Dear Academic Affairs colleagues,
This week I write to inform you about a change in the SPOT survey deadlines, ways to recognize and respond to students in distress, resources concerning ChatGPT, nominations for Faculty Senators and requirements for accommodated testing.
Extended SPOT Survey Deadline
Dr. Julie Fry, chair of the University Evaluation Committee of the Faculty Senate, announces that a one-semester change will occur with the SPOT survey deadlines. The Spring 2023 surveys will end the Monday after final exam week for the regular session and one day after the 4W and 8W terms end. The committee, composed of students, staff and faculty, decided to extend the Spring 2023 SPOT survey period to investigate ways to enhance student response rates.
Recognizing and Responding to Distressed Students
Our students are our No. 1 priority. Thankfully, our connected Horned Frog culture helps us recognize and respond to those in distress. Faculty and staff have options when concerned about a student.
- Contact the TCU Police Department at 817-257-7777 to report any immediate health or safety concerns for a student.
- Report non-emergency student concerns by filling out this online form on the Dean of Students Office website. You may share academic, behavioral or personal concerns about the student.
- Schedule “Recognizing and Responding to Students in Distress” training, a partnership between the Dean of Students Office and the TCU Counseling & Mental Health Center, by emailing the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@tcu.edu.
ChatGPT Resources on Campus
There is a lot of chatter about ChatGPT and cheating, but generative artificial intelligence also can be a useful tool. To help us better understand what ChatGPT can and cannot do, and to support faculty in deciding how to handle it in your classes, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs Fran Huckaby is working with the Koehler Center to provide resources. We are looking at the success of a workshop provided earlier this month by Dr. Beata Jones in the Neeley School of Business, where more than 60 faculty members attended. In addition, we are working with the Center for Digital Expression to provide ChatGPT resources here: cdex.tcu.edu/chat-gpt, and a short survey to submit your questions and concerns here: https://forms.gle/zZpL46ZC3nsPJYrz5.
Nominations for Faculty Senate
The deadline to nominate yourself or a colleague for this important governance role is February 24. The nomination form is available here: https://forms.gle/eS1MHLKRssp6NYKg9.
Centralized Accommodated Testing
The Centralized Accommodated Testing Spaces in Sadler are being piloted this spring for students who are registered with Student Access and Accommodation with a documented need for accommodated testing. It is not available for other makeup tests at this time.
In closing, as Horned Frogs we recognize and support each other across all backgrounds. I urge you to support our faculty, staff and students who have families and friends affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. I also encourage you to honor Black History Month by reading about successful Horned Frogs and attending a panel by the TCU Race & Reconciliation Initiative.
Best regards,
Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs