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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Transforming the UMD Campus

Dear Campus Community,


As you may be aware, I grew up in a segregated neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee, and was in high school in the late 1960s when Memphis became a focal point of the civil rights movement. I remember very clearly the night Dr. King was killed and the shameful way many in the all-white suburbs reacted. This and other racially charged experiences I witnessed shaped my life and the values I firmly hold.


I share this with you again to emphasize my commitment to transform the UMD campus community into one of unquestionable inclusion, full of promise and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff regardless of the color of one's skin, one's sexual orientation, the country from which one hails, or the ethnicity and culture one inherits.


The guest editorial by a UMD alumna in Sunday's Duluth News Tribune gives compelling testimony to the pain experienced by this vibrant member of our community and by many others. She is one of us. We must acknowledge and honor her experiences. We must realize that what may seem as an isolated incident to some translates to others as a pattern and yet another mark of a lifetime full of prejudice and hate.


I am saddened by what has occurred and how it affects members of our community, and I was sickened when reading Sunday's editorial. At the same time, I am encouraged by our accomplishments to date and by the transformations that are possible by putting into action Goal #2 of our Strategic Plan.



We will not reach our full potential as an educational institution until we value the contributions and understand the differences we all bring to our distinctive learning environment. We will not reach our full potential until we defeat exclusionary and hurtful behaviors and practices. We each must acknowledge that racism and prejudice exists at UMD and in the broader community.


Student voices are powerful. Unwanted aggression, intimidation, isolation, lack of safety, and pressure to conform emerged from the 2010-2011 Campus Climate Study student focus group interviews. The moving testimonials must concern each of us. I urge you to immerse yourself in their personal stories at http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/climate/focusgroups.html.



I am committed to social justice. I am committed to working with you to improve the campus climate for everyone. I have seen many positive changes, and change is occurring beyond our campus borders. Duluth community members are working very hard to improve the climate in the city. They are working to end racism and poverty, close the achievement gap in our schools, and improve the relations between the police and communities of color.



This is hard work, critical to the success of our students and our campus community, and we are moving in the right direction. But, gradual change is not enough. We must do more, and it demands self reflection and change as well as collective action. I look forward to your continued commitment to work with me to create a welcoming and inclusive climate for all.


Sincerely,


Chancellor Lendley C. Black

Thursday, October 13, 2011

UMD Strategic Planning

October 13, 2011

To: UMD Colleagues

From: Chancellor Lendley C. (Lynn) Black

Subject: UMD Strategic Planning

The Strategic Plan for the UMD campus was developed during the 2010-11 academic year, and we are beginning to implement that plan during the current year. More than 2,000 members of the UMD community participated in creating our plan last year. A broadly representative Steering Committee drafted the overall plan; the Campus Assembly strongly endorsed it; and I approved it in May of 2011. This plan provides focus and guidelines for our campus to move forward.

During the 2011-12 academic year, we will focus on implementing the plan to achieve our vision for UMD. Many activities have begun already. As examples, a Strategic Enrollment Management Council is meeting to identify undergraduate and graduate enrollment targets; efforts to develop a new Master Plan for facilities are beginning; and Sue Banovitz, our new Director of External Affairs, is leading an initiative to establish and communicate a consistent UMD "brand." Many other groups throughout campus are also contributing to the implementation process.

I will work with members of the Integrated Strategic Advisory Team (ISAT) to coordinate these many initiatives that will move us toward realizing the ambitious goals we have set out for ourselves. This group is meeting for the first time today, and you are encouraged to contact any of the ISAT members listed at the bottom of this message if you have ideas about implementing our plan.

Additional information about the planning process and our current activities can be found at the Strategic Planning website at http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/planning/. We welcome your comments on the planning website blog or by sending a message to umdplan@d.umn.edu. If you would like hard-copy versions of the Strategic Planning booklet, please contact Bob Borden in the Chancellor's Office at 218-726-7508 or at reborden@d.umn.edu.

