2025 Provost's Office Message Archive

Please Note: The original messages have been slightly altered to meet the online accessibility standards for all students. While the messages are slightly altered, the substance of the message has not changed.

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  • January 2025

    • TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

      FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                          Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

      SUBJECT:                   TEDx Tickets

       

      The TEDxTexasStateUniversity leadership team and the Department of Communication Studies invite you to our in-person TEDx event on Saturday, February 22 in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. This event runs from 12:30-4:30 p.m. We are just one month out from this year's event, so mark your calendars and join us for a great day of conversation and performances! You can purchase tickets at the Texas State Presents website.

      We are excited to offer complimentary tickets to students interested in attending. To claim your student ticket, click the link above and login using your Texas State University netID and password. General admission for faculty and the public is $25. VIP tickets are $100 and include preferential seating, a TEDx t-shirt, and entry into the after party to celebrate our speakers. Food and entertainment will be provided at the after-party for our VIP ticket holders.    

      This year, our event will feature six speakers who will be discussing various subjects surrounding the theme legacy, focusing on the legacy and impact of education. This theme commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act signed in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson on our campus sixty years ago.  

      • David Vela, Retired Director of the National Park Service and Author of Hola Ranger, My Journey Through the National Parks – Mr. Vela’s talk will showcase the impact that the Higher Education Act had on him and his journey through education, focusing on all the opportunities it opened up for him along the way.
      • Dr. Judy Oskam, Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State – Dr. Oskam will discuss the necessity of experiential learning in higher education and what we can do to help students learn outside of a traditional classroom.
      • Dr. Omar Lopez, Professor in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies – Dr. Lopez’s talk will discuss how higher education can overcome inequalities in the STEM workforce by ensuring that students graduate with the essential competencies required to compete in the global labor market. 
      • Dr. Aitiana Sanchez-Garciaguirre, Assistant Professor in Department of Health and Human Performance – Dr. Sanchez-Garciaguirre’s talk will focus on how resilience can be cultivated, passed down, and strengthened across generations. 
      • Segio Carvajal-Leoni, Doctoral student in the Adult, Professional, and Community Education program at Texas State – Mr. Carvajal-Leoni’s talk will highlight the power of intergenerational learning and how we can use digital tools to collect and preserve the stories of our elder family members.  
      • Dr. Zach Thomas, School Improvement teacher and educator – Dr. Thomas will focus on how using creativity and imagination in education allows students and teachers to cultivate learning environments and outcomes far beyond the confines of current standardized systems.

      The event will also include audience activations, snacks during breaks, and entertainment by Texas State students and local artists. Some of this year’s performers include: 

      • VocaLibre – a gifted and auditioned choral group who perform a wide range of genres including traditional choral music and pop and R&B covers
      • Mesal Quartet – a lively trombone quartet that is a student led group of musicians who are also members of the Texas State Trombone Studio 
      • Doral Drama Club - a talented group of children from the Doral Academy Charter School who act in on stage-performances

      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's speakers will explore the legacy of education, the limitless possibilities within education, and the promising future of education. We invite you to join us for a day of conversation as we honor and celebrate legacy. 

      For more information or questions email us at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu or visit the TEDxTexasStateUniversity webpage. 

      TEDx Leadership Team

      Dr. Alan Grant, Department of Communication Studies

      Dr. Kristen Farris, Department of Communication Studies

      Mr. Mark Paz, Department of Communication Studies

      Ms. Hannah Collazo, Department of Communication Studies

      Dr. Prisca Ngondo, School of Journalism and Mass Communication 

      MEMBER THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

    • TO:                             Faculty and Staff

      FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                          Dean, College of Liberal Arts

      SUBJECT:                   University Writing Center

       

      Welcome to spring 2025! The University Writing Center opens on January 21, and we're excited to share how we can help you and support your students this semester.

      HOW WE HELP STUDENTS  

      Our peer and faculty consultants are ready to support writers from all disciplines at any stage in their writing process. We offer:

      •          25- or 50-minute appointments with an option to repeat weekly 

      •          two weekly writing groups: Write Time and Creative Writers’ Circle 

      •          help formatting theses and dissertations for Vireo submission  

      •          writing guidance for pre-law students  

      •          drop-in support on Writing Wednesdays (Round Rock only)  

      •          annual essay contest recognizing excellence in student writing 

      •          support for writing beyond the classroom, including personal statements, essays for scholarships, conference proposals, and more  

      HOW WE SUPPORT FACULTY

      We also provide resources to support your teaching and scholarship: 

      •          class tours: Book an in-person or virtual tour to introduce students to our space and services. 

      •          in-class workshops: Request sessions on style guides (MLA, APA, etc.), essay writing, managing writing anxiety, and more. 

      •          proof-of-visit forms: Verify a student attended their consultation by asking them to request a proof-of-visit at the end of their appointment.  

      •          statement for your syllabus: Share information about our services with your students by including this statement in your syllabus. 

      •          consultations for faculty: Make an appointment to work on your own writing, too (e.g., revising for publication, grant writing, conference papers, personal projects, and more).

