Dear Academic Affairs colleagues,
I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday, and not just because of all that good food! I am thankful for my family and friends, and for each and every one of you, the people who make TCU so special.
Before we stuff ourselves with turkey next week, here are some important Academic Affairs reminders.
Apply Now for Spring FSC Workshops
I hear great things from the 65 faculty who have participated in the Finding Ourselves in Community (FSC) workshops led by Dean Frank Hernandez and Dr. Cynthia Savage, and from students who take their courses. I’m excited to see the Quality Enhancement Plan work so well. I encourage you to sign up for the Spring 2025 workshops so you can participate, too. Click here to access the application and see the workshop schedule. This is such an important initiative for TCU that you will receive a $1,000 stipend for successfully completing the workshops and an additional $1,000 for teaching your first course and submitting student artifacts.
Final Evaluative Exercise Policy
Per government and accreditation requirements, a final evaluative exercise must be administered in all classes during the five-day period published in the University Calendar, with only three exceptions: graduating seniors, students with more than two finals in a 24-hour period, and students whose final exam conflicts with a major religious holiday. Click here to access more information in the Faculty Handbook.
No Assignments Over University Breaks
Earlier this semester, Faculty Senate supported an SGA resolution that no coursework shall be due during University breaks (including Thanksgiving), to support student mental health and acknowledge that accessibility to tech resources may be challenging. This does not apply to existing long-term projects, make-up work, or work related to incomplete grades. Click here to access this information in the Faculty Handbook.
Congratulations to TCU’s 2025 Piper Professor Nominee
Each year, the prestigious Piper Foundation honors effective and dedicated teachers from across the state. TCU’s nominee for 2025 is Gina Hill, professor and chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences. Since joining TCU in 2003, Dr. Hill has mentored students in their research endeavors, helped create two graduate programs, served on community and university committees, and created community engagement programs for her students to make a positive impact beyond the university. Congratulations, Dr. Hill, for representing TCU as our nominee! We look forward to the announcement of honorees in the spring.
Commencement
I encourage you to attend commencement on December 14 to applaud our newest Horned Frog graduates. The Provost’s Office will reimburse your regalia rental. See the attached email for directions on ordering your regalia.
Best wishes for a great week and a very happy Thanksgiving,
Floyd
Floyd L. Wormley, Jr., Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Vice Provost for Research
Dean of Graduate Studies