We are dreaming big. Please join me as we reach toward a vision that will stretch us and help us become the premier institution we aspire to be.




2011-12 Integrated Strategic Advisory Team (ISAT)


Sue Banovetz, Director of External Affairs
Lendley Black, Chancellor
Rodger Brannan, Accounting, Athletics Committee
Chris Davila, Office of Cultural Diversity
Jason Davis, ITSS, Budget Committee
Lisa Erwin, Vice Chancellor for Student Life
Dennis Falk, Faculty Fellow for Strategic Planning
Mindy Granley, Sustainability Coordinator
Nik Hassan, LSBE
Ahmed Heikel, SCSE
Tom Isbell, Theater, SFA
Jill Jenson, Writing Studies, CLA
John King, Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations
Lucy Kragness, Chief of Staff to the Chancellor
Susan Maher, CLA Dean
Jackie Millslagle, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Penny Morton, Interim SCSE Dean
Hannah Mumm, Student Association President
Denise Osterholm, Physics
Adam Pine, Geography, Physical Facilities
Andrea Schokker, Civil Engineering, Educational Policy Committee
Dan Seguin, Facilities
Corbin Smyth, KSC, Student Affairs Committee
Bilin Tsai, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Rajiv Vaidyanathan, Marketing, LSBE
Bill Wade, Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Kay Wohlhuter, Education, CEHSP
Goldmee Xiong, Multicultural Council
Regina Zona, Executive Committee of the Campus Assembly


UMD Homecoming 2011: This is Bulldog Country!

UMD Homecoming 2011: This is Bulldog Country officially commences this Friday, October 14 and runs through Saturday, October 22.



Homecoming is a long standing and proud Bulldog tradition and we are thrilled to present this year's events. There is truly something happening for everyone. Highlights include: pep rallies on campus & in our downtown community, cardboard boat races, a concert, Oktoberfest celebration, Bagley 5K trail run, theatre productions, drag show, and athletic events from our nationally ranked Football and Men's & Women's Hockey Teams.



The Homecoming Website lists all the complete information: www.d.umn.edu/homecoming



On behalf of the Homecoming Committee and myself, we would like to invite you to join in on the many activities and celebrations that will be happening on our campus and in the Duluth community throughout the next week.



Lendley Black

Chancellor



All Week: Official Homecoming T-Shirts on Sale - 1st floor KSC in front of UMD Stores - $5

Friday, October 14:

Break the Ice Alumni Pre-Game Party

DECC

Time: 5:30

Contact the Office of Advancement for more Information: 218-726-7110





Saturday, October 15

Men's Hockey Game vs Gophers

Amsoil Arena

7:07 pm

· Chancellor Black will drop the puck!

· T-Shirts ($5) & giveaways (free) will be available near the student entrance (while supplies last)

· http://www.umdbulldogs.com/tickets.php





Sunday, October 16

Faculty Artist Recital: Tracy Lipke-Perry and Elias Mokole

Location: Weber Music Hall

Time: 3pm

Price: Adults $10, Seniors $8, Students are Free



Monday, October 17

Campus Decorating Contest

Judging 10:00am-12:00pm

· Participant list can be found on the Homecoming Website!











Tuesday, October 18

Bulldog Pep Rally

Holiday Center in Downtown Duluth

11:30am-12:30pm

Sponsor: Sneakers Sports Bar & Grill

· Hot dogs, chips, & soda for $4

· Commando band, athletes, and cheerleaders there!

· Chancellor Black will speak at 11:50am

· T-Shirts ($5) & giveaways (free) will be available (while supplies last)





Live Music: Jeremy Messersmith with Loup Garou

Kirby Student Center Ballroom

9:00pm

Free for UMD students/$5 Public

www.jeremymessersmith.com





Wednesday, October 19

UMD Farmer's Market

Kirby Plaza Area

1:30-4:30pm

Produce will vary by availability





Thursday, October 20

OktoberFest

Kirby Plaza Area

11:00am-2:00pm

Sponsor: UMD Stores

· $5 Brat, Bulldog Chips, & Soda Buffett

· Chmielewski Funtime Band Performing

· OktoberFest shirts & mugs also for sale





Cardboard Boat Races

Rock Pond in Bagley Nature Area

4:30pm

Sponsor: Mechanical Engineering Club

To sign up or for more information contact Kayla: claas018@d.umn.edu





Dogs Eat Dogs: Pep Rally & Hot Dog Eating Contest

Just inside Malosky Stadium - Rain or Shine!

6:00-7:00pm

· Compete in a hot dog eating contest for great prizes!

· Free hot dogs & hot chocolate for the audience too

· Football players & many other athletes will be there to meet

· Dance team and band to perform

· T-Shirts ($5) & giveaways (free) will be available (while supplies last)







"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

Glensheen Living Literature

Location: Glensheen Mansion

Time: 7:00 pm

Price: $32 per person

Details: A classic tale staged in the formal living room of a historic, national treasure; Glensheen's presentation of Washington Irving's 1820 masterpiece of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" promises to electrify audiences in a setting unlike any other.

For more information call: 218-726-8910 or email info@glensheen.org



Laser Tag

Outside Kirby Plaza Area - look for the "dome"!

7:30pm

Free for UMD students/Sponsored by: Kirby Program Board



The Foreigner (Opening Night!)

By Larry Shue, Directed by Michael Perreca

Location: MPAC Mainstage Theatre

Time: 7:30pm

For Tickets: 218-726-8561 or www.tickets.umn.edu





Friday, October 21

Vista Cruise

Canal Park

Board Boat 4:30pm; Cruise 5:00-6:00pm

Get tickets from KPB (115 KSC) by Oct. 20 - Only $5!



50th Reunion Party

5:00pm

Contact the Office of Advancement for more Information: 218-726-7110



Tailgate at Grandma's Sports Garden

5:00pm

$8.99 All you can eat buffet--Spaghetti, pizza, etc.

· Free drink for those who go on the cruise

· T-Shirts ($5) & giveaways (free) will be available (while supplies last)



Women's Hockey vs. Wisconsin

Amsoil Arena

7:07 pm

· http://www.umdbulldogs.com/tickets.php



Flag Football Tournament

Malosky Stadium

6:30pm- 9:00pm

Sponsored By: Student Association

No entry fee & a prize for the 1st and 2nd place winners





"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

Glensheen Living Literature

Location: Glensheen Mansion

Time: 7:00 pm

Price: $32 per person

Details: A classic tale staged in the formal living room of a historic, national treasure; Glensheen's presentation of Washington Irving's 1820 masterpiece of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" promises to electrify audiences in a setting unlike any other.

For more information call: 218-726-8910 or email info@glensheen.org





The Foreigner

By Larry Shue, Directed by Michael Perreca

Location: MPAC Mainstage Theatre

Time: 7:30pm

For Tickets: 218-726-8561 or www.tickets.umn.edu





Saturday, October 22

RSOP Homecoming 5k

Bagley Nature Area

10:00am

Cost: $12 for UMD Students/ $15 Others
Register By: 2:00pm October 14 for guaranteed
t-shirt. Race day registration is welcome at the
Bagley Classroom in Bagley Nature Area.



Breakfast of Champions in the D.C.

Have an all-you-can-eat lunch in the Dining Center - featuring fun Homecoming appetizers like wings (yum!) and much more!



Chariot Races

Ordean Court

10:00am

Sponsor: Greek Life



Tailgate for Homecoming

11:30am-Game Time, Gold Lot C

· Famous Daves Pig Roast - FREE!

· Area to show chariots off before the game

· Parents & Alumni also tailgating

· Giveaways for the event - EVERYTHING LEFT! TCF will have pom-poms & UMD Stores will have mini-footballs!

