, and respect;
• A shared commitment to creating a sense of belonging across unique communities, identities, ideas, and contributions;
• Dedication to service and leadership for the public good;
• Responsible stewardship of our resources and environment; and
• Continued reflection and evaluation to ensure that our strengths always benefit those we serve locally and globally.

University Planning Website

Information regarding the current University Plan, plan progress reports, and the planning process is available on the University Planning Website.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   University Convocation and Annual General Faculty Meeting, August 19, 2022

 

You are cordially invited to the University Convocation and Annual General Faculty Meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022, in Strahan Arena in the University Events Center.  All faculty and staff are invited to attend.  Academic regalia will not be worn.

The University Convocation and Annual General Faculty Meeting is a long-standing tradition at the start of each academic year at Texas State University.  It is a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration.  During this meeting, Dr. Kelly Damphousse will present his Fall address.  A number of faculty and staff will be recognized for their efforts and contributions leading to accolades, awards, tenure and promotion, and other distinguished achievements.  Convocation is also an opportunity to welcome new members of the university community and rekindle friendships and collaborations with colleagues from across campus.

Please join us for this special convocation marking the beginning of a new academic year.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Success and Dean of University College

SUBJECT:                   Building Bridges for a Strong Semester Finish

 

Online Event 

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 

2:00 – 3:00 PM 

Free Registration (Required) 

 More faculty and students are engaged in online learning than ever before, and with finals approaching, faculty and students want to feel prepared to succeed and finish the semester strongly! 

Please join this student-led panel showcasing the student perspective regarding online learning.  Panel members will share their experiences with strategies for online learning, peer engagement practices, and building bridges with instructors to advocate for student needs.  The discussion will also lean into topics such as learning strategies, communication, studying, time management, self-regulation, and compassion.  This event will provide faculty with insight into the student perspective as well as empower students to succeed as their semester comes to a close—and how both instructors and students can work together to create powerful online experiences! 

Panel members from the Distance and Extended Learning Student Advisory Committee (DELSAC) are:  

• Austen Guzman (Undergraduate, Political Science) 
• Gail Bernadine Sylvester-Conrad, MA (Doctoral Student, Developmental Education) 
• Jonathan Lollar, MA (Doctoral Candidate, Developmental Education) 

DELSAC collaborates with the Office of Distance and Extended Learning (ODEL) regarding distance learning programs and services.  This committee works towards service improvement and growth through joint efforts with the Student Development Specialist II and the Director of ODEL.  DESLAC meets regularly during the year and has provided ODEL with crucial information to continue increasing excellence in online learning at Texas State University.   

This event is sponsored by the Common Experience and the Office of Distance and Extended Learning. 

For more information, contact Common Experience at (512) 245-3579 or via email at commonexperience@txstate.edu.  If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact 512.245.3579 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

 

 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Free Tickets for University Performing Arts Events

 

 

 

COMING SOON

(2) Complimentary Performances for the Texas State University Community from Texas State University Arts

Student, faculty, and staff appreciation!  As the semester comes to a close, we have two highly entertaining groups coming to campus, and the University Performing Arts Committee is pleased to offer complimentary tickets for current students, faculty, and staff to our upcoming events. 

Originally founded by Amy Poehler and others, Upright Citizens Brigade is one of the leading improv, sketch comedy troupes in the country.  They will be performing here on Thursday April 21, 2022.

Then on Saturday, April 30, 2022, Texas State will host the musical duo Igudesman and Joo, world-renowned for their combination of comedy, classical music, and allusions to pop culture.

See below to learn more about the acts and how to claim your free tickets.

CHICAGO IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE

Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.

LBJ Student Center Ballroom

 

 

The UPRIGHT CITITZENS BRIGADE began performing improv and sketch comedy at Kill the Poet in Chicago.  Their first show was called Virtual Reality.  The group followed with shows titled UCBTV, Conference on the Future of Happiness, Thunderball, Bucket of Truth, Big Dirty Hands, and The Real Real World.

Take a moment, have a laugh.  Visit their YouTube page.

Free General Admission for Texas State students, faculty, and staff.

Tickets will be needed.  The Texas State University community can log in with their Texas State ID and password to download FREE General Admission Tickets for this event.

Download tickets

________________________________________

THE INSPIRED MUSICAL LUNACY OF IGUDESMAN & JOO

Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.

Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre

 

 

Millions of YouTube viewers can’t be wrong.  Well, they can, but in this case they aren’t.  On the contrary, with more than 50 million clicks, they’ve turned the inspired lunacy of musicians IGUDESMAN & JOO into an internet and international sensation.  In their unique and hilarious theatrical shows, Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-ki Joo combine humour, classical music and allusions to pop culture.  They’ve performed with some of the world’s most famous orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the L.A. Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic, the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, and the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, to name but a few.
Equally at home in classical concert halls as in 18,000-seat stadiums, IGUDESMAN & JOO’s infectious zaniness and virtuosity has also inspired millions of college and high-school students, bringing a younger and wider audience to classical music at this challenging time for the industry.

Free General Admission for Texas State students, faculty, and staff.

Tickets will be needed.  The Texas State University community can log in with their Texas State ID and Password to download FREE General Admission Tickets for this event.

Download tickets

________________________________

Coordinated through the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

*Performances designated as "University Arts” are funded through student service fees and is managed by a committee of faculty and staff appointed by the Texas State University Faculty Senate with the goal of bring performing arts to San Marcos that rivals arts programming offered in the world’s largest cultural centers.

 

 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Spring 2022 Commencement

 

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 4,400 candidates in eight commencement ceremonies to be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 12, 13, and 14, 2022.  The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus.  As graduates, families, and the university community prepare to celebrate, please note the following announcements and recommendations.

Parking at Commencement

Parking is available for all attendees as indicated on the Commencement Parking Map.

Recommended parking for faculty and staff, with shuttle services, include:

• Lots A and B, located by Bobcat Stadium, will have shuttle bus service.
• Lot C, located adjacent to the UEC, is restricted to those with Limited Mobility.  Golf cart shuttles will be available to assist individuals in this lot.  This lot should be accessed from Charles Austin Drive via Hopkins Street.

Recommended park and walk lots for faculty and staff include:

• Lot D, across the street from the UEC.
• Garage F, at the corner of Edward Gary Street and University Drive.
• Garage H, at the corner of Pleasant Street and LBJ Drive.

All lots and garages listed above are free to those attending commencement.

Please be aware that if you are traveling southbound on IH35 and exit Aquarena Springs Drive you are advised to turn left on to Thorpe Lane and right on to Robbie Lane in order to access Lots A and B.  Traffic inbound to campus on Aquarena Springs Drive will not be able to make a left turn into Commencement Parking Lot D.

Information on faculty parking, parking maps, the faculty processional, and other details can be found on the Faculty and Staff Information page of the commencement website

Special Instructions

To alleviate the traffic, wait time, and congestion that is anticipated between the conclusion of the 2:00 p.m. ceremony and the start of the 6:00 p.m. ceremony, the following procedures are in place for employees:

Early Release – Thursday and Friday, May 12 and 13, 2022

To ease traffic congestion, supervisors may elect to release selected staff at 3:00 p.m.  However, all university offices must remain open until 5:00 p.m. or the normal closing time.  Staff members who leave early are expected to use vacation, compensatory, or flex time arrangements approved by supervisors.

Vehicles in the JCK Area

The rear gate at the back of the JCK parking lot will be barricaded from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Vehicles that normally exit on to Sessom Drive will be directed back to the one-way service drive and should exit the back parking lot going the wrong way towards Woods Street or Moon Street.  No vehicles will be allowed to access the back parking area starting at 3:00 p.m.  A parking guard will be stationed at the service drive at the front parking lot to restrict vehicles from entering the back parking lot.

Vehicles in Other Campus Areas

It is highly recommended that vehicles avoid the Sessom Street, Aquarena Springs Drive/Loop 82, and University Drive roadways between the ceremonies on Thursday and Friday.  Every effort should be made to exit the campus and San Marcos using Edward Gary Street, Guadalupe Street, Hopkins Street/Hunter Road, and other routes heading away from the UEC.

Thank you for your cooperation during this momentous time in our graduates’ lives.

Faculty or staff requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact commencement@txstate.edu at least one week prior to the event.

TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   16^th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference and Honors Thesis Forum

 

The Honors College is pleased to present the 16^th Annual Undergraduate Research Conference and Thesis Forum on Wednesday, April 20 – Friday, April 22, 2022, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the LBJ Student Center.

The schedule for the oral presentations can be found on the Forum’s Live Sessions web page.

Everyone is welcome to attend the talks in person or via Zoom online by creating an account on the Symposium Platform.

The poster session will be held on Friday, April 22 from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. in LBJSC Ballroom.

Questions should be directed via email to ugresearch@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2266.

Sponsored by:

Honors College, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, IDEA Center, and Common Experience

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Sanjay Ramchander

                                    Dean, McCoy College of Business Administration

SUBJECT:                   Former Silicon Labs CEO Tyson Tuttle to Speak at Texas State

 

Tyson Tuttle
Building a More Connected World

Monday, April 18

2:00-3:20 p.m.

McCoy Hall 233

The McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University will host Tyson Tuttle, former CEO of Silicon Labs, for a special presentation titled "Building a More Connected World" on Monday, April 18, at 2:00 p.m. in McCoy Hall 233.

The event is open to Texas State students, faculty, staff, and alumni.  Limited seating will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tuttle served as CEO of Silicon Labs for the last decade, retiring in January 2022.  The Austin-based company is a leader in semiconductors and secure, intelligent wireless technology, which it sells to design engineers and manufacturers for solving global development challenges.  Under Tuttle’s leadership, the company shifted its primary focus to developing technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT) — devices and systems connected by networks — including sustainable solutions across home, medical, industrial, and commercial environments.

In his presentation, Tuttle will discuss his leadership journey from engineering to management and the intersection of business and technology.  Tuttle joined Silicon Labs in 1997 as its 10^th employee, rising through the ranks from senior design engineer to vice president and general manager of broadcast products, then chief technology officer, chief operating officer, and CEO.  He continues to serve as a member of the company’s Technical Advisory Board.  Tuttle also serves on the board of directors for the San Antonio Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, as well as the advisory board of The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering.  His early career included roles at Cirrus Logic and Broadcom.  He earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from The Johns Hopkins University, as well as an M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.

For more information, email businessdean@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                         Symposium on Consent

 

SYMPOSIUM ON CONSENT  

APRIL 15, 2022  

9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

CENTENNIAL HALL G02    

Regional crisis advocates, national, international, and Texas State University scholars will share their contributions to raise a greater awareness of the notion of consent and open a potentially transformative community and campus conversation.  

9:30-11:20              

Symposium introduction by Dr. Mary Brennan, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts

Morning guest lectures moderated by Dr. Jessica Pliley, Associate Professor of the History of Women, Genders, and Sexualities, with Dr. Sine Plambech, Danish Institute for International Studies, Ms. Piper Nelson, The SAFE Alliance, Austin, TX, and Dr. Melissa Torres, Baylor College of Medicine, on Migration, Trafficking, and the Cycle of Violence 

11:30-1:45

Discussion groups, including international students on Majority/Minority Language Use in Negotiating Consent, moderated by Dr. Yasmine Beale-Rosano-Rivaya, Professor of Spanish Linguistics

Centennial Hall 221

2:00-3:20

Afternoon guest lectures moderated by Dr. Louie Valencia, Assistant Professor of History, with Dr. Ourida Mostefai, Brown University, “Feminism and Consent: Rereading the Original Tale of Beauty and the Beast”, and Dr. Danielle McGuire, “Recy Taylor and the Roots of the Civil Rights Movement” 

3:30-4:30

Roundtable with guests, moderated by Dr. Carole Martin, Professor of French, and Q&A with organizers, Drs. Beale-Rosano-Rivaya, Bernstein, DiMauro-Jackson, Forrest, Gomez Ramirez, Haas, Haegele, Sachs, and Ms. Mohama-Akkari, Texas State students, and general public.

International Film Festival and Symposium on Consent Webpage: https://www.worldlang.txstate.edu/features/international-film-festival-consent-2022.html 

International Film Festival and Symposium on Consent Instagram:  @txstfilmfest22  

For more information or accommodations, please contact Dr. Carole Martin via email at cm25@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing

SUBJECT:                   2022 New Student Orientation Campus Updates

 

We hope you are having a fantastic semester.  As this semester concludes and New Student Orientation (NSO) gets closer, we would like to invite you to one of our NSO Info Days Overview.  This overview will provide all campus partners with updates for the 2022 NSO season.  We have made some structural and programmatic changes that will enhance the student and guest experience.  These presentations will cover the updated 2022 NSO program and how you can be involved during the summer.  We hope that our campus community will find time to engage our incoming Bobcats this summer, and the NSO Info Overview will let you know how you can do that.

All NSO Info Days will take place in LBJ Student Center 3-9.1.  Please choose one of the following days that works best with your schedule:

• Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, April 11, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shelton Lewis via email at s.lewis@txstate.edu.  We look forward to seeing you there.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing

SUBJECT:                   Bobcat Day – April 9, 2022

 

On Saturday, April 9 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., future Bobcats will have the opportunity to see what life is like at Texas State University.  As a campus, we will welcome potential students and families to experience Texas State by connecting with faculty, staff, and students.  Bobcat Day creates the opportunity for students to learn about academic majors, programs, and services in addition to taking a campus tour and experiencing many of our residence halls, academic buildings, and centers.

We have a record number of students registered for Saturday and this will be, for many admitted students, a day to solidify their plans for the fall.  Juniors will also be in attendance as they prepare for the 2023 application cycle.  We look forward to having representatives from your areas to showcase your majors, departments, and services.  If you have any questions, please contact Kennadee Lindop via email at Kennadee@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   13^th Annual International Research Conference for Graduate Students

 

2022 International Research Conference for Graduate Students

April 5 – 8, 2022

The Graduate College at Texas State University is hosting the 13^th Annual International Research Conference for Graduate Students on April 5 – 8, 2022.  The conference will take place virtually on ForagerOne’s Symposium platform.

Over 120 graduate students from various disciplines at Texas State and other institutions in Texas will be presenting their research or projects in the form of electronic posters.

The conference is free and open for all Texas State faculty, staff, and students, including undergraduate students, to attend.  Registration to attend is required through Symposium.  Visit the conference webpage for details on how to register.

Keynote Address

The conference will open with Dr. Jennifer Irvin’s keynote presentation, “The Secrets to Success in Graduate Research: Compassionate Practices to Foster Research Productivity”, on Tuesday, April 5, from 10:30 to noon via Zoom.  This keynote address highlights the significance of the 2021-2022 Common Experience theme, Compassion.  Dr. Irvin is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the recipient of the 2021-2022 Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award.

Virtual Conference Details

Graduate students will submit their presentations before the conference starts on to Symposium, allowing for presentations to be viewable at any time throughout the conference dates.  Attendees are encouraged to engage with presenters using the comments feature.

Please visit the International Research Conference for Graduate Students website for the conference program and other details.  If you have questions, please email Lindsey Wilson, Student Development Specialist II, at gradresearchconf@txstate.edu.

The Graduate College thanks the following sponsors: the Common Experience and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Michael O’Malley

                                    Dean, College of Education

SUBJECT:                   Texas State University Lecturer Series Event - Learning, Teaching, and Transformation for Today’s Complex Educational/Organizational Settings and Learner Needs

 

April 11, 2022  |  4:00 – 6:00 PM

The Philosophy Dialogues Room, Comal 116

Hosted by Adult, Professional, and Community Education Programs (M.A. and Ph.D.) in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology in the College of Education.  Dr. Monica Fedeli and Dr. Edward Taylor will provide presentations and discussions about international and comparative research-based adult teaching and learning to students, faculty, and staff.

Guests:

Dr. Monica Fedeli

Vice Rector for the Third Mission and Professor of Teaching and Learning Methods and Organizational Development at the University of Padova, Italy

Lecture: From the Galileo Podium to Active Learning: An Italian Perspective on Instructional Development

Dr. Edward Taylor

Professor Emeritus of Lifelong Learning and Adult Education from Penn State University-Harrisburg

Lecture: Empathy: The Stepchild of Critical Reflection and Transformative Learning

Light refreshments will be served.

Sponsors:

University Lecturer Series; Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education and School Psychology; College of Education; Department of Curriculum and Instruction; Department of Health and Human Performance; Office of Faculty Development; and the Department of Organization, Workforce, Leadership Studies

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Office of Distance and Extended Learning 2^nd Annual Summer Institute

The Office of Distance and Extended Learning (ODEL) is excited to offer its second annual Summer Institute!  The theme of this event is From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Creating Moments that Matter.

We are looking for instructors who are teaching online or hybrid courses who want to create educational experiences that amplify student motivation and engagement.

All faculty are encouraged to apply.

Attendees of the Summer Institute will have nine weeks of intensive, individualized access to ODEL resources to create or redesign a course of their choosing.  Stipends will be awarded for successful completion of the institute, with opportunities for additional stipends for completing advanced steps in data collection, research, and publication/presentation.

The Summer Institute will begin May 23, 2022, with a week of dynamic presentations, group activities, and one-on-one consultations with ODEL instructional designers.  The creative collaboration will continue throughout the summer with weekly check-ins, coaching sessions, multimedia production support, and opportunities to connect and share with other Summer Institute attendees.  The event will conclude on July 29, 2022, with a showcase of the work everyone has achieved. 

Please visit the Summer Institute page for more information and to apply!  Space is limited.  Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2022.  Participants selected for the institute will be notified no later than April 22, 2022.

We look forward to working with you!

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   International Film Festival and Symposium on Consent

APRIL 4-14, 2022  

6:00-10:00 p.m.  

The Film Festival will be held online, on campus (Centennial Hall G02), at the San Marcos Public Library, and Stellar Coffee Co in Downtown San Marcos.  

Join us for two weeks of screenings and discussions to explore the intersections between political and personal consent in the moderation of films from France and Francophone countries, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, and the United States.   

Texas State University International Film Festival and Symposium on Consent is one of the 35 festivals nationally selected by the Albertine Cinémathèque, a FACE Foundation program, for their excellent schedule of events and for the large support they receive across many units, including, at Texas State, the University Lecturers Committee, the Honors College, the College of Liberal Arts and the Departments of World Languages and Literatures, Anthropology, English, Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, the Centers for Diversity and Gender Studies, International Studies, and for the Study of the Southwest.

For a complete film and symposium schedule, please visit the International Film Festival and Symposium on Consent web page.

Videos submission details: please contact Brandon Gonzalez via email at brandong@txstate.edu

International Film Festival and Symposium on Consent Instagram:  @txstfilmfest22  

For more information or accommodations, please contact Dr. Carole Martin via email at cm25@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt, Associate Vice President for Academic Success and Dean of University College

                                    Dr. Peter Golato, Director, IDEA Center

SUBJECT:                   IDEA Center Undergraduate Research Forum

Innovation, Discovery, Exploration, and Analysis (IDEA) Center Undergraduate Research Forum

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

12:00-1:30 p.m.

Alkek 441/442

Join us for food and learning at the IDEA Center Undergraduate Research Forum as a panel of undergraduate researchers and their faculty mentors talk about their joint research experiences.  Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet with associate deans for research and learn about ongoing faculty-mentored research and creative projects in several colleges on campus.  All majors are welcome.

Created as part of Texas State University’s recent reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the IDEA Center is responsible for implementing the university’s most recent Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP, the theme of which is undergraduate research.  Among the IDEA Center’s goals is helping undergraduates learn about research, its ethics, and its benefits to society while also helping undergraduates find opportunities to engage in faculty-mentored scholarly activity.

Sign up for this event here.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Director, Faculty and Academic Resources

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Gaye Korenek as Interim Director, Faculty and Academic Resources, effective March 1, 2022.  Ms. Korenek previously served as Director, Faculty and Academic Resources until her retirement in April 2020 after 28 years of service to Texas State University.  Ms. Korenek will serve in the interim capacity while a search is conducted to fill the position of director.

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Korenek back to the university.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Michael Blanda

                                    Interim Associate Vice President for Research and Federal Relations

SUBJECT:                   Engaging Research - Spring 2022

Welcome to the Spring 2022 issue of Engaging Research! 

Texas State University research is making a difference, from student mental and physical well-being to workforce development and improved career opportunities.  I hope you enjoy reading about the current and future leaders of their respective research fields.  We’re definitely TXST NEXT! 

Faculty Research Spotlights  

Paulina S. Flasch and Maria Haiyasoso - Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education and School Psychology 

The REACH Project: Bringing Coordinated and Trauma-Informed Victim Services to Texas State University

Omar López - Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies 

Data Analysis Key to Graduating Hispanics in STEM at HSIs 

Krishna Kisi - Engineering Technology 

Professor Receives Two U.S. Department of Labor Grants to Protect and Train Texas Workers 

Tania Betancourt - Chemistry and Biochemistry 

Texas State Partners with UT-Austin for Research and Education in Materials Science 

Brian Miller - Management 

Measuring Narcissism: Team Assesses Reliability of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory 

Research Program Feature 

Shawna R. White - Texas School Safety Center 

Team Brings Strategic Planning Framework to School Policing 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Presidential Seminar Invitation - Dr. Sarah Fritts

Presidential Seminar

Dr. Sarah Fritts, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology

Friday, April 1, 2022

2:00 p.m. with reception following

McCoy Hall 119

The unintended consequences of intelligent tinkering: revisiting renewable energy ​resources to benefit biodiversity

Dr. Fritts’ research program in wildlife ecology focuses on combining innovative field and analytical approaches to find practical solutions that balance the requirements of wildlife with the socio-economic needs of humans.  Specifically, she is exploring sustainable land-use practices with a particular focus on renewable energy ecology.  Since arriving at Texas State University, Dr. Fritts and her collaborative teams have secured nearly $2.3 million in external funding, of which $1,500,000 was awarded directly to Texas State from numerous organizations including the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and various private energy companies.  She has collaborated on wildlife research conducted in Africa, Ecuador, Europe, Malaysian Borneo, across the continental U.S., and Hawai’i.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Shannon Weigum and Mr. Dan Roy, Co-Directors

                                    Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SUBJECT:                   Announcing the 4^th Annual TXST New Ventures Competition and Accelerator Program

Do you have a unique business idea or technology with commercial potential?

TXST New Ventures is a competitive accelerator program that supports early-stage business ventures from faculty, student, or alumni ideas and innovations.

The competition offers participants both personal and professional growth through:

• mentorship and training from TXST Entrepreneurs-in-Residence,
• access to TXST network of faculty, industry experts, and fellow innovators,
• and a chance to compete for more than $100,000 in start-up funding, services, in-kind contributions, space at STAR Park and other vital resources for accelerating your idea or business.

Who Should Apply?

Individuals or teams with a unique, early-stage business concept in need of product prototyping and testing, validation of product-market fit, evaluation of market potential, or early-stage customer development.

Applicants, or at least one contributing member of a team, must be a current faculty, student, staff member, or alumni of Texas State University.  Applicants should have a passion for engaging students and an interest in sharing their journey for the benefit and knowledge of the TXST entrepreneurial community.

Key Dates:

April 20:        Application Deadline

            May 11:        Prelim (Round 1) Selection

            June 2-3:       Semi-Finals (Round 2)

            June 11:        Competition Finals

For more information, please visit the TXST New Ventures web page or apply now.

TXST New Ventures is a joint initiative with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), Materials Applications Research Center (MARC), Texas State NSF I-CORPS Site, and STAR Park.

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship via email at cie@txstate.edu or (512) 245-1774. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Michael Blanda

                                    Interim Associate Vice President for Research and Federal Relations

SUBJECT:                   2022 Health Scholar Showcase

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

HEALTH SCHOLAR SHOWCASE

RESILIENT RESEARCH

APRIL 8, 2022

2:00-5:00 P.M.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Join us at the 2022 Health Scholar Showcase for an afternoon of research and discovery as we share some of the best examples of faculty health research and sponsored programs at Texas State.  The Health Scholar Showcase is part of Texas State’s Translational Health Research Center, which seeks to improve health by fostering faculty research with public and private partners.  An increasing number of Texas State faculty representing at least 30 departments, schools, and centers, and at least eight colleges, are currently engaged in health research and sponsored programs. 

Schedule of Events:

1:30 – 2:00 p.m.     Poster presenter check-in and arrival at the PAC 

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.     Interactive poster session

3:00 – 4:20 p.m.

• Opening remarks by President Denise M. Trauth (Recital Hall @ Performing Arts Center)
• Keynote speakers –
  • Dr. Paula Olsiewski, Contributing Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
  • Victoria Ford, President & CEO of the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI)

4:20 – 5:00 p.m.     Networking and Reception

Poster competition: At least three posters presented at the Showcase will be awarded up to $5,000 each to extend, expand, or seek external funding for the research.  Posters accepted until March 25, 2022.

Poster submission details

Register for the 2022 Health Scholar Showcase        

Health Scholar Showcase Event Website
2021 Health Scholar Showcase Poster Awards

If you have questions, please contact the Translational Health Research Center via email at healthresearch@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Call for Applications - Faculty Ombudsperson

Under AA/PPS No. 04.02.32, Faculty Grievance Policy, the President appoints a Faculty Ombudsperson who serves for a three-year term.  Dr. Vincent Luizzi, Professor of Philosophy, is currently serving in this role through May 31, 2022.

All full-time, tenured faculty members are eligible to be considered for appointment as Faculty Ombudsperson.  Preference will be given to faculty candidates who have administrative experience.  The three-year term begins June 1, 2022. 

The Faculty Ombudsperson (Ombuds) is a designated neutral, neither an employee nor a management advocate.  In general,

• The Ombuds is independent of the university's formal administrative structure and strives to consider all sides of an issue in an impartial and objective manner.  The Ombuds cannot impose solutions, but identifies options and strategies for resolution of disputes.
• The Ombuds strives to promote procedural fairness in the content and administration of Texas State University's practices, processes, and policies.  The Ombuds does not engage in any situation that could create a conflict of interest.
• The Ombuds holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so, except as required by law, or where, in the judgment of the Ombuds, there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm. 
• The Ombuds, as an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to concerns brought to his/her attention.  The Ombuds provides information relating to university policies and procedures and facilitates the resolution of problems and grievances through informal investigation and informal mediation, but does not replace or supersede other university grievances, complaint or appeal procedures.

The Ombuds position includes the following provisions:

• One-quarter service assignment workload release (3 credits) during each fall and spring semester.
• Summer stipend equivalent to one-quarter FTE workload in June and July.
• Expectation to have earned or commitment to earn mediation certification (40 hours of training) by December 31, 2022; financial support for certification is available to ensure knowledge and skills for informal mediation.
• Agreement to abide by the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics promulgated by the International Ombudsman Association.
• Submission of two brief reports per year on number of persons served, broad trends, and recommendations for improving policies, practices, or processes; due January 15 and July 15 to the Chair of Faculty Senate and Associate Provost.
• Participation each year in at least one university workshop or similar outreach on problem resolution, civil and collegial relationships, or related topics.

The following individuals have been appointed to serve as a review committee that will recommend a list of candidates for the position to President Denise M. Trauth:  Dr. Alexis Stokes (Committee Chair), McCoy College of Business Administration, Dr. Maneka Brooks, College of Education, Dr. Jesus Jimenez, College of Science and Engineering, Dr. Vince Luizzi, College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Danette Myers, College of Health Professions, and Dr. Michael Supancic, College of Applied Arts.

To be considered for the position of Faculty Ombudsperson, please prepare and send an electronic letter of interest, including a brief statement describing your qualifications for this position, and a current vita, by March 22, 2022.  All applications should be sent to Dr. Alexis Stokes at stokes@txstate.edu and include “Faculty Ombuds Application” in the subject line.  Inquiries may also be directed to Dr. Stokes.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   The Department of Political Science Presents Professor Terri Givens

The Department of Political Science invites you to attend a talk by Dr. Terri Givens about her new book, Radical Empathy: Finding a Path to Bridging Racial Divides, on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. via Zoom webinar.  This event is free and open to the public, although registration is required.

In Radical Empathy, renowned political scientist Dr. Givens argues that structural racism has impacted the lives of African Americans in the United States since before the country's founding.  Although the country has made some progress toward a more equal society, political developments in the 21^st century have shown that deep divides remain.  To bridge our divides, Dr. Givens calls for “radical empathy,” which requires moving beyond an understanding of others' lives and pain to an understanding of the origins of our biases, including internalized oppression.  Deftly weaving together her own experiences with the political, she offers practical steps to call out racism and bring about social change. 

Dr. Givens is a professor of political science at McGill University.  A former vice provost and provost, she is a visionary leader focusing on diversity in higher education. 

Campus sponsors of this event include the University Lecturers Series, Center for Diversity and Gender Studies, Common Experience, Department of Political Science, Institutional Inclusive Excellence, and President’s Council for Women in Higher Education. 

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Department of Political Science via email at politicalscience@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2143.  Accommodation requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance of the program start time to ensure availability.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Custom Regalia for Commencement

The practice of customizing regalia has become increasingly popular among colleges and universities.  Custom regalia often includes school colors, logos, and other elements differentiated from the traditional black gown, which generates a more distinguished look for graduating candidates. 

I am pleased to announce, beginning with Spring 2022 Commencement, custom regalia will be available for graduating candidates!

The new design, ordering process, and other procedures will be posted to the commencement website and shared with graduating candidates in the next few weeks.  Graduating candidates will receive a separate email advising them to only purchase regalia through the vendor endorsed by Texas State University.  Faculty will also receive information on regalia rental/purchase separately. 

I greatly appreciate the support from the Student Regalia Committee and the Commencement Team for their contributions to this project over the past several years.

For information regarding commencement and custom regalia, please visit the commencement website.  Custom regalia can be ordered through the University Bookstore when it is available for purchase/rent.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Request for Proposals - 2023-2024 Common Experience Theme

The Texas State University’s Common Experience invites faculty and staff to submit proposals for the 2023-2024 Common Experience theme.

Because the Common Experience is a collaborative initiative at Texas State, crossing departmental and divisional boundaries, we encourage proposals that address an important theme that can foster multiple, sustained conversations throughout the year among students, faculty, and staff — as well as alumni and the community beyond the campus.

Proposals are due by Friday, April 22, 2022, and should be submitted using the form linked below.  Finalists will present to the selection committee in May.  Decisions on proposals will be made and communicated no later than Tuesday, May 31, 2022.  Proposal requirements are described in the 2023-2024 Common Experience Proposal Information and Submission Form.

Anyone considering a proposal is advised to meet first with the Common Experience leadership team for guidance.  Contact Camrie Pipper, Assistant Director of the Common Experience, via email at cp1292@txstate.edu or (512) 245-3579, to schedule an appointment with the Common Experience Leadership team.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chief Research Officer and Associate Vice President for Research and Federal Relations

Following a national search, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Shreekanth (Shreek) Mandayam as the Chief Research Officer and Associate Vice President for Research and Federal Relations, effective July 1, 2022.  Dr. Mandayam will lead the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), university-level research centers, the Science, Technology, and Advanced Research (STAR) Park, and serve as the university’s liaison to The Texas State University System’s Office of Governmental Relations.  In this role, Dr. Mandayam’s focus will be to support the faculty and all stakeholders at Texas State University in achieving National Research University Fund eligibility and R-1 designation.

Dr. Mandayam holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Bangalore University in India and an M.S. and Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.  Dr. Mandayam will be joining Texas State from Rowan University in New Jersey, where he has served in various leadership roles, including Vice President for Research, Executive Director of the South Jersey Technology Park, and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.  He is a tenured Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rowan University.

Dr. Mandayam is an active scholar whose research expertise is in the area of advanced visualization and virtual reality.  He is the founder and lead investigator in Rowan University’s Virtual Reality (VR) Center, where he has secured over $15 million in funding for research projects sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NASA, U.S. Army, and Navy, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Energy, Elekta Corporation, Medtronic, and others.  In executing projects in the VR Center, he has partnered with faculty from a variety of disciplines, including those in engineering, the humanities, social sciences, communications, medicine, fine arts, performing arts, science, and mathematics.  Dr. Mandayam has authored over 90 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and has advised 30 master’s and doctoral students. 

Dr. Mandayam has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Digital Image Processing, Electrical Communications Systems, and Artificial Neural Networks.  He developed and successfully piloted Rowan University’s first general education course sequence, which combines a multidisciplinary team of faculty from engineering, the humanities, and fine arts.

Dr. Mandayam is a Senior Member of the IEEE and a member of the American Society for Engineering Education.  He served as the Vice President for Conferences for the IEEE Systems Council (2015 - 2016), Vice President for Publications  (2011-2012), and Vice President for Finance (2009-2010) for the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Shreek Mandayam as he begins his responsibilities as the Chief Research Officer and Associate Vice President for Research and Federal Relations.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Temple Grandin at Texas State, March 2, 2022

This event is free and open to the public.  However, an advanced ticket is required.

Common Experience Insight Series

University Lecturers Series

Dr. Temple Grandin

"The World Needs All Kinds of Minds"

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

6:30 p.m. at the LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom

Temple Grandin was nonverbal until nearly four years of age.  Through the love and support of her family and teachers, she was able to attend school despite being teased and bullied.  Inspired by her science teacher, she embarked on a career in science studying animal husbandry, for which she has received much notoriety.  At the age of 18, she invented the “squeeze box” as a way of coping with extreme anxiety.  Dr. Grandin’s books about her interior life as an individual with autism have increased the world's understanding of the condition with personal immediacy — and with import, as rates of autism diagnoses rise.  She is now one the most visible and leading advocates for individuals with autism.

Her life was brought to the screen with the HBO full-length film Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes.  Dr. Grandin was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences September 2016.

The speech will be followed by a book sale and signing.

For more information or to request accommodations, contact Ms. Danielle McEwen in Mobile/Web Systems at (512) 245-2265 or via email at dl1120@txstate.edu.

Campus Sponsors:

University Lecture Series; Common Experience; College of Liberal Arts; Department of Psychology; Department of Geography and Environmental Studies; Department of Communication Disorders; Department of Sociology; The Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation and Support (CARES); Department of English, Department of Anthropology, Department of Philosophy, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Department of World Languages and Literature, Department of Political Science; and Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology (CLAS)

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing

SUBJECT:                   Bobcat Day – February 19, 2022

On Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., future Bobcats will have the opportunity to see what life is like at Texas State University.  As a campus, we will welcome potential students and families to experience Texas State by connecting with faculty, staff, and students.  Bobcat Day creates the opportunity for students to learn about academic majors, programs, and services in addition to taking a campus tour and experiencing many of our residence halls, academic buildings, and centers.

We look forward to having representatives from your areas showcase your majors, departments, and services.  If you have any questions, please contact Kennadee Lindop via email at Kennadee@txstate.edu .

Also, please mark your calendars for our next Bobcat Day which will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   Spring 2022 Philosophy Dialogue Series

The Department of Philosophy is pleased to announce the Spring 2022 Dialogue Series

Monday, February 14, 2022 – Friday, April 15 2022

Unless otherwise indicated, on-campus events will take place in Comal 116.  The San Marcos Public Library is located at 625 E. Hopkins St.

The Philosophy Dialogue Series at Texas State University is the most extensive series of its kind, offering over 100 opportunities each academic year to engage in thoughtful public conversations about difficult matters of common concern.  In spring 2022, we will facilitate conversations on pandemics, democracy, ethics and technology, the nature of reality, religion, citizenship, and cosmopolitanism, and what it means to know something.  

We invite you to join the conversation. 

Please visit the Philosophy Dialogue Series Webpage for the full schedule and additional information. 

The Philosophy Dialogue Series Program Endowment supports the Philosophy Dialogue Series and its outreach activities at the San Marcos Public Library.  Co-sponsors of the Philosophy Dialogue Series are the American Democracy Project, College of Liberal Arts, Common Experience, Gina Weatherhead Dialogue Fund, Alliance, Step Up For State,  Sustainability Studies, the Alkek Library, Humanities Texas, National Endowment for the Humanities, ΦΣΤ ( Phi Sigma Tau, the philosophy honor society), University Seminar, The New York Times, The Acorn: Philosophical Studies in Pacifism and Nonviolence, the Honors College, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Vice President for Student Affairs. 

If you require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Department of Philosophy at (512) 245-2285.  Accommodation requests should be made at least 72 hours before the program start time to ensure availability.  

Texas State Department of Philosophy Dialogue Series

"... our material progress is only the foundation on which we will build a richer life of mind and spirit" – LBJ (Texas State Alumnus,' 30)

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Lynn Ledbetter

                                    Chair, Faculty Senate

SUBJECT:                   Faculty Senate Presents Sirry Alang

Faculty Senate invites you to attend Professor Sirry Alang, discussing Who Fixes Broken Systems?  Undoing Legacies of Exclusion in Colleges and Universities, moderated by Dr. Ben Martin, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

This event, on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., will be presented via Zoom; registration is required.

Racism is an extremely timely topic and of broad interest across the university among faculty, staff, and students.  Consistent with the efforts in which Texas State University has invested to address diversity, equity, and inclusion, this presentation will address ways universities contribute to society's inclusion/exclusion.

Higher education is a microcosm of society.  Our educational institutions are formal sites for knowledge creation.  For good, we shape minds.  For bad, we shape minds.  Minds that enter different fields–law enforcement, politics, education, business, science, health care, art, humanities, and so forth.  What happens when the processes of knowledge production, dissemination, and application are grounded in white supremacy?  How can colleges and universities contribute meaningfully towards building a just and equitable society?

Sirry Alang, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Health, Medicine and Society at Lehigh University.  Her research explores the role of social structures and institutions in creating and undoing inequities.

Sponsored by University Lecturers Committee, Institutional Inclusive Excellence - Faculty and Staff Initiatives, Institutional Inclusive Excellence - Student Initiatives, and the Common Experience.

This event is free and open to the public.

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, contact the Faculty Senate office at (512) 245-8323.  Accommodation requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance of the program start time to ensure availability.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Valarie B. Fleming

                                    Assistant Vice President, Curriculum and Academic Programs

Chair, Director of Faculty and Academic Resources Search Committee

SUBJECT:                   Open Forum – Director, Faculty and Academic Resources

You are invited to attend an open forum with a finalist for the position of Director, Faculty and Academic Resources.  This position is responsible for overseeing selected human resources functions for faculty at the university, advocating for services, policies, and practices that positively affect faculty, the division of Academic Affairs, and the university, and serving as an advisor to and partner with academic administrators and other campus stakeholders.

The candidate listed below will be available on the following date and time via Zoom.  The session will include the opportunity to learn more about the candidate’s qualifications and interest in the position as well as a question-and-answer period.  

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Dan Roy, Co-Director

                                    Dr. Shannon Weigum, Co-Director

                                    Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SUBJECT:                   Ignite Entrepreneurship Workshop

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is now accepting applications for the Ignite entrepreneurship workshop. 

Ignite is a virtual, 3-day weekend, learning-by-doing workshop for students interested learning about entrepreneurship.   Whether you have an idea for a business or are simply curious about the fascinating world of entrepreneurship, Ignite is the perfect place to begin your journey!  Over the weekend, you will learn how to transform an idea into a business and position it for success! 

As part of the workshop, students work in diverse teams with peers from across campus and receive guidance from experienced faculty, entrepreneurs, and mentors (many of whom have started and sold their own businesses).   

The workshop will be held 100% online (via Zoom) and runs from Friday, March 4, 2022, through Sunday, March 6, 2022.  There is no cost for students to attend. 

Registration is open now!  Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 18, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.  Additional information and a link to register can be found by visiting the Ignite web site.   

Please note that students from all majors (including non-business majors) and all levels (including undergraduate and graduate) are encouraged to apply.  Space is limited, so apply today.  

Questions about the Ignite workshop may be directed to Mr. Dan Roy via email at d_r560@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   TEDx Tickets Final Sale

The Department of Communication Studies and its TEDxTexasStateUniversity Planning Committee invite you to our in-person TEDx event on Saturday, February 12, 2022 in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.  This is event runs from 1:00-4:30 p.m.  We are in our final stretch of ticket sales and they are going fast.  You can purchase tickets on the Texas State Presents website.

TEDxTexasStateUniversity is hosting six speakers who will be speaking on various subjects surrounding the theme Green.  Here is the list of TEDx speakers:

• David Yeomans - Three-time Emmy Award-winning Meteorologist and is the Chief Meteorologist at KXAN in Austin
• Dr. Larry Fulton - Professor in the School of Health Administration at Texas State University and sustainable home enthusiast
• Jaz Burgess - Texas State University alumna, financial mental wellness advocate, and the Founder and Executive Director of Hustle Meets Grace, an online wellness company
• Jayairus Bryant - A free-spirited 2^nd grader at Cooper Elementary in Houston who possesses a unique combination of grit and wit
• Wren Vogel - Graduate student in Sustainability Studies at Texas State University researching upcycling applications of invasive flora found in the San Marcos area
• Ian McKenna - A 17-year-old youth hunger advocate and Master Gardener who has grown and donated over 20,000lbs of organic produce to help reduce food insecurity in his community 

The event will also include audience activations, snacks during breaks, and entertainment by local artists.  Here is the list of this year’s performers:

• Madeline Perez - Junior Musical Theatre Major at Texas State University
• The Beatnik Bandits - Local folk band with a rock and roll attitude
• Dj Bartly - Sophomore Theatre and Business student at Texas State University

What is TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.  TEDxTexasStateUniversity wants to explore what’s green about our community and world.  Our talks, activations, and fine art performances will represent a variety of fields and perspectives including climate issues, technology, health, the arts, media, social sciences, the humanities, money, and the hard sciences.  We invite you to join us for a day of inspiration and conversation as we discover what it means to be green.

We hope you will join us at TEDxTexasStateUniversity.  For more information or questions email us at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu or visit the TEDxTexasStateUniversity webpage.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Sanjay Ramchander

                                    Dean, McCoy College of Business Administration

SUBJECT:                   February 21-25 | Business Leadership Week 2022

The McCoy College of Business Administration will present its annual Business Leadership Week, February 21-25.

Business Leadership Week (BLW) is McCoy College's signature professional development event for students.  BLW offers opportunities to connect with the business community in conversations about leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and ethics.  In alliance with Texas State University's 2021-2022 Common Experience theme of Compassion, the 2022 Business Leadership Week theme is Compassion in Action.

Website:

https://www.mccoy.txstate.edu/blw

Monday, February 21

Jake Lavin, CEO of Happiness Project

Sherron Watkins, Enron Whistleblower and McCoy College Executive-in-Residence

Tuesday, February 22

Kelly White, Co-Executive Director of SAFE Alliance
Panel Discussion: Recent Alumni Council

Wednesday, February 23

Brian McCoy and Meagan McCoy Jones, McCoy’s Building Supply

Dr. Stephanie Solansky, Associate Professor of Management, McCoy College of Business

Business, Science, and Technology Career and Internship Fair

Thursday, February 24

Susan Moore, Corporate Vice President, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

Dr. Linda Alkire, Assistant Professor of Marketing, McCoy College of Business

Friday, February 25

Feed the Funnel

For questions about these events, contact Dr. David Wierschem, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at the McCoy College of Business, at (512) 245-2311 or via email at dw50@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Online Teaching Award and Open Educational Resources Grant: Virtual Reception and Showcase

Please join us on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from noon to 1:15 p.m., for a Virtual Award Showcase via Zoom, as we congratulate the winners of Texas State University’s ninth annual Award for Excellence in Online Teaching and learn what makes their online courses successful.  In this showcase, we will also recognize the progress Texas State has made with Open Educational Resources.

Our Virtual Reception and Showcase will feature a keynote address by Dr. Michelle Singh, Chair of the Board of the Texas Distance Learning Association and Assistant Commissioner of Digital Learning, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The recipients of the Online Teaching Award, Ms. Ludmila Krylova, Department of Accounting, Dr. Kimberly Talley, Department of Engineering Technology, and Dr. Tiankai Wang, Department of Health Information Management, will showcase their winning courses and discuss the elements that contribute to the courses’ unique character and effectiveness.

Registration is required for this event.  Please register to attend this virtual event no later than February 9, 2022, and a registration confirmation and Zoom link will be sent via email.

This event is hosted by the Office of Distance and Extended Learning.  For more information, or if you require accommodations to this virtual event, please contact Ms. Dana Ortiz, Administrative Assistant III, at (512) 245-7965 or via email at do15@txstate.edu.  

More information about the award is available on the Award for Excellence in Online Teaching website.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

                                    Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Instructional Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Teaching and Instruction

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and information related to teaching responsibilities, student records, and classroom materials.  Faculty are encouraged to visit the websites linked below and to talk with their department chairs/school directors about specific questions regarding these policies and practices.

Inadvertent Release of Student Education Records: Updated with Secure Communication Instructions

This is a reminder of your obligation to guard against the inadvertent release of student education records as stipulated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  UPPS 01.04.31, Access to Student Records Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, addresses this law and faculty and staff obligations. 

A few examples of inadvertent releases of student education records are emailing student grades, grade point averages, test scores or posting grades by student ID numbers, social security numbers, or other numbers that make student identities easily traceable.  These actions violate federal law and university policy.  A list of frequently asked questions is available for additional information.

Please review File and Data Sending and Receiving information standards as well as best practices for Data Classification (confidential, sensitive, or public) from the division of Information Technology.  To securely send and receive confidential student education records per FERPA regulations, use the university’s secure File Transfer system.

Faculty and Staff may login the Bobcat Family Portal to verify a student has granted someone access to their records, which includes detailed login instructions.

Faculty-Authored Teaching Material

AA/PPS 02.03.30, Faculty-Authored Teaching and Instructional Material, requires approval before a faculty member may require any textbook, notebook, manual, or other materials written or prepared by a member of the Texas State University faculty for which a charge is required.  The policy covers materials authored or prepared by Texas State University faculty, even if the materials are used in classes taught by other instructors. The approval process, which is described in the policy, involves the faculty member requiring the course material, department chair/school director, dean, and provost.  The deadlines for the submission of requests for materials to be used are: July 1 (fall semester), November 1 (spring semester), and April 1 (summer sessions).  Instructors may only require materials that meet instructional goals and student learning outcomes of the course.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Associate Vice Presidents in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Ethics and Compliance

 

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and other information related to ethics and compliance following university, state, and federal regulations and policies.  This message covers health and safety measures, required ethics and compliance training, dual/outside employment, and reporting of relatives working at Texas State University.  All faculty are asked to visit the websites linked below and to talk with their department chairs/school directors about specific questions regarding these policies and practices.

Health and Safety Measures

Texas State University has adopted 12 health and safety guidelines to protect the learning, living, and working environments on our campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Consideration of these measures is expected of all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. 

University Ethics and Compliance Program

Texas State is committed to ensuring that our institution maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity throughout all aspects of operations.  As public servants, university faculty and staff are guardians of the resources entrusted to it and have a responsibility to students, parents, alumni, donors, and the citizens of Texas to ensure those resources are used efficiently and for their intended purpose.  Several reporting tools are available that provide a confidential avenue for reporting concerns about potential waste, fraud, and abuse of resources; the lack of compliance with laws, regulations, and/or University Policy and Procedure Statements; or violations of The Texas State University System’s Code of Ethics.  We encourage you to report such issues through one of the following tools:

· EthicsPoint Website

· The Texas State University System (TSUS) Toll-Free Hotline at (866) 294-0987.  Para hacer un reporte en Espanol, favor de llame (866) 294-0987.

· Texas State University Office of Internal Audit Hotline at (512) 245-1707

There are several parts of the program that involve faculty:

1. Ethics and Compliance Training: The Ethics and Compliance Course is being updated and will be available sometime in spring 2022.  This course will be offered online via the new employee learning management tool, Success Factors (SF) Learning.  All faculty are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by TSUS.  Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.    
2. EEO and Title IX Training: All faculty must complete Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Title IX training, which is required every two years to meet the requirement mandated by the State of Texas.  The updated EEO/Title IX workshop will be available soon, at which time all current employees will be expected to complete it.  The course takes place online via the new employee learning management tool, SuccessFactors (SF) Learning.  Log-in to the SAP Portal, go to the General Business Apps section and find the SuccessFactors tile.  All faculty, without regard to their supervisory status, are required to complete the online EEO/Title IX course.
3. Cybersecurity Training: To combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3834 in the 2019 legislative session, which requires certain state and local government employees to complete a cybersecurity training program certified by the state’s Department of Information Resources (DIR).  All faculty must complete the Cybersecurity Training now available within SF Learning, using the same access via SAP as noted in #2 above.
4. Clery Act and Campus Security Authorities: The Clery Act is a federal law that requires the institution to provide accurate and timely information about crime and campus safety to the university community as well as prospective students and their families.  The act requires the identification of individuals and organizations that meet the definition of a campus security authority (CSA).  While many faculty members are not designated as CSAs, please see the list of CSAs provided by the University Police Department, which includes advisors to student organizations.  CSAs must complete the CSA Clery Training Course available within SF Learning, using the same access via SAP as noted in #2 above.

Dual/Outside Employment

UPPS 04.04.06, Outside Employment and Activities, defines outside employment as any compensated employment, consulting, or service performed by the employee outside of the employee’s employment relationship with Texas State for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee or the organization serviced.  Outside activities that involve non-compensated services are not always reported.  However, there are special provisions for holding public office.  Employment or activities must not interfere or create a conflict of interest or commitment with the faculty member’s duties and responsibilities at Texas State.

Outside employment, financial conflict of interest (FCOI), conflict of commitment (COC), and inappropriate foreign influence may be related topics that potentially present challenges to faculty in managing overlapping dimensions.  This is particularly important for faculty involved in federal grant awards and sponsored programs.  To encourage and support the research community, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will continue to develop and disseminate information and guidance regarding disclosures to internal and external entities, including funding agencies.  Contact Sean Rubino, Director, Research Integrity and Compliance, via email at srubino@txstate.edu for questions or more information in this regard.

Annual approval is required for 1) any outside employment or consulting prior to beginning such outside employment or consulting; 2) any employment with another state agency, community college, or school district (regardless of the faculty member’s FTE at Texas State);  3) any faculty member holding public office (elected or appointed to serve for a federal, state, or local government entity including school districts, cities, and towns); or 4) non-compensated activities where the employee or supervisor believes there may be a conflict of interest or interference with the employee’s university duties and responsibilities, or if the outside activities will take place during or interfere with the employee’s normally scheduled work hours.

If the outside employment is with another State of Texas entity, Texas law requires that all state employees must inform their state agencies or institutions of higher education before accepting an additional employment with another agency or institution.  See section 03.02 of UPPS 04.04.06.

Annual reporting is required.  Thus, outside employment approved from a prior academic year must be reported for the current year if the employment is ongoing.  The current reporting academic year is 9/1/21 – 8/31/22.  Faculty are required to report any changes that may occur during the academic year (e.g., additional outside employment throughout the year or change in outside employment workload).  Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal, under the “Self-Report” tab.

Note: Honorariums need not be reported.

Online Reporting of Relatives Working at Texas State University 

An online form is available for employees to report certain relatives also working at Texas State University.  With centralized records, Human Resources and Faculty and Academic Resources will be able to better manage potential conflicts and provide accurate reports as required by state law and The Texas State University System Regents’ Rules and Regulations.  The governing policy is UPPS 04.04.07, Nepotism and Related Employment.

Note: If you have already reported relatives working at Texas State and there are no changes, no action is required.  After your initial certification, you must report any changes as they occur.

If needed, please take action by February 22, 2022 and provide complete information, including hours worked per week and other details that aid reviewers in decision-making.  Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal, under the “Self-Report” tab.  Instructions for Self-Reporting of Relatives at Texas State are available.  The records will be reviewed by Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources against the organizational structure in SAP.  If there is a potential conflict, Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources staff will contact the department head for resolution.  Faculty-related questions may be directed to Faculty and Academic Resources at (512) 245-3628.

Thank you for your commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Guidance for Spring 2022 Courses and Instruction

 

As Texas State enters the first few weeks of 2022, we continue to learn how to live with the pandemic while navigating personal, educational, and professional goals and activities.  While we hoped for a different start to spring 2022, we are cognizant of maintaining healthy and safe conditions, impact on members of our university community, disruptions to the university and academic environment, especially absenteeism, and our students’ expectations for a rich academic experience.  The university will begin spring 2022 with two weeks of temporary online/remote classes (January 18 – January 30, 2022).  In-person instruction will begin on January 31, 2022.

President’s Cabinet meets frequently with Dr. Emilio Carranco, our Chief Medical Officer, to review the latest data on COVID-19 case counts and public health indicators, to assess the effectiveness of current protocols, and to make adjustments.  As the situation evolves, we will communicate via university emails and the university’s COVID-19 Information Center.  The Spring 2022 COVID-19 Resources webpage provides information specific to the division of Academic Affairs, including frequently asked questions about instruction, research, and academic activities.

The following sections includes recent university statements and guidance on spring 2022 classes and instruction, including measures for health and safety, office hours, instruction modes, student absences, Bobcat Cares grants for students, and other areas.  This message also shares information about the university’s mission and shared values, emergency management, and the reporting responsibility of faculty and staff who learn of sexual misconduct.  Please pass this message along to new faculty and teaching assistants, as new hire transactions occur daily.

I greatly appreciate your deep dedication to the mission, vision, and goals of Texas State University and look forward to a successful spring 2022 semester.  Together, we can reduce the risk and transmission of COVID-19 and live out our shared commitment to an exceptional student experience, a vibrant academic community, in-person teaching, learning, services, and activities, and innovation in all facets of university life.

1. University Statements

January 3, 2022 message from President Denise M. Truath (Classes to be online/remote January 18-30)

January 4, 2022 message from the Provost - January 2022 Instruction, Research, and Services in the Division of Academic Affairs

January 6, 2022 message from the Chief Medical Officer - COVID-19 Update: Spring Semester Mitigation Strategy

January 14, 2022 message from President Denise M. Trauth (Returning to in-person instruction)

Review University Statements regularly

1. Spring 2022 Courses

Extensive information on course syllabi and classroom procedures is found in AA/PPS 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses.

Online/Remote through January 30, 2022

To make spring 2022 courses at Texas State as accessible as possible while ensuring the continued safety of our university community, we will temporarily move class sections and class activities to online/remote delivery beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2022 through Sunday, January 30, 2022.  Face-to-face instruction for all Texas State class sections coded as face-to-face will resume on Monday, January 31, 2022.  For courses coded as online, hybrid, or other instructional method, faculty will implement the first two weeks remotely/online, then transition to the planned instructional method and course delivery schedule on January 31, 2022.

The first two weeks of online/remote delivery will not count against the face-to-face contact hours required for certain course instructional methods per the University Registrar’s Schedule of Classes documentation.

Exceptions to Online/Remote Delivery

Deans, department chairs/school directors, and faculty will consult on and communicate with students about courses that may need to remain face-to-face during this two-week period due to licensure requirements or specific academic imperatives.  While most classes will be taught online/remotely for the first two weeks of the semester, students are urged to check their university email accounts and Canvas course sites for updates on any exceptions to the online/remote delivery provision.

Class Instruction Modes

Beginning January 31, 2022, classes will be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the spring 2022 Schedule of Classes in Catsweb.

Office Hours

Faculty members may consider alternatives to face-to face office hours, such as video conferencing in Teams or Zoom, telephone calls, emails, and other means that ensure students have regular access to faculty.

Student Accommodations

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities.  Faculty are responsible for implementing accommodations based on the office’s process, assessment, and formal recommendations per UPPS 07.11.01, Disability Services for Students.  Please note that although students with ODS accommodations may discuss alternatives with instructors if they are unable to attend a face-to-face class, a faculty member is not required to accommodate a request that represents a fundamental alteration to the delivery methods of a course or program.

Substantive Interaction

In all courses, faculty members provide regular and substantive interaction with students.  This interaction is instructor-driven, frequent, and consistent throughout the semester.

Syllabus Content Reminders (see section 13 of AA/PPS 02.03.01 for all syllabus requirements)

• Required class materials, access to materials, use of Canvas, and/or instructional strategies.
• Technology or software are needed for the class, including getting support from ITAC.
• Exams, assignments, grading rubrics, assessment and testing, and due dates.
• How office hours will be handled (i.e., Zoom, Teams, email, etc.).
• Attendance policy and record-keeping procedures.
• Assigned seating and required seating charts for face-to-face and hybrid class sections.
• Health, wellness, and safety reminders (5 points below)
• Monitor university email account and university’s Roadmap for any updates.

Bobcat Cares (Student Grants)

On Thursday, January 13, 2022, President Trauth announced additional federally funded emergency grants available to students this spring to help ease the financial strain caused by the pandemic.  Texas State will distribute over $6.5 million in emergency assistance for the spring 2022 semester.  Applications will be open online from January 18, 2022 to February 1, 2022.  Enrolled full- and part-time students are eligible to receive funds to offset expenses related to any component of the cost of attendance as well as emergency costs due to the coronavirus.  More information about the emergency grants, eligibility requirements, and how to apply is found on the Bobcat Cares webpage.  To date, the university has awarded more than $73 million in emergency grants to students through Bobcat Cares.

1. Health, Wellness, and Safety
2. Follow the university’s Health and Safety Guidelines. To protect the health and safety of our living, learning, and working environments, the university’s Health and Safety Guidelines form the foundation of our COVID-19 mitigation strategy, including wearing masks, getting vaccinated, practicing social distancing, knowing COVID symptoms, and getting tested.
3. Get tested. Test for COVID-19 within 72 hours (3 days) prior to returning to our campuses, during the semester after high-risk activities, when selected for the university’s random testing program, and whenever symptoms develop.  For testing information, visit TXST Testing, Curative Testing, or TX Testing Sites.
4. Stay home and get tested if you develop cold-like or other COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.  While infection with the recent Omicron variant can lead to severe illness and hospitalization, those who are vaccinated tend to have mild illness.  The most common symptoms of Omicron infection include cough, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, fatigue, and headache.  Persons with these symptoms should test for COVID-19.
5. Promptly Report to Bobcat Trace if you test positive for COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who received a positive test result.  Reporting information can be found on the Texas State’s COVID-19 Information Center webpage.
6. Follow the advice of Bobcat Trace staff and emails and send the Bobcat Trace email to instructors and supervisors to discuss arrangements during isolation or quarantine as well as the date of return to campus.

New Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

With new data on Omicron’s period of contagiousness and the effectiveness of vaccinations in preventing severe illness, the university is modifying its approach to COVID-19.  The CDC’s new guidelines shorten isolation/quarantine periods to 5 days (period of highest infectiousness) and rely heavily on masking for another 5 days to prevent the spread of infection by persons who may still have low levels of contagiousness.  The new guidelines attempt to balance the importance of preventing the spread of infection with the need to minimize disruption in essential services, business, and education. The university will follow the CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines.

Bobcat Trace Practices

Our Chief Medical Officer, is reviewing Bobcat Trace practices with public health officials, especially with respect to case counts within specific class sections.  More information is forthcoming. Faculty are asked to maintain seating charts and attendance records to facilitate the identification of close contacts.

Face Covering and Vaccination Protocol 

Per standing guidance from Governor Abbott’s executive orders and confirmed by The Texas State University System’s Office of the Vice Chancellor and General Counsel, the university is not able to require face coverings or vaccinations.  Every member of the university community is urged to get vaccinated, including the booster, and wear a face mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Student Absences

As in the past, faculty have discretion in managing student absences, including those due to illness.  Students who must isolate or quarantine should report to Bobcat Trace and contact their instructors to make appropriate arrangements for completing assignments.  Students should notify instructors directly or, in the cases of hospitalization or other extenuating circumstances, use Dean of Students’ absence notifications form.  Faculty members determine appropriate arrangements for students who miss class.  Students employed on campus should notify their supervisors of the Bobcat Trace information, as well.

If there are a large number of absences in a face-to-face class and the instructor finds difficulty in managing make-up assignments and course delivery, remote learning and alternative strategies are at the instructor’s discretion.  For example, the instructor may choose to use Zoom so absent students are able to observe lectures and class activities. Or, an instructor may record and distribute lectures, add discussion boards in Canvas, create substitute assignments, or implement some other plan.

Faculty and Staff Absences

Faculty who are absent from class coordinate with their department chairs/school directors to ensure continuity of instruction.  In some cases, a faculty member teaching face-to-face may transition to remote learning for a brief period by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools.  For extended absences, another faculty member may be asked to assume responsibility for the class.  Deans and chairs/directors may contact the Office of the Provost for support or guidance.

All employees who must isolate or quarantine should report to Bobcat Trace and visit with their supervisor about leave options.  Employees in isolation or quarantine may work remotely only if requested and approved through their Department Head.  Remote Work Guidance is available from the Office of Human Resources.

1. Our Mission and Shared Values

Faculty who wish to include information about the university’s mission and shared values statements in a syllabus for spring 2022 courses should use the following statements from the 2017-2023 Texas State University Plan:

Mission

Texas State University is a doctoral-granting, student-centered institution dedicated to excellence and innovation in teaching, research, including creative expression, and service.  The university strives to create new knowledge, to embrace a diversity of people and ideas, to foster cultural and economic development, and to prepare its graduates to participate fully and freely as citizens of Texas, the nation, and the world.

Shared Values

In pursuing our mission, we, the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State University, are guided by a shared collection of values:

• Teaching and learning based on research, student involvement, and the free exchange of ideas in a supportive environment;
• Research and creative activities that encompass the full range of academic disciplines—research with relevance, from the sciences to the arts, from the theoretical to the applied;
• The cultivation of character, integrity, honesty, civility, compassion, fairness, respect, and ethical behavior in all members of our university community;
• A diversity of people and ideas, a spirit of inclusiveness, a global perspective, and a sense of community as essential conditions for campus life;
• A commitment to service and leadership for the public good;
• Responsible stewardship of our resources and environment; and
• Continued reflection and evaluation to ensure that our strengths as a community always benefit those we serve.

V.        Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

• Code of Student Conduct
• The Honor Code

VI.       Emergency Management

In the event of an emergency, faculty, students, and staff should monitor the Safety and Emergency Communications web page.  This page will be updated with the latest information available to the university, in addition to providing links to information concerning safety resources and emergency procedures.  Faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to sign up for the TXState Alert system.

VII.      Sexual Misconduct Reporting (SB 212)

Effective January 2, 2020, state law (SB 212) requires all university employees, acting in the course and scope of employment, who witness or receive information concerning an incident of sexual misconduct involving an enrolled student or employee to report all relevant information known about the incident to the university's Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX coordinator.  According to SB 212, employees who knowingly fail to report or knowingly file a false report shall be terminated in accordance with university policy and The Texas State University System Rules and Regulations.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Assistant Provost

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew S. Brooks as the Assistant Provost effective March 1, 2022.  In this role, he will work closely with Dr. Debbie Thorne, Associate Provost, to provide leadership and oversight of faculty workload policies and procedures, annual reappointment of tenure-track faculty, best practice reviews and studies that advance policies and initiatives, and other projects within the division of Academic Affairs.

Dr. Brooks received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Kennesaw State University and was a Distinguished Military Graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology.  He received a Master’s of Public Health in Biostatistics from Virginia Commonwealth University and Ph.D. from University of South Carolina.  He holds dual board certifications in public health and health administration and is a Fellow in both the American College of Health Executives (ACHE) and the Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Dr. Brooks joined the School of Health Administration at Texas State University in 2010 as a tenure-track Associate Professor.  In September 2014 he was appointed the School Director and in September 2017 he was promoted to Professor.  In 2018 he was appointed the Associate Dean for the College of Health Professions.  Prior to pursuing an academic career, Dr. Brooks spent 21 years on active duty in the Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer.  Dr. Brooks’ military career was highlighted with assignments as Chief, Strategic Planning for Army Medical Command and Deputy Director of the Army-Baylor MHA/MBA Program and culminated as the Deputy Commander for the 14^th Combat Support Hospital in Camp Bucca, Iraq in 2009.  Dr. Brooks earned the Airborne, Air Assault, and Expert Field Medical badges during his military career.

Dr. Brooks has published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles in 18 different journals.  Dr. Brooks’ research interests include veteran’s health and aging, military healthcare, life-course effects of military service, and generational differences.  Dr. Brooks received the 2011 Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching and the 2013 Presidential Distinction Award for Teaching from the College of Health Professions.  He was named an Alpha Chi Favorite Professor in 2013.  In 2012 he was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award for Service and the 2014 Presidential Distinction Award for Service from the College of Health Professions.  Prior to joining Texas State, Dr. Brooks was recognized as the 2009 Researcher of the Year for the Army-Baylor Graduate Program in Health and Business Administration.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Brooks on his appointment as the Assistant Provost.