      HOURS, LOCATIONS, AND SCHEDULING 

      To book an appointment, request a service, or learn more, visit our website, contact us by email at writingctr@txstate.edu or by phone at (512) 245-3018. You can find us in person in ASBN 100 (San Marcos) and Avery 206 (Round Rock) or virtually on Zoom. Hours for each location are available on our website.  

      Thank you for all you do to support Bobcats' writing development. We look forward to working with you and your students this semester!

      MEMBER THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

    • TO:                             Faculty

                                          Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

      FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                          Senior Vice Provost

      SUBJECT:                   Course Review

       

      The course 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 for this cycle ends on January 20, 2025. 

      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 current cycle, there are 265 additions, 405 changes, and 114 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 the Office of Curriculum Services at curriculum@txstate.edu.

      MEMBER THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

    • TO:                             Faculty and Staff

      FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                          Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

      SUBJECT:                   Information to Include in Spring 2025 Course Syllabi

       

      As we quickly approach the spring 2025 semester and prepare for an exciting array of classes, activities, and events, the following message provides guidance on course syllabi and implementation. This message also provides information about 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. 

      Health and Wellbeing 

      The Dean of Students Office manages Here to Help to assist students experiencing crises or emergencies or displaying concerning behaviors. Submissions are received directly by the Dean of Students Office’s CARE Center. 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. For students, the Student Health Center provides evaluation and medical management of these common mental health issues and others. 

      Bobcat Balance serves the legal, financial, and mental health needs of faculty and staff.  LinkedIn Learning is available to all faculty, staff, and students and includes resources on well-being, career development, time management, and other skills and knowledge. 

      Student Absences and Absence Notification

      Faculty have discretion in managing student absences, including those due to illness. Faculty members determine appropriate arrangements for students who miss class. Please refer to UPPS 02.06.03 and UPPS 02.06.01 for absences related to student participation in university-sponsored events and religious holy days.  

      For faculty who ask students requesting excused absences to contact the Dean of Students Office, students should be directed to the information 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. 

      Syllabus Content Reminders (see section 5 of AA/PPS 02.03.01 for all syllabus requirements)

      1. Required class materials, access to materials, use of Canvas, and/or instructional strategies.
      2. Technology or software needed for the class, including getting support from ITAC.
      3. Exams, assignments, grading rubrics, assessment and testing, and due dates.
      4. Office hours. 
      5. Attendance policy and record-keeping procedures.
      6. Assessment and testing strategies to enhance academic integrity.
      7. Disability Statement (text included below)

      Class Instruction Modes and Substantive Interaction

      Classes will be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the spring 2025 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, or disregarding university policies. For more information regarding conduct in the classroom, please review policies at AA/PPS 02.03.01, 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

      Information regarding academic integrity and student code of conduct may be found at the links indicated below.

      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. Provisions for faculty sick leave are found in UPPS 04.04.30, Section 03, Sick Leave Procedures. 

      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.

      Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (SB17)

      During the 88th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature, Senate Bill 17 was passed and signed into law, effective January 1, 2024. SB 17 addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public higher education institutions. For an explanation of SB17's provisions along with questions and answers, please visit the Texas State University System’s General Counsel Guidance on Implementation of Senate Bill 17.  

      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 office. According to SB 212, employees who knowingly fail to report or knowingly file a false report shall be terminated in accordance with university and system policy. Please access the webpage of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX for more information. 

      Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

      Texas State University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. If you experience barriers to your education due to a disability or think you may have a disability, please contact Disability Services (DS) at (512) 245-3451, by email at ods@txstate.edu, or visit the Disability Services web page.   

      Disabilities may include, but are not limited to: attentional, learning, mental health, sensory, physical, communication, or chronic medical conditions. All students are encouraged to discuss their disability related needs with the DS staff and their instructors as soon as possible.

      Thank you. I greatly appreciate your ongoing dedication to student success and excellence in all teaching and learning activities.

      MEMBER THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

    • 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 2025 and Spring 2026

       

      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 2025 and Spring 2026.  

      Proposals must be submitted by e-mail to facultysenate@txstate.edu by 5:00 p.m. the first Friday in February. 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 (26.32%) 

      • Anticipated Number of Attendees (expectations of attendance adjusted for the Round Rock campus)
      • Relevancy of Topic
      • Broad Interest
      • Scope of Attendees
      • External Reach 

      Topic/Speaker Involvement (26.32%) 

      • Active Scholarly Dialog
      • Speaker Involvement Beyond Lecture
      • Opportunities for Continued Reflection
      • Connections to University Mission and Shared Values
      • Speaker Biography 

      Event Logistics (26.32%) 

      • Event Planning
      • Established Contact with Speaker
      • Tentative Commitment by Speaker 
      • Marketing Plan 
      • Details Recruitment Plan for Attendees 

      Collaboration/ Budget (21.04%) 

      • Budget Justification 
      • Collaboration 
      • Co-Sponsorship 
      • Committed Funding 

      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 Kristy Daniel, ULC Chair, or GG Mortenson, Administrative Assistant to the Faculty Senate, 5-8323.

      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. 

      MEMBER THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM