Dear Faculty and Staff —
Welcome back to this Spring semester! This is the first of weekly reports to the university primarily intended for Academic Affairs but certainly available for other colleagues if so interested. First, I express my gratitude to all who have welcomed me to this beautiful, impressive campus. I especially want to thank Monica Kroft, Ann Comerford, Vickie Cook, and Kelly Walraven, who have provided wise counsel and services beyond the call of their regular duties.
In a Monday meeting with Chancellor Gooch, we reviewed some outstanding Academic Affairs action items that may need attention this semester. Items included stability among the provost’s staff; faculty morale; and curricular and program needs, especially in growth and non-growth areas of the colleges. The recent academic reorganization was also discussed.
At the Chancellor’s Cabinet Tuesday morning meeting, discussions included adjustments to the process for evaluating faculty requests for COVID-related flexibility in situations where ADA accommodates don’t qualify, and draft material from the UI system office regarding an Ethical Principles and Values Statement.
Thanks to the courtesy of Dr. Celest Weuve (Health Sciences), Chair of the Faculty Senate, I had an in-depth briefing on the work of the Senate and its committee structure, and was invited to the Senate meeting this Friday, January 13 – despite it being Friday the 13th! Their welcome was warm, and colleagues had questions about certain issues I am yet not knowledgeable enough about to discuss in terms of this university.
I am living on campus for my intended time at UIS and moved into my apartment Wednesday. The Facilities and Residence Hall staff provided excellent services to get this move accomplished.
Discussions continue to be held on issues that need resolution directly, including calendar events, personnel issues, and some policy issues involving adjunct and overload compensation.
A Zoom introductory meeting was held with Deans and Directors Council members to learn about their responsibilities and major issues facing the respective colleges.
Open office hours are available with me at various buildings around campus. The purpose of these meetings is for dialogue and listening as I learn about academic issues that are of concern or may be potential issues for individuals. These open office hours are available to both faculty and staff for individual conversations on a first come, first served basis.
Thank you,
Linda
Linda M. Delene, PhD
Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA) and Provost
University of Illinois Springfield
OPEN OFFICE HOURS:
Brookens Library – Library Learning Center BRK 230A
3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023