Dear Academic Affairs faculty and staff,
My sincere thanks to each of you as we near two years of academic continuity during a pandemic. For some, things are starting to feel more normal. For others, our challenges continue to be far from normal. If you are struggling to cope with changes, illness, loss and other emotional and physical challenges, I encourage you to speak with an Employee Assistance Counselor at no cost to you. Check TCU HR’s Employee Assistance Program website here. My experience with the EAP program, both here and at other institutions, is that it might take a couple of tries to get a counselor with whom you are comfortable, but it is worth the effort.
Chancellor’s Award Update
Each year, TCU honors one professor with the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Achievement as a Creative Teacher and Scholar. We have modified the award to include the John V. Roach Honors College and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies with one nominee each from eligible faculty within their college or school, or within their affiliates. Finalists receive $2,500 from their college or school. The final honoree receives $25,000 from the Chancellor’s Office. The call for nominees will go out from my office this spring.
Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) – We Need Your Input
I encourage all faculty and staff to take the three-question survey regarding the Quality Enhancement Plan required for reaccreditation. You can access the survey here. Questions? Visit this QEP FAQs page.
Faculty Media Training
Faculty members wishing to gain experience or hone their media skills can take advantage of in-person Faculty Media Training 101, Feb. 22 and 23. For times, locations and to register, click here.
INSIGHT Into Diversity Awards
I hope you’ll join us at The Harrison next Tuesday, Feb. 22, 3:00-4:00 p.m., to celebrate TCU’s inclusion in INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards. TCU is honored as a 2021 Top College for Diversity, the TCU School of Medicine is honored with the 2021 Health Professionals Award, and the TCU STEM Scholars Program is honored with the 2021 Inspiring Program in STEM Award. Congratulations to all!
Congratulations to the Neeley School of Business!
Speaking of excellence, congratulations to the Neeley School of Business for ranking No. 19 in Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools of 2022, plus No. 4 for alumni experience and No. 13 for career outcomes nationwide. Kudos to the b-school faculty, staff and leadership!
Black History Month
Black History Month provides opportunities for TCU faculty, staff and students to honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans to our university and nation. I urge you to take part in this month’s activities to reflect, connect and grow. Here is an exciting event coming up tomorrow night: “The Pursuit of Happiness in the Midst of Unprecedented Times,” Feb. 17, 6:30-8:00 (virtual), by Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, presented by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Events
There are many notable events at TCU for you to meet others, learn more and enjoy yourself. Here are a few:
- Student and Faculty Performances and Art Exhibits, ongoing, presented by the College of Fine Arts
- Return to Flight Following the Columbia Space Shuttle Tragedy, Dr. Charles Camarda, astronaut and engineer, Feb. 21, 7-9 p.m., SWR Lecture Hall 1, Green Honors Chair presented by the College of Science and Engineering
- How to Get Breakthrough Ideas, Feb. 24, Green Honors Chair presented by the TCU IdeaFactory
- Neeley Analytics Conference, March 25-26, presented Neeley School of Business
Have a great week. Be kind to yourselves and those around you. Our people are our biggest assets at TCU.
Best,
Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Texas Christian University