· T-shirt sales ($5)

· Face painting station from RA's/LSH Council - Free!

· Statesman giving away cheer & rouser sheets



Football Game

Malosky Stadium

1:00 pm

Students FREE/General Admission $10 adult/Kids 10 & under FREE

· Half Time FLASH MOB in the stands - Here's the video to practice!!

· http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYdN21zyaUM

· Chariot race finale at half-time too!





Drag Show

Kirby Student Center Ballroom

...

Friday, October 7, 2011

Message to UMD Community

Dear Campus Community,


I want to share an upcoming opportunity for you to participate in SPAT OUT!, being held 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 11, in the UMD Kirby Ballroom. This event will feature music, speakers, poetry, and refreshments. Most important, the event is an opportunity for people to express their opinions and ideas.


I commend the student organizations hosting this event for their leadership and commitment to our campus community. Sponsors include SPAT, Access for All, Latino/Chicano Student Organization, Black Student Association, Asian/Pacific American Student Association, MPIRG, WRAC, SERVE, QASU, Office of Cultural Diversity, Diversity Commission, Kirby Program Board, CJMM Board, and Echoes of Peace Choir.


I encourage you to participate in SPAT OUT!, especially given the reaction toward members of our campus community resulting from a video posted recently on the Internet and featuring an encounter between members of our campus and a representative of an outside organization. This organization reportedly advocates for the elimination of multi-cultural organizations and affirmative action. It is not an affiliated UMD student organization nor is the organization's agent involved in the incident a UMD student. The video, edited and produced by the organization, provides excerpts of the encounter.


Much of the response to the video received largely from people outside of Minnesota was ugly, harassing, and cruel, and we took action immediately to guarantee the safety and security of the UMD community, especially those most affected by the video's posting.


I spent time last week with students, faculty, and staff in the Multicultural Center, listening to their concerns. A frustration shared with me is that there have not been opportunities for their voices to be heard or for their experiences to be shared. I encouraged them to put their thoughts and feelings into writing and to send their narratives to me. SPAT OUT! is another meaningful vehicle that can be used. You may also want to check out this week's edition of The Statesman. Writers and staff did a masterful job of presenting information about what occurred on September 16 and about the organization involved.


The September 16 incident speaks to the importance of SPAT OUT! and other individual and collective actions required to advance the tenets of freedom of expression, diversity, and inclusivity. Your engagement and activism are essential.


Sincerely,


Chancellor Lendley C. Black

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Governor Dayton at UMD for Economic Development Forum

Campus Community:

Chancellor Black invites you to the following forum:


Governor Dayton Heads to Duluth for Regional Economic Development Summit



On Friday, October 7, 2011, Governor Mark Dayton will convene a regional economic development summit in Duluth at the University of Minnesota Duluth.



Governor Dayton will be joined by Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon and other state and local leaders for the summit which is aimed at gathering the best ideas on job creation from Minnesotans and to highlight Minnesota's strong business climate and economic development opportunities.



Governor Dayton has held regional summits throughout the state, including: Winona, Fergus Falls, Brainerd, Virginia, Faribault and International Falls. These summits will culminate in a statewide jobs summit later this month.



Who: Governor Mark Dayton, Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon

What: Regional Economic Development Summit

When: Friday, October 7, 2011, 1:00 p.m.

Where: University of Minnesota Duluth, Kirby Ballroom, 1120 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN 55812-3085




Panelists include:

Governor Mark Dayton

Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon

Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Mark Phillips

UMD Chancellor Lynn Black

Duluth Mayor Don Ness

Rob West of APEX

JoAnn Hoag of St. Luke's Hospital

Bill Ulland of Ikonics

Karen Diver of the Fond Du Lac Band

Dan Urshan of Urshan Retirement Group

Mike Schultz of Sappi Paper

Senator Tom Bakk

Senator Roger Reinert

Rep. Kerry Gauthier

Rep. Tom Huntley

Rep. Mary Murphy