TO:                             Direct Reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Overtime and Compensatory Time Policy

Please make sure all supervisors in your area have reviewed UPPS 04.04.16, Overtime and Compensatory Time Policy.  This policy, which was updated in July 2021, sets forth the overtime and compensatory time policy for all university employees and complies with applicable federal, state, and university requirements. 

This university policy meets the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a federal statute that establishes, among other things, the federal minimum wage and required overtime compensation for certain employees at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay after 40 hours of work in a workweek.  Certain employee groups are exempt from the overtime provision while other employee groups earn overtime compensation.  Exempt employees are unclassified, which means there is no pay plan maximum for their job titles.  Non-exempt employees are classified, which means there is a pay plan minimum and maximum for their job titles.  If supervisors need to confirm the exempt or non-exempt status of a staff position, they may inquire with the Office of Human Resources or the University Pay Plan.

The division of Academic Affairs does not have a separate written policy on overtime and compensatory time for exempt and non-exempt employees earning state compensatory time and FLSA time (time earned at the rate of one and one-half hours for one hour).  Review section 03.02 for classified employees and section 03.03 for unclassified employees of the above UPPS for more information.

Exempt (unclassified) employees in the division of Academic Affairs shall take state compensatory time as approved by individual supervisors and shall not take more than 24 consecutive hours of state compensatory time without approval from the provost.  This excludes energy conservation days.  Supervisors may require a non-exempt (classified) employee to use FLSA overtime for energy conservation days before utilizing state compensatory time or vacation leave.

All supervisors are responsible for ensuring that exempt and non-exempt employees understand and follow university policies and procedures for the timely recording of leave, overtime, and other exceptions to their normal work schedules.  Please note recent updates in sections 14 and 15 of UPPS 04.04.30, University Leave Policy, which explain record keeping, the timeline by which employees must enter time, the timeline for approvals, and documentation requirements.

TO:                 Deans  

                       Department Chairs/School Directors 

                       Faculty              

FROM:          Dr. Gene Bourgeois 

           Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 

SUBJECT:     Multicultural Curriculum Transformation and Research Institute 

Date:              May 23-27, 2022 

Place:             Synchronous Online and Hybrid Meeting

Time:             9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   

An invitation from Dr. Gloria P. Martinez-Ramos, Director, Center for Diversity and Gender Studies:

I am pleased to invite faculty to participate in the annual Multicultural Curriculum Transformation and Research Institute scheduled for May 23-27, 2022 and sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Gender Studies. The initiative has a long tradition of success in helping faculty to redesign courses and helping the University to meet its strategic goal of transforming at least two courses per year per college.  The institute is offered in one week with emphasis on incentives for follow-up with outcome reporting, research, presentations, and publications. The Institute includes guest scholars and Texas State faculty facilitators, who share ideas for implementing multicultural content and perspectives related to inclusive pedagogical teaching practices and assessment.  Successfully transformed courses will receive a multicultural content, multicultural perspectives or multicultural content and perspectives designation. 

Each dean may recommend two faculty members to participate and receive a stipend of $1,200 for the following: Institute participation, a transformed syllabus, and completed multicultural course assessment instrument. Faculty may receive additional support up to $800 depending on their level of participation and involvement with follow-up activities, such as an outcome measures report or by publishing or presenting a research paper.   

Quick facts about the program and the application are available online at https://www.txstate.edu/cdgs/MCTRI0.html.

• Faculty deadline to Dean thru Chair/Director: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 
• Dean deadline to Dr. Martinez-Ramos: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 

I look forward to another productive year with this initiative. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Dr. Gloria P. Martinez-Ramos via email at gm21@txstate.edu or (512)-245-2361. 

TO:                             Academic Affairs Full-Time Staff Members

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Staff Educational Development Leave – Fall 2022

The Staff Educational Development Leave Program provides an opportunity for one full-time staff member per semester in each division of the university to receive special support for degree work.  Applications for participation for the fall 2022 semester are now being accepted.  This is a reminder that after approval by the appropriate supervisor(s), the final date to receive applications in my office is March 1, 2022.  A decision will be made by March 11, 2022.  Applications received after the March 1 deadline will not be considered.

Please refer to UPPS 04.04.35, Professional Development and Educational Opportunities, for details regarding eligibility criteria, program requirements, and the application procedure.  The application form is attached to the UPPS.

Please contact Ms. Stacey Rodriguez, Executive Assistant, in my office at (512) 245-2791 if you have any questions.

Thank you.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Commencement Schedule for Academic Year 2022-2023

The fall 2022, spring 2023, and summer 2023 commencement schedules have been finalized and can be found on the commencement website.

If you have any commencement related questions or concerns, or would like additional information about commencement, please contact Ms. Kristin McDaniel, Commencement Coordinator, at (512) 245-8313 or via email at commencement@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   January 2022 Instruction, Research, and Services in the Division of Academic Affairs

 

I hope everyone enjoyed a winter break that brought renewal and rejuvenation for the year ahead.  While we fervently hoped for a healthy start to 2022, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is coinciding with Texas State University’s return for the spring 2022 semester.

This message provides guidance on how the division of Academic Affairs is responding to President Trauth’s January 3, 2022 message regarding Texas State operations, spring 2022 course delivery, and student support services.  The following information applies to Texas State instruction, research, and activities and services within Academic Affairs.

Spring 2022 Courses – Online/Remote through January 30, 2022

To make spring 2022 courses at Texas State as accessible as possible while ensuring the continued safety of our university community, we will temporarily move class sections and class activities to online/remote delivery beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2022 through Sunday, January 30, 2022. 

Face-to-face instruction for all Texas State class sections coded as face-to-face will resume on Monday, January 31, 2022.  For courses coded as online, hybrid, or other instructional method, faculty will implement the first two weeks remotely/online, then transition to the planned instructional method and course delivery schedule on January 31, 2022. 

The first two weeks of online/remote delivery will not count against the face-to-face contact hours required for certain course instructional methods per the University Registrar’s Schedule of Classes documentation.

Spring 2022 Courses – Exceptions to Online/Remote Delivery

Deans, department chairs/school directors, and faculty will consult on and communicate with students about courses that may need to remain face-to-face during this two-week period due to licensure requirements or specific academic imperatives.  While most classes will be taught online/remotely for the first two weeks of the semester, students are urged to check their university email accounts and Canvas course sites for updates on any exceptions to the online/remote delivery provision. 

Research, Creative, and Scholarly Activities

Laboratories and other spaces dedicated to research, creative, and scholarly activities may remain open with reasonable mitigation measures for health and safety.

Academic Services and Offices

To reduce density, the university is encouraging remote work and flexible scheduling for employees through January 30, 2022 when it makes sense and ensures the effective and efficient provision of services.  If remote or flexible arrangements are pursued, supervisors should first consult their respective college dean or associate vice president and then develop a plan for operational continuity, work priorities, and performance expectations through the end of January.  Office websites, voicemail greetings, and employee emails should communicate modified office arrangements as appropriate.  Remote Work Guidance is available from the Office of Human Resources.

Events and Activities

In-person events and activities in Academic Affairs may be suspended or moved to an online/virtual format.  Sponsors and coordinators of in-person events and activities in January 2022 are asked to consult with supervisors to evaluate the situation and determine if it is better to postpone, cancel, or transition to an online/virtual format.  

Health and Safety

While the university cannot mandate actions, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to be vigilant about wearing a mask, social distancing as much as possible, testing regularly, and getting vaccinated and boosted.  It is up to each member of our community to follow CDC isolation/quarantine guidelines and take necessary precautions if exposed to or testing positive for COVID-19.  Chief Medical Officer Dr. Emilio Carranco will continue to provide updates on important precautions and CDC guidelines.

I greatly appreciate your understanding, flexibility, and cooperation as we navigate this challenging public health situation together.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd as the Chair of the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS), effective February 1, 2022. 

Dr. Ashford-Hanserd joined the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies at Texas State University in 2016 as an Assistant Professor, receiving tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2021.  Dr. Ashford-Hanserd earned a B.S. in Computer Science in 2000 and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Career and Workforce Education in 2016 from the University of South Florida.  In addition, she holds graduate certificates in Project Management and Program Evaluation and earned an M.S.I.S. degree from the Occupational Education program in OWLS in 2011.  That same year, she was the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Researcher award in OWLS.

Dr. Ashford-Hanserd worked for 13 years in the Information Technology (IT) sector as an intern, technical trainer, IT consultant, and global training program manager with Fortune 500 multinational corporations, including General Electric, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Dell Technologies.  She has served as PI or Co-PI on nearly $2.8M in federal research projects from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the United States Department of Agriculture.  She is an award-winning professor and scholar recognized as one of Alpha Chi’s Favorite Professors for 2018 and as an NSF CAREER scholar, which is “NSF’s most prestigious award in support of early-career faculty who demonstrate potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.” 

Dr. Ashford-Hanserd’s research agenda primarily focuses on broadening participation of women of color and historically underrepresented minorities in the U.S. P-20 (preschool, K-12, undergraduate, graduate) STEM (science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, mathematics) and Computing (STEM+C) workforce ecosystem.  She has publications in a variety of outlets, including Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Emerging Issues and Trends in Education, Journal of Negro Education, Journal of Science Education and Technology, Journal of Transformative Leadership and Policy Studies, Social Sciences, and many others.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Ashford-Hanserd on her appointment as Chair of the Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies.