Friday, December 20, 2013
End of Semester Greeting
Dear UMD Campus Community:
I enjoyed seeing many of you at the End of Semester Buffet and Town Hall meeting yesterday. It was great having so many faculty, staff, and student leaders gathered together. Again this year, you were generous in your donations at the buffet. You contributed $836.63 to the Union Gospel Mission, 95 pounds of food to Champs Cupboard, and 317 pounds of food to the CHUM Food Shelf. Thank you for your generosity to our students and community neighbors in need.
2013 brought a number of opportunities and challenges to UMD and to all of higher education. Our accomplishments far outweighed the challenges, and you responded in ways that will ensure our ongoing growth in quality and stature. Change is difficult for us all, but as President John F. Kennedy said, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." We have the capacity to create an exciting future for UMD, as we work together to address our budget issues and to remain focused on what we do best - educating students to be leaders and globally engaged citizens.
I wish you all a happy holiday season and a peaceful and joyful new year!
I look forward to great things in 2014, and I am proud to be your Chancellor and your colleague.
Sincerely,
Lynn Black
Friday, December 6, 2013
Tribute to Nelson Mandela
December 6, 2013
From: Lendley C. Black, Chancellor
To: Students, Faculty, and Staff
Re: Tribute to Nelson Madiba Mandela: An International Embodiment of Justice For All
We are saddened by the news that Nelson Madiba Mandela (1918-2013) passed away yesterday in Johannesburg, South Africa at the age of 95. Mandela's lifelong commitment to social justice for the oppressed and his affirmation of human rights became a beacon that touched every corner of the globe.
UMD will be celebrating the life and legacy of Mandela on Tuesday, December 10th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Kirby Ballroom. Students, faculty, staff, and the Duluth and Northland communities are cordially invited to come reflect on Mandela's life, works, and contributions to the world. Please come and share your thoughts of how Nelson Mandela impacted your life.
Imprisoned for his anti-apartheid stance against white-minority rule in his native South Africa for 27 years, Mandela was eventually released to become the first democratically elected President of South Africa in 1994. During his tenure as President, he promoted equality and racial justice, dismantled the structures of apartheid, spoke truth to power, and forged racial harmony and social inclusion among all people in South Africa. A Nobel Laureate, Mandela healed his nation from the wounds of apartheid and de jure segregation, thus teaching the world that the use of violence to hold on to power and the oppression of the down trodden cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Today, we mourn his loss and celebrate his legacy. Mandela teaches us that the arch of oppression eventually tilts toward social justice, equality, and the respect for tolerance. Above all, his message of reconciliation with those who opposed him teaches us to sow seeds of social justice wherever we can, and to work tirelessly to improve the human condition by building a beloved global community in which the rights of all shall be protected.
Mandela's humility, quest for social equity, and his cry of freedom for his native South Africans, will forever be remembered. He will continue to occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of the world community because of what he stood for. And like Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), Mandela's contributions and ideals to the advancement of humanity are immeasurable.
Please join me in celebrating the life and times of this global icon. While we celebrate his life's work, let us redouble our efforts in making our campus and global community a place where the legacy and vision of Mandela thrives. In celebrating his memory, let us also be reminded that it takes everyone, the community, and the world at-large to fight and oppose injustice wherever it may be present.
Thank you.
From: Lendley C. Black, Chancellor
To: Students, Faculty, and Staff
Re: Tribute to Nelson Madiba Mandela: An International Embodiment of Justice For All
We are saddened by the news that Nelson Madiba Mandela (1918-2013) passed away yesterday in Johannesburg, South Africa at the age of 95. Mandela's lifelong commitment to social justice for the oppressed and his affirmation of human rights became a beacon that touched every corner of the globe.
UMD will be celebrating the life and legacy of Mandela on Tuesday, December 10th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Kirby Ballroom. Students, faculty, staff, and the Duluth and Northland communities are cordially invited to come reflect on Mandela's life, works, and contributions to the world. Please come and share your thoughts of how Nelson Mandela impacted your life.
Imprisoned for his anti-apartheid stance against white-minority rule in his native South Africa for 27 years, Mandela was eventually released to become the first democratically elected President of South Africa in 1994. During his tenure as President, he promoted equality and racial justice, dismantled the structures of apartheid, spoke truth to power, and forged racial harmony and social inclusion among all people in South Africa. A Nobel Laureate, Mandela healed his nation from the wounds of apartheid and de jure segregation, thus teaching the world that the use of violence to hold on to power and the oppression of the down trodden cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Today, we mourn his loss and celebrate his legacy. Mandela teaches us that the arch of oppression eventually tilts toward social justice, equality, and the respect for tolerance. Above all, his message of reconciliation with those who opposed him teaches us to sow seeds of social justice wherever we can, and to work tirelessly to improve the human condition by building a beloved global community in which the rights of all shall be protected.
Mandela's humility, quest for social equity, and his cry of freedom for his native South Africans, will forever be remembered. He will continue to occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of the world community because of what he stood for. And like Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), Mandela's contributions and ideals to the advancement of humanity are immeasurable.
Please join me in celebrating the life and times of this global icon. While we celebrate his life's work, let us redouble our efforts in making our campus and global community a place where the legacy and vision of Mandela thrives. In celebrating his memory, let us also be reminded that it takes everyone, the community, and the world at-large to fight and oppose injustice wherever it may be present.
Thank you.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Message from Chancellor Black
Dear Campus Community:
As we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to extend to all of you my best wishes and to let you know how thankful I am to be Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth. This is an outstanding academic institution focused on student success and making a difference in the intellectual and cultural life of our surrounding communities. We are a significant economic force in Northeast Minnesota and our faculty, staff and administrators are called upon regularly to advance business excellence and to promote the overall quality of life in Duluth.
Our teaching, research, and public engagement not only enhance this region, but reach communities across the U.S. and many parts of the world. Our students, faculty and staff volunteer and give their time, talents and resources to our neighbors who need our help. We are having a phenomenal fall season of athletics with football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country among the top teams in the nation.
UMD is an incredible place with an even brighter future. We must not lose sight of that as we deal with the challenges facing us and most higher education institutions across the country. As I said to the campus in August and again in October, we will build on our successes and strengths with an awareness that we cannot do everything we want to do, and that we need to be proactive and focused on continued innovation with academic excellence as our guide.
Program Prioritization is progressing well, and I want to again thank the members of the two committees who have conducted a thoughtful and thorough review of all programs and services at UMD. The vice chancellors and I will be reviewing the results of the committees' work over the next few weeks, and the vice chancellors will be consulting with deans, department heads, and directors. I should have preliminary recommendations from the Chancellor's Cabinet before the end of December, and I will share those recommendations with the campus and solicit input prior to making final decisions. As I've said previously, our goal is to have a financial plan in place before we submit our budget requests to the University of Minnesota System around the first of February. This financial plan will consist of strategies to address the $11.9 million budget target through such things as cost reductions, increases in revenues, consolidation of services, shared services, and additional assistance from the Twin Cities.
I want to emphasize that although some cuts are inevitable, we will also find ways to grow revenues and find efficiencies as we partner with the Twin Cities in new ways. We will not just cut our way out of this budget challenge.
Thank you for all you do to make UMD such a vibrant community. Please accept my family's best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Lendley (Lynn) Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
As we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to extend to all of you my best wishes and to let you know how thankful I am to be Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth. This is an outstanding academic institution focused on student success and making a difference in the intellectual and cultural life of our surrounding communities. We are a significant economic force in Northeast Minnesota and our faculty, staff and administrators are called upon regularly to advance business excellence and to promote the overall quality of life in Duluth.
Our teaching, research, and public engagement not only enhance this region, but reach communities across the U.S. and many parts of the world. Our students, faculty and staff volunteer and give their time, talents and resources to our neighbors who need our help. We are having a phenomenal fall season of athletics with football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country among the top teams in the nation.
UMD is an incredible place with an even brighter future. We must not lose sight of that as we deal with the challenges facing us and most higher education institutions across the country. As I said to the campus in August and again in October, we will build on our successes and strengths with an awareness that we cannot do everything we want to do, and that we need to be proactive and focused on continued innovation with academic excellence as our guide.
Program Prioritization is progressing well, and I want to again thank the members of the two committees who have conducted a thoughtful and thorough review of all programs and services at UMD. The vice chancellors and I will be reviewing the results of the committees' work over the next few weeks, and the vice chancellors will be consulting with deans, department heads, and directors. I should have preliminary recommendations from the Chancellor's Cabinet before the end of December, and I will share those recommendations with the campus and solicit input prior to making final decisions. As I've said previously, our goal is to have a financial plan in place before we submit our budget requests to the University of Minnesota System around the first of February. This financial plan will consist of strategies to address the $11.9 million budget target through such things as cost reductions, increases in revenues, consolidation of services, shared services, and additional assistance from the Twin Cities.
I want to emphasize that although some cuts are inevitable, we will also find ways to grow revenues and find efficiencies as we partner with the Twin Cities in new ways. We will not just cut our way out of this budget challenge.
Thank you for all you do to make UMD such a vibrant community. Please accept my family's best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Lendley (Lynn) Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Friday, November 8, 2013
Voluntary Layoff, Voluntary Non-Renewal, and Voluntary Reductions in Appointment
To: Labor Represented, Civil Service and Professional and Administrative staff (non-faculty)
From: Lendley C. Black, Chancellor, University of Minnesota Duluth
Cc: Vice Chancellors, Deans, Faculty and Department Heads
Curt Swenson, Teamsters Local 320
Kathleen Abrahamson, AFSMCE Local 3800 & 3801
Subject: Voluntary Layoff, Voluntary Non-Renewal, and Voluntary Reductions in Appointment
During the past several months I have talked with faculty, staff and labor representatives about the significant financial challenges facing UMD in the immediate and foreseeable future. As part of those discussions, I asked each of you to look at all potential cost saving options and evaluate them in the context of our mission and goals.
To minimize the involuntary reduction of staff, I am announcing today that UMD will offer to staff who meet the eligibility requirements, the opportunity to apply for a voluntary layoff, voluntary non-renewal or a voluntary reduction in appointment if they so desire. These requests would have to meet unit needs and be approved by the unit vice chancellor, by me for the units that report directly to the chancellor, and by the Department of Human Resources & Equal Opportunity. If approved, employees who elect to take a voluntary layoff or voluntary non-renewal will be entitled to a severance payout and continued medical and dental coverage, as defined by University policy and/or their collective bargaining agreement.
This program does not apply to faculty.
Employee and Supervisor information sessions have been scheduled for later this month. Information regarding times of the information sessions, eligibility, the specific options, the request form and some frequently asked questions and answers can be found on the UMD Human Resources & Equal Opportunity website at http://www.d.umn.edu/umdhr. Should you have any questions, please talk with your immediate supervisor or contact the Department of Human Resources & Equal Opportunity.
There is a deadline of January 31, 2014 to apply for one of these voluntary options. If you are interested in pursuing this, please discuss it with your supervisor by December 13, 2013.
In offering these options, the hope is that we can reduce costs, while minimizing the potential of involuntary staff layoffs. We are also looking at a wide variety of creative cost savings and efficiencies across campus, and I encourage you to continue your unit discussions as well. I know you share my commitment and desire to see the University of Minnesota Duluth succeed and become an even greater institution for decades to come.
Regards,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
From: Lendley C. Black, Chancellor, University of Minnesota Duluth
Cc: Vice Chancellors, Deans, Faculty and Department Heads
Curt Swenson, Teamsters Local 320
Kathleen Abrahamson, AFSMCE Local 3800 & 3801
Subject: Voluntary Layoff, Voluntary Non-Renewal, and Voluntary Reductions in Appointment
During the past several months I have talked with faculty, staff and labor representatives about the significant financial challenges facing UMD in the immediate and foreseeable future. As part of those discussions, I asked each of you to look at all potential cost saving options and evaluate them in the context of our mission and goals.
To minimize the involuntary reduction of staff, I am announcing today that UMD will offer to staff who meet the eligibility requirements, the opportunity to apply for a voluntary layoff, voluntary non-renewal or a voluntary reduction in appointment if they so desire. These requests would have to meet unit needs and be approved by the unit vice chancellor, by me for the units that report directly to the chancellor, and by the Department of Human Resources & Equal Opportunity. If approved, employees who elect to take a voluntary layoff or voluntary non-renewal will be entitled to a severance payout and continued medical and dental coverage, as defined by University policy and/or their collective bargaining agreement.
This program does not apply to faculty.
Employee and Supervisor information sessions have been scheduled for later this month. Information regarding times of the information sessions, eligibility, the specific options, the request form and some frequently asked questions and answers can be found on the UMD Human Resources & Equal Opportunity website at http://www.d.umn.edu/umdhr. Should you have any questions, please talk with your immediate supervisor or contact the Department of Human Resources & Equal Opportunity.
There is a deadline of January 31, 2014 to apply for one of these voluntary options. If you are interested in pursuing this, please discuss it with your supervisor by December 13, 2013.
In offering these options, the hope is that we can reduce costs, while minimizing the potential of involuntary staff layoffs. We are also looking at a wide variety of creative cost savings and efficiencies across campus, and I encourage you to continue your unit discussions as well. I know you share my commitment and desire to see the University of Minnesota Duluth succeed and become an even greater institution for decades to come.
Regards,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
Friday, October 18, 2013
e-cigarettes
Dear UMD Campus Community:
In September, the Duluth City Council passed ordinances related to the use of e-cigarettes. As a result, in Duluth the use of e-cigarettes is now banned in places where conventional cigarette smoking is prohibited. In general, City of Duluth ordinances are not applicable on the UMD campus. We are our own municipality. On a related note, the Hermantown City Council approved a six-month moratorium on indoor use of e-cigarettes.
Our current smoking policy reads: "Smoking is prohibited on all UMD property." This does not address directly the use of e-cigarettes. Members of my Cabinet have received inquiries as to whether e-cigarette use is permitted under the policy, and this led to a recent discussion of the topic.
Last spring I asked VCs Seymour and Erwin to charge a group of faculty, staff and students to provide recommendations on enhancing and improving compliance with the current smoking policy. I have asked this task force to study the issue of e-cigarette use as well.
In the meantime, the Cabinet has approved a temporary ban on the use of e-cigarettes on campus for this academic year, or until such time as we receive a recommendation from the task force as to whether or not to permanently ban the use of e-cigarettes.
Please direct any questions you have on the subject to Vice Chancellor Erwin at vcsl@d.umn.edu
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
In September, the Duluth City Council passed ordinances related to the use of e-cigarettes. As a result, in Duluth the use of e-cigarettes is now banned in places where conventional cigarette smoking is prohibited. In general, City of Duluth ordinances are not applicable on the UMD campus. We are our own municipality. On a related note, the Hermantown City Council approved a six-month moratorium on indoor use of e-cigarettes.
Our current smoking policy reads: "Smoking is prohibited on all UMD property." This does not address directly the use of e-cigarettes. Members of my Cabinet have received inquiries as to whether e-cigarette use is permitted under the policy, and this led to a recent discussion of the topic.
Last spring I asked VCs Seymour and Erwin to charge a group of faculty, staff and students to provide recommendations on enhancing and improving compliance with the current smoking policy. I have asked this task force to study the issue of e-cigarette use as well.
In the meantime, the Cabinet has approved a temporary ban on the use of e-cigarettes on campus for this academic year, or until such time as we receive a recommendation from the task force as to whether or not to permanently ban the use of e-cigarettes.
Please direct any questions you have on the subject to Vice Chancellor Erwin at vcsl@d.umn.edu
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Friday, October 11, 2013
Staff Forum on October 11
Campus Community,
Here are the links for the PowerPoint presentation and the audio from the Friday, October 11, 2013, Staff Forum regarding Program Prioritization and Shared Governance.
PowerPoint Presentation
Audio of Staff Forum
Budget Information
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Here are the links for the PowerPoint presentation and the audio from the Friday, October 11, 2013, Staff Forum regarding Program Prioritization and Shared Governance.
PowerPoint Presentation
Audio of Staff Forum
Budget Information
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Faculty Forum on October 9
Campus Community,
Here are the links for the PowerPoint presentation and audio from the Wednesday, October 9, 2013, Faculty Forum regarding Program Prioritization and Shared Governance.
PowerPoint Presentation
Audio of Faculty Forum
Budget Information
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
All-campus Town Hall Meeting on October 8
Campus Community,
Here are the links for the PowerPoint presentation and the audio from the Tuesday, October 8, 2013, All-campus Town Hall meeting regarding Program Prioritization and Shared Governance.
PowerPoint of Town Hall Meeting
Audio of Town Hall Meeting
Budget Information
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Here are the links for the PowerPoint presentation and the audio from the Tuesday, October 8, 2013, All-campus Town Hall meeting regarding Program Prioritization and Shared Governance.
PowerPoint of Town Hall Meeting
Audio of Town Hall Meeting
Budget Information
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
UMD Website
Dear Campus Community:
Tomorrow as you log on to the UMD website (d.umn.edu) you will notice some big changes. The homepage will feature a new design that showcases UMD programs, people, places, and events, while making it easy for prospective students to explore and apply.
Here are some of the improvements:
· A feature area will highlight timely, interesting, and important activities and information in an engaging, concise way.
· Different types of prospective students will have direct links to apply to UMD.
· The colleges and schools, undergraduate majors, and graduate programs will have direct links from the home page.
· A photo gallery will feature the unique beauty of the UMD campus.
· Calendar events and news articles will also be featured on the homepage.
The full rollout of the design will take several months because of the significant number of internal pages. Updated headers and footers will be available to departments for testing soon. Admissions web pages will get updated first. Other high impact pages will follow.
You may check out the website redesign blog for more information. This will be the primary vehicle for comments, questions, and updates going forward.
Thank you to everyone who is participating in the process of implementing these important, much anticipated changes.
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Tomorrow as you log on to the UMD website (d.umn.edu) you will notice some big changes. The homepage will feature a new design that showcases UMD programs, people, places, and events, while making it easy for prospective students to explore and apply.
Here are some of the improvements:
· A feature area will highlight timely, interesting, and important activities and information in an engaging, concise way.
· Different types of prospective students will have direct links to apply to UMD.
· The colleges and schools, undergraduate majors, and graduate programs will have direct links from the home page.
· A photo gallery will feature the unique beauty of the UMD campus.
· Calendar events and news articles will also be featured on the homepage.
The full rollout of the design will take several months because of the significant number of internal pages. Updated headers and footers will be available to departments for testing soon. Admissions web pages will get updated first. Other high impact pages will follow.
You may check out the website redesign blog for more information. This will be the primary vehicle for comments, questions, and updates going forward.
Thank you to everyone who is participating in the process of implementing these important, much anticipated changes.
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Meetings with the Chancellor
Dear UMD Campus Community:
I am receiving a number of questions and comments regarding Program Prioritization and Shared Governance. In order to make these initiatives clearer and to increase communication, I am holding a series of campus forums over the next few weeks. First, there will be a town hall meeting for faculty, staff, and student leaders where I will address and answer questions about these issues. Second, I will hold separate faculty and staff forums, and meet with the Student Association Executive Board.
I hope you are able to attend one or more of these events. I look forward to sharing additional information with you and answering your questions.
The meetings will be held as follows:
All-campus Town Hall Meeting: Tuesday, October 8 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. in the Kirby Ballroom
Faculty Forum: Wednesday, October 9 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in the Kirby Ballroom
Staff Forum: Friday, October 11 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in the Kirby Ballroom
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
I am receiving a number of questions and comments regarding Program Prioritization and Shared Governance. In order to make these initiatives clearer and to increase communication, I am holding a series of campus forums over the next few weeks. First, there will be a town hall meeting for faculty, staff, and student leaders where I will address and answer questions about these issues. Second, I will hold separate faculty and staff forums, and meet with the Student Association Executive Board.
I hope you are able to attend one or more of these events. I look forward to sharing additional information with you and answering your questions.
The meetings will be held as follows:
All-campus Town Hall Meeting: Tuesday, October 8 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. in the Kirby Ballroom
Faculty Forum: Wednesday, October 9 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in the Kirby Ballroom
Staff Forum: Friday, October 11 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in the Kirby Ballroom
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Friday, September 6, 2013
UMD Governance Election Process
Dear Campus Community,
At the May 14, 2013, Campus Assembly meeting the framework for a new shared governance system was established. The system includes representatives from faculty, staff, and students through the Faculty Council (elected from the Faculty Assembly), the Staff Council (elected from the Staff Assembly) and the Student Association Executive Committee (with the broader representation from the Student Association Congress). The details are on the Chancellor's Office web page dedicated to governance: http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/governance/
With the committee framework in place, the first step is to facilitate the elections of the Faculty and Staff Councils. Once these Councils are established the members will work with their respective assemblies in populating the remaining governance committees. The University Coordinating Council will include the chairs of all the major committees. This process is outlined in the draft bylaws and constitution; all committees will determine their working rules after they are established.
In order to move forward with the first step, we will be proceeding with elections of the Staff and Faculty Councils in the manner we have done in the past for governance elections.
For the Faculty Council, an email will be distributed next week to request nominations from each collegiate unit. For questions about the faculty election process, please contact Vickery French at vfrench or 7104.
For the Staff Council, an email will be distributed to all staff members to request nominations for their employees groups (P&A, Civil Service bargaining and non-bargaining). For questions about the staff or student election process, please contact Wendy Larrivy at wlarrivy or 7507.
The goal is to have the memberships of the Staff Council and the Faculty Council in place by October 1. We hope that many of the faculty and staff on campus will become involved in this important process. Thank you.
Chancellor Lendley C. Black
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
At the May 14, 2013, Campus Assembly meeting the framework for a new shared governance system was established. The system includes representatives from faculty, staff, and students through the Faculty Council (elected from the Faculty Assembly), the Staff Council (elected from the Staff Assembly) and the Student Association Executive Committee (with the broader representation from the Student Association Congress). The details are on the Chancellor's Office web page dedicated to governance: http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/governance/
With the committee framework in place, the first step is to facilitate the elections of the Faculty and Staff Councils. Once these Councils are established the members will work with their respective assemblies in populating the remaining governance committees. The University Coordinating Council will include the chairs of all the major committees. This process is outlined in the draft bylaws and constitution; all committees will determine their working rules after they are established.
In order to move forward with the first step, we will be proceeding with elections of the Staff and Faculty Councils in the manner we have done in the past for governance elections.
For the Faculty Council, an email will be distributed next week to request nominations from each collegiate unit. For questions about the faculty election process, please contact Vickery French at vfrench or 7104.
For the Staff Council, an email will be distributed to all staff members to request nominations for their employees groups (P&A, Civil Service bargaining and non-bargaining). For questions about the staff or student election process, please contact Wendy Larrivy at wlarrivy or 7507.
The goal is to have the memberships of the Staff Council and the Faculty Council in place by October 1. We hope that many of the faculty and staff on campus will become involved in this important process. Thank you.
Chancellor Lendley C. Black
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Friday, August 30, 2013
2013 List of New UMD Faculty and Staff
Here is the link for the 2013New Faculty and Staff list provided to the Chancellor's Office.
2013 New UMD Faculty and Staff
Happy Fall Semester.
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
2013 New UMD Faculty and Staff
Happy Fall Semester.
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Chancellor Black's Welcome Speech to Faculty and Staff 2013
Chancellor's Welcome
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
3 p.m., Marshall Performing Arts Center
Thank you for coming today to the first Chancellor's Welcome gathering for all faculty and staff. I hope you had some time off this summer to relax and refresh. My relaxing time was more limited than I wanted, but I did have the opportunity to travel a little and enjoy summer on the North Shore. I hiked, played some golf, and actually had time to read my weekend NY Times. Connie and I had a West Wing marathon, which I guess is now classic TV. The best part of summer was time to be granddad in Boston, in the Twin Cities, and in Duluth.
This year, instead of having separate welcome events for the faculty and staff groups, we decided to hold one event in the spirit of building community while also being stewards of our limited financial resources. But there's always room for cupcakes! I hope that you will join us after my remarks for a reception in the MPAC lobby to help us kick off the start of another academic year.
As we begin this afternoon, I think it's important to recognize that today is the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, which occurred on Wednesday, August 28, 1963. We should recognize the sacrifice and courage of the Americans who participated in that landmark civil rights event. As we continue our focus and commitment to equity, diversity and social justice we honor those who came before us and especially Dr. King and his inspirational "I Have a Dream" speech that was delivered on this day 50 years ago. Next, I would like to thank you for all that you have done to get ready for the start of the academic year. You can feel the momentum building on campus over the last month, and as usual, it always comes together so well.
Tomorrow, members of the Chancellor's Welcome Team will be helping the new students move into the residence halls. Actually, we will be doing a lot of greeting as well as answering many, many questions. I have heard rumors of how the first couple of years some members of the Chancellor's Welcome Team actually carried students' boxes up to the 7th floor of Lake Superior Hall. Thank you to Housing Director John Weiske and Students in Transition Director Lisa Reeves for putting together the small army of student volunteers who will literally do all the heavy lifting tomorrow!
During move in, it is such an exciting and a fun opportunity to meet the students - and to reassure the nervous parents. Of course, not all of the parents are anxious, but it is indeed an emotionally charged time.
We are pleased to have a large freshman class this year. We are welcoming a new freshman class of 2,080 students, which is up 9.4% from last year. Our increase in new students is great news and reverses the trends of declining new students over the past two years.
The bad news is that our overall enrollment numbers will be down for the second consecutive year. While the projected fall enrollment of new high school students is much stronger this year, the number of continuing students is down significantly. The data we have now indicates that the primary reasons for this continuing student decline are that our four and five-year graduation rates have improved considerably, and we had fewer new students the last two years. Higher graduation rates and larger numbers of new students are positive trends, and we need a larger pool of students to offset the tuition losses from those who leave us because they graduate sooner.
Now that 80% of our operating budget comes from tuition revenues, significant changes in enrollment have a major impact on our budget. Because of enrollment declines last year, our recurring tuition dollars were down approximately 2.5 million at the end of fiscal year 2013, which concluded on June 30 of this year. In fiscal year 2014, we are expecting an additional decline in tuition revenue, because our total student population this fall is projected to be down approximately 250 students from last fall. So, we are anticipating an additional $2.5 million decline in our recurring budget revenues in fiscal year 2014. Each one hundred students accounts for approximately $1 million in tuition revenue.
In addition to the recurring budget deficit, we have a growing shortfall in the non-recurring budget. These are tuition reserves, fund balances, and other one-time funds that pay for, among other things, our course access needs. These non-recurring course access funds should pay primarily for non-recurring, or short-term items, such as adding sections to courses when demand is high. But over the years, UMD has increasingly paid for recurring or "permanent" needs from this non-recurring pool of money. In addition, we have used these non-recurring funds to offset our revenue declines, instead of making permanent cuts. As a result, the non-recurring budget is dwindling, and this approach is no longer sustainable.
As we discussed in the budget forum last February, budget reallocation and recalibration are always difficult processes, but as we go through them again this year they can have positive benefits as well. In order to maximize the positive, we will continue to have open communication about our budget issues. We will continue to make the UMD budget process as clear to you as possible. We will also explore new revenue generating activities. After we know the final enrollment figures for this fall, we will work with faculty and staff to establish new budget targets for both recurring and non-recurring funds that will be approximately 8% less, or $11 to $12 million less, than our current budget. We will set a multi-year timeline, most likely three to five years, to achieve these targets, and we will work together with faculty and staff to determine how we will reach these targeted amounts. Although this is a significant amount of money, it is manageable considering our overall budget, and we don't have to solve this problem in one year. As I've said already, we will not just cut budgets, but also look for increased revenue sources, and we will continue to partner with the Twin Cities to address these issues. We have kept the senior leadership in the Twin Cities well informed about our budget challenges, and they are providing us assistance and advice. So, soon after we know the final enrollment numbers, we will work together throughout the fall semester to develop strategies and timelines to address these budget challenges.
Our new Strategic Planning and Budget Committee, the Faculty Council and Staff Council will advise the administration on this process and we will keep these committees and the campus as a whole well informed each step along the way. The Student Association will also be involved in appropriate ways. Meanwhile, the Board of Regents, President Kaler, and state lawmakers are making sure that the University's administrative costs are appropriate compared to our peers, and we will continue to look at ways to be more efficient and effective.
In preparing for this new budget reality, and to position UMD for long-term sustainability, we began a Program Prioritization initiative. This is a new process that will guide us through a close examination of all units on campus. We began this process in the summer, because we need recommendations by December in order to impact the University of Minnesota budgeting process for next year. However, this program prioritization is not only focused on cutting budgets. This process will also help us determine which programs need additional resources. We will continue to invest in new programs or strengthen programs in areas of particular excellence, or where we have a unique niche, or where student demand is great.
We need to maintain academic excellence, to be relevant, to be mission-driven, and to be fiscally responsible. To thrive in the future, we must seek new populations of students, and continually reevaluate how we provide our students with the high quality educational experiences they expect and deserve.
I am leading UMD through this Program Prioritization initiative. With help from my administrative team, we have put together two committees of staff and faculty to help us closely examine the programs, courses, and services that we deliver to see how they align with our mission and how they position UMD for the future.
This is an important process, and I would like to thank all of the committee members for agreeing to serve. I'd like for the committee members to stand when I call your names, and we will give them all a round of applause as a group:
Members of the Program Prioritization Committee for Academic Units are:
o Jefferson Campbell
o Jannifer David
o Priscilla Day
o Julie Etterson
o Jim Klueg
o Steve Matthews
o Mark Nierengarten
o Dan Pope
o Al Roline
o and Jeremy Youde.
Members of the Program Prioritization Committee for Administrative and Service Units are:
o Sue Bosell
o Mary Cameron
o Kathy Chalupsky
o Kristina D'Allaird
o Sue Darge Lombardo
o Jason Davis
o Mick McComber
o Lori Melton
o and Paula Rossi.
Please join me in thanking them for serving on these important committees. (Applause)
These committee members, as well as all of you here today, are committed to UMD's future. The committees have met several times this summer to lay the groundwork for the process, and there is a website that outlines the process on the Chancellor's home page. Also, I will keep you informed as the process unfolds.
Everyone on campus will be involved at the program level. To truly utilize our resources to their fullest potential, we need to review all of our programs in relation to how they support UMD's mission. This includes all programs and services on campus, both academic and administrative services. Instead of moving forward without the resources to support programs to their full potential, we can provide much needed resources to our priority areas. While the budget situation underscores the need for prioritization, it is also crucial to evaluate our priorities with respect to quality, demand, reputation, and other areas.
We all expect a first-class educational experience for UMD students combined with financial stability for our university.
We are all in this together. This initiative will spark innovative thinking and new approaches to accomplishing our mission and vision. We will emerge from this activity with a stronger, more robust UMD!
I am very optimistic about UMD's future. Compared to many higher institutions around the country, UMD is positioned to prosper and to thrive.
A year ago, I shared with you the new UMD identity of Those Who Can, Duluth. That message has literally spread across campus, from the outside light pole banners to the window clings at the entrance doors. The most meaningful use of this slogan is in the stories of the amazing accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff. The External Affairs team has been sharing stories about members of our campus community who each day live: Those Who Can, Duluth.
We are now more assertive in telling the UMD story and communicating our successes. Our alumni and donors are responding, and they believe in what we are doing. They are showing their support by contributing more than $12.6 million through our development efforts this last fiscal year. This $12.6 million in private contributions was more than a 70% increase over last year's total of $7 million, which was a 40 percent increase over the year before. And I just learned that the Development team has already raised over $2.5 million since July 1, the beginning of this fiscal year, fiscal year 2014. Unfortunately, these funds cannot be used to address our budget deficit, but they provide targeted support for student scholarships, and support for faculty, staff and specified programs.
There has indeed been a lot of good news to share over the past year, especially in the areas of academic excellence and student achievement. We all need to be proud for what we have accomplished this last year, and of all the work that continues each day. Here are just some of the highlights that we need to celebrate, highlights that demonstrate a few of the many pathways to excellence at UMD:
• UMD's first Nobel Prize laureate: Alumnus Brian Kobilka won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for studies about how cells in our body sense their environments, a key for developing better drugs. Dr. Kobilka graduated summa cum laude from UMD in 1977 with Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and chemistry. He then earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Yale and is now a faculty member at Stanford. He will be on campus on Friday, September 13, and he will give a public lecture in Chemistry 200.
• A new shared governance process was approved. With overwhelming support of 79 to 2, I was pleased the new Campus Governance system was approved in May. A draft of the bylaws and constitution of the approved new governance structure is available on the Chancellor's website for discussion and feedback. We will move forward soon in establishing the new councils and committees so that they will be in place by October 1.
• An increase in graduation rates: Thanks to your hard work and support, UMD has achieved an increase in our four-year graduation rate from 32.9% to 37.4%, and an increase in our five-year graduation rate from 54.6% to 60.7%. Without you, this significant change in graduation rates would not have been possible.
• Under the Strategic Plan, UMD is relentless in its efforts to create the necessary structures and climate on campus that will lead to the recruitment and retention of additional students of color. We have a new Faculty and Staff of Color Association on campus to give a stronger voice to people of color on campus, provide mentoring opportunities for minority faculty, staff, and students, and to broaden our outreach with our community partners. Our numbers and percentages of students of color continue to increase from 6% a few years ago to 9% last fall.
• We are extremely proud that UMD was recently recognized as one of the top 25 Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender-Friendly Colleges and Universities in the country as measured by the Campus Pride Index, and we continue to work diligently to improve the campus climate for all students, faculty and staff at UMD.
• We have many efforts in progress to diversify our faculty, and we are seeing results. We are also pleased with the success of our pre-doctoral program, which brings to UMD faculty of color who teach for one year while completing their dissertation. We hope more of these faculty members will follow the lead of Dr. George Hoagland, Assistant Professor in the College of Liberal Arts Women Studies department, and stay at UMD after the completion of their doctorate.
• We are continuing our strategic focus on Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan on creating an inclusive campus environment for the full breadth of students, faculty and staff. I continue to expect all leaders, faculty and staff to make progress towards achieving all of our strategic goals and to deepen our capacity to achieve Goal 2. Toward that end, I am convening a two-day working retreat in early September with a group of campus leaders to engage in authentic discussions about how far we have come and how far we need to go with respect to creating inclusive campus environments for everyone at UMD. The attendees will include the Chancellor's Cabinet, Deans, area Directors, Campus Climate Change Team, and the co-chairs of the 19 Unit Change Teams.
• We have established a new Learning Commons on the second floor of the UMD Library. The Learning Commons is a resource-rich area for students to deepen their learning through study, collaboration, and consultation. The integration of library, tutoring, writing center, and Instructional Technology Support Services will support and facilitate the important work of students and faculty at UMD.
• We celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Royal D Alworth Institute for International Studies and the 40th Anniversary of the American Indian Studies Program.
• The first Master of Tribal Administration and Governance class graduated from UMD in May. This is the only graduate degree program in the U.S. that trains people specifically in the best management practices for tribal governments.
• Three major events were held last fall to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Morrill Act and UMD's tradition as a land-grant university. They were:
o A panel on the impacts of mining in Minnesota and the key role UMD and the Natural Resources Research Institute plays,
o A presentation, "Land, Law and Education: An American Indian Perspective on Land-Grant Universities;"
o And a presentation by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on "Freshwater and the Environment."
• We have two new learning communities in Housing and Residence Life - an Honors Community and a Sustainability Living Community, or the "Green House." These are in addition to our already successful Multicultural Living Community.
• Student Life also launched the U Make a Difference campaign, and the Student Life Unit Change Team started the "Inclusive Ally Program."
• In response to many requests from the campus community, the Food Court launched the Fresh Works salad bar last year, and the option has been very popular. This past summer Fresh Works included produce from the University farm.
• New street signs with UMD colors and a Bulldog emblem now help guide drivers on and around campus. Members of the Student Association led the project to get the new colorful signs in place and celebrated their unveiling with Mayor Don Ness, who is a UMD graduate and former president of the UMD Student Association.
• Tom Isbell, professor of theater, wrote the play, The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg, which held its world premiere at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. last November.
• Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan C. Page was on campus last fall as part of a panel discussion on "57 Years After Brown v. Board of Education: The Current and Future State of Black America."
• Three UMD faculty are recipients of the Chancellor's Teaching, Research, and Service awards for 2012-2013. They are:
o Lyle Shannon, instructor in the Department of Biology and recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching;
o Steve Colman, director of the Large Lakes Observatory and recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Research;
o and Ladona Tornabene, associate professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Public Service.
• Dr. Adyn Durgunoglu, Professor and Interim Department Head of Psychology, is a recipient of the 2013 Award for Global Engagement for her many years of outstanding international contributions to the field of literacy acquisition and bilingualism. This all-university award is given to the current faculty and staff in recognition of outstanding contributions to global research, education and engagement.
• Dr. Jon Pierce, Professor of Organization and Management, was a finalist last year for the Academy of Management's George R. Terry Book Award, for his co-authored book, Psychological Ownership and the Organizational Context: Theory, Research and Application. Dr. Perce was previously selected as one of the 33 scholars from around the world to be inducted into the Academy of Management Science's Hall of Fame for his substantial contributions to the discipline of management.
• A team of researchers led by Geological Sciences Professor John Goodge and supported by the National Science Foundation are designing and building a new mobile drilling platform for use on the ice sheets of Antarctica. Named the Rapid Access Ice Drilling system, this type of platform/drilling system has never been attempted on ice sheets such as those found in Greenland and Antarctica.
• UMD is featured in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges, which was released during Earth Week.
• Although we have been criticized for high tuition, UMD has been listed as one of the most affordable Minnesota colleges by The College Database, a website dedicated to providing accurate and valuable college and career information. To be included in this list, schools must have an annual tuition rate below $20,000 and have new graduates who earn more than $40,000 per year on average. According to The College Database, UMD students enter the workforce earning an estimated $42,300 per year after graduation, ranking it among the top five of all Minnesota post-secondary schools. Also, the value of a UMD education is evidenced in the low 3% student loan default rate of UMD graduates. The national average is 13%.
• The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has approved a unique interdisciplinary major in the College of Liberal Arts. The Cultural Entrepreneurship program is the first of its kind in the United States. The program prepares students to fulfill this need by combining the traditional lessons of business schools with the creative thinking that is most often cultivated in the liberal arts. The Board also approved a new Bachelor of Social Work degree, which will help UMD address the need for greater numbers of well-trained social workers in Minnesota.
• In one of many efforts to bring additional revenues to our athletics programs, Josh Berlo, our new athletics director, negotiated an athletic apparel agreement with Under Armor. Our hockey teams will be the first sports to have Under Armor uniforms this season, and the other sports will follow in 2015.
• And another significant Those Who Can, Duluth story: UMD students are highly successful in finding jobs after graduation, according to a recent Career Services survey of nearly 2,000 alumni from the class of 2011-2012. Nearly all - or 96 percent - of the graduates surveyed are employed or are continuing their education. This is a 3 percent increase from the previous year, and 83 percent of those employed working in Minnesota. We are not a trade school and not focused only on job training, but this is important data that proves the economic value of a UMD education.
Let's give all of us a round of applause for all of the successes of the last year! (Applause)
Now I would like to introduce to you the newest members of the Chancellor's Cabinet, as well as to several new campus leaders.
Twin Ports native Gina Katzmark joined UMD last December as the director of External Affairs. She came to UMD from the Wake Forest University Schools of Business in Winston-Salem, N.C., where she was the associate director of communications.
Dr. Paula Pedersen, Assistant Professor of Psychology, began August 1 as the Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives. In addition to being an accomplished teacher, scholar and diversity trainer, Paula is a licensed psychologist. Please watch for the broader campus climate theme called "infinite sides of the story" and be ready to join us in building a culture of compassion and curiosity where we suspend judgment, challenge our own assumptions, and engage in courageous conversations.
Josh Berlo, our new athletic director, has a sincere commitment to the success of students in both athletics and academics. I know that he was thrilled to learn soon after he came to UMD in May that last academic year, UMD's 409 student-athletes posted an average GPA of 3.11, an all-time high. Of that group, 102 achieved GPAs of 3.5 or above and eight turned in perfect 4.0 figures. Josh came to UMD from the University of Notre Dame, where he was Senior Assistant Athletics Director for Guest Relations and Event Marketing. We also have two new deans this summer, and I would like them to stand while I introduce them.
Dr. Amy Hietapelto is the new Dean of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics. Amy joined us from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, where she was Dean since 2009. She also served as Acting Dean and Associate Dean at Northeastern Illinois University and has been a faculty member at Michigan Technological University and Clarkson University. She received her Ph.D. from the Carlson School of Business on the Twin Cities campus, with a focus in the area of Organizational Studies.
Dr. Jill Pinkney Pastrana joined UMD as the new dean of the College of Education and Human Service Professions. She came to UMD from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, where she was chair of the Department of Education Studies. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of California Los Angeles, where she also holds master's degrees in Curriculum and Teacher Studies and Latin American Studies. In 2009, Jill served as a guest faculty member in the Psychology Department at the Catholic University in Valparaiso, Chile, through the Fulbright Scholar program. Let's welcome Amy and Jill to UMD! (Applause)
I would also like to ask Matt Rosendahl and Tim Caskey to please stand.
• Matt Rosendahl is the new director of the UMD Library. He started in June and came from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior, where he was the Director of Learning Resources. In addition to directing the library at WITC, he developed their Learning Commons and served on the IT executive committee.
Tim Caskey is the new director of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity. He also began in June and comes to UMD from the St. Paul Public Schools, the largest urban school district in Minnesota. For the last three years he served as the Executive Director for Human Resources/Labor Relations. Matt and Tim, thank you for joining the UMD community. (Applause)
We are pleased to welcome all of new members of the UMD campus community. A complete listing of new faculty and staff is available online and located on the Chancellor's Office website. I encourage you to review the list and welcome all of the new members of the UMD community.
Thank you to those who brought food today to donate to the new Champ's Cupboard, the food shelf for students that was recently created by Student Life. Contact the Office of Student Life if would like to make additional donations.
We all make a difference in our students' lives. We are all integral members of the UMD community. By working together, I know that we will continue to be well positioned to achieve our vision of being a premiere comprehensive university recognized as world class for its learning-centered student experiences, research, creative activities, and public engagement. This is a bold vision, but one that is very much within our reach. Thank you for coming today and have a great academic year!
Please join us for cupcakes in the lobby!
Friday, August 2, 2013
Dedication of Kathryn A Martin Library
Following a long University of Minnesota tradition, the UMD Library will be named this fall in honor of former Chancellor Kathryn A. Martin.
The public dedication of the Kathryn A. Martin Library will be on Monday, October 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the main library entrance. Tours will begin at 3 p.m., with a reception immediately following the dedication on the first floor of the library. The dedication is being held in conjunction with the 12th Annual Weber Concert, which this year includes a special tribute in memory of benefactors and UMD alumni Ron and Mary Ann Weber. The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Weber Music Hall.
Kathryn A. Martin served as UMD chancellor from 1995 to 2010, and under her leadership the campus architecture was transformed. The state-of-the-art library, which opened in 2000, was the first of several buildings completed during her tenure: the Weber Music Hall, the Swenson Science Building, the Labovitz School of Business and Economics, and the Swenson Civil Engineering Building.
For decades, the University of Minnesota has named buildings in honor of the service and dedication of former presidents, chancellors/provosts and regents. At UMD, the naming of the Kathryn A. Martin Library follows the naming of Ianni Hall in honor of Chancellor Lawrence A. Ianni; of Heaney Hall in honor of Regent Gerald Heaney; of Heller Hall in honor of Provost Robert Heller; of Goldfine Hall in honor of Regent Erwin Goldfine; and Darland Administration Building in honor of Provost Raymond Darland.
The entire UMD community is welcome to attend the public dedication ceremony of the Kathryn. A. Martin Library on October 7.
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
The public dedication of the Kathryn A. Martin Library will be on Monday, October 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the main library entrance. Tours will begin at 3 p.m., with a reception immediately following the dedication on the first floor of the library. The dedication is being held in conjunction with the 12th Annual Weber Concert, which this year includes a special tribute in memory of benefactors and UMD alumni Ron and Mary Ann Weber. The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Weber Music Hall.
Kathryn A. Martin served as UMD chancellor from 1995 to 2010, and under her leadership the campus architecture was transformed. The state-of-the-art library, which opened in 2000, was the first of several buildings completed during her tenure: the Weber Music Hall, the Swenson Science Building, the Labovitz School of Business and Economics, and the Swenson Civil Engineering Building.
For decades, the University of Minnesota has named buildings in honor of the service and dedication of former presidents, chancellors/provosts and regents. At UMD, the naming of the Kathryn A. Martin Library follows the naming of Ianni Hall in honor of Chancellor Lawrence A. Ianni; of Heaney Hall in honor of Regent Gerald Heaney; of Heller Hall in honor of Provost Robert Heller; of Goldfine Hall in honor of Regent Erwin Goldfine; and Darland Administration Building in honor of Provost Raymond Darland.
The entire UMD community is welcome to attend the public dedication ceremony of the Kathryn. A. Martin Library on October 7.
________________
Chancellor's Office
University of Minnesota Duluth
515 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
218.726.7106
218.726.6535 (fax)
Support the U
Monday, June 10, 2013
Chancellor's Announcement: Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives
Dear Campus Community:
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Paula Pedersen, Assistant Professor of Psychology, has accepted the new cabinet-level position of Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives. In addition to being an accomplished teacher, scholar and diversity trainer, Paula is a licensed psychologist and carries the Intercultural Development Inventory Administration and Interpretation Certificate.
Paula has served on the Campus Climate Change Team, Diversity Commission, GLBT Advisory Board and University of Minnesota Intercultural Competence Work Group.
She helped spearhead the theme of "how did you come to be here?" bringing together the community and campus in an exploration of cultural self-awareness and identity. Paula has done significant research on intercultural development as a student learning outcome in study abroad and first year experience programs.
Her dedication to diversity, inclusion and intercultural understanding goes far beyond UMD. She works closely with ISD #709 on helping the intercultural leadership and curriculum integration efforts in Duluth high schools. Paula is well known in the community for her involvement in organizations such as Mentor Duluth, YMCA and True North Americorps.
In her role as Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives, Paula will help facilitate campus climate training and development activities for faculty, staff, administration and students. She will oversee the planning, execution and assessment of campus-wide intercultural initiatives, work on increasing intercultural student learning outcomes through the International and Study Abroad programs and serve as a key community liaison.
The Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives is a one-year renewable appointment that is part faculty and part administrative. The Fellow will serve as co-chair for the Campus Climate Change Team along with Susana Pelayo-Woodward.
Please join me in welcoming Paula to this new role. I look forward to having her expertise and perspective on the campus senior leadership team. She will begin in August.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Paula Pedersen, Assistant Professor of Psychology, has accepted the new cabinet-level position of Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives. In addition to being an accomplished teacher, scholar and diversity trainer, Paula is a licensed psychologist and carries the Intercultural Development Inventory Administration and Interpretation Certificate.
Paula has served on the Campus Climate Change Team, Diversity Commission, GLBT Advisory Board and University of Minnesota Intercultural Competence Work Group.
She helped spearhead the theme of "how did you come to be here?" bringing together the community and campus in an exploration of cultural self-awareness and identity. Paula has done significant research on intercultural development as a student learning outcome in study abroad and first year experience programs.
Her dedication to diversity, inclusion and intercultural understanding goes far beyond UMD. She works closely with ISD #709 on helping the intercultural leadership and curriculum integration efforts in Duluth high schools. Paula is well known in the community for her involvement in organizations such as Mentor Duluth, YMCA and True North Americorps.
In her role as Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives, Paula will help facilitate campus climate training and development activities for faculty, staff, administration and students. She will oversee the planning, execution and assessment of campus-wide intercultural initiatives, work on increasing intercultural student learning outcomes through the International and Study Abroad programs and serve as a key community liaison.
The Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives is a one-year renewable appointment that is part faculty and part administrative. The Fellow will serve as co-chair for the Campus Climate Change Team along with Susana Pelayo-Woodward.
Please join me in welcoming Paula to this new role. I look forward to having her expertise and perspective on the campus senior leadership team. She will begin in August.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Campus Governance
Dear Campus Community:
We are pleased to be moving forward with a new governance structure. We will need to move quickly in order for committees to begin their work. A draft version of bylaws will be started over the summer in the EVCAA office. The bylaws form the basic structure describing each of the committees, membership, how bylaws are amended, etc. The actual "working rules" (or operational guidelines) that each committee follows will be developed by the committee membership.
The bylaws will be posted for review and comment immediately upon return fall semester. The process for populating committees will begin shortly thereafter, with a goal launch date of October 1. We look forward to working together as a campus community to put our new governance system in place. Thank you all for your engagement in this important process.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
We are pleased to be moving forward with a new governance structure. We will need to move quickly in order for committees to begin their work. A draft version of bylaws will be started over the summer in the EVCAA office. The bylaws form the basic structure describing each of the committees, membership, how bylaws are amended, etc. The actual "working rules" (or operational guidelines) that each committee follows will be developed by the committee membership.
The bylaws will be posted for review and comment immediately upon return fall semester. The process for populating committees will begin shortly thereafter, with a goal launch date of October 1. We look forward to working together as a campus community to put our new governance system in place. Thank you all for your engagement in this important process.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Program Prioritization Initiative
Dear Campus Community:
I wish to share with you plans for a new Program Prioritization initiative at UMD. As we reflect on the past year and look to years ahead, I think one thing that we all expect is a first-class educational experience for UMD students combined with financial stability for our university.
Through this Program Prioritization initiative, we will closely examine the programs, courses, and services that we deliver to see how they align with our mission and how they position UMD for growth. The goal of this initiative is to use limited financial resources in ways that will best meet the needs of our students and our community, as outlined in our Strategic Plan.
This initiative is timely given lower state funding over time, a decline in last year's new student enrollment, a challenging economy, and a shrinking Minnesota high school student population. We need to be relevant, we need to be mission-driven, and we need to fiscally responsible.
To truly utilize our resources to their fullest potential, we need to review all of our programs in relation to how they support UMD's mission. This includes all programs and services on campus - academic and non-academic. Instead of moving forward without the resources to support programs to their full potential, we can provide much needed resources to our priority areas. While the budget situation underscores the need for prioritization, it is also crucial to evaluate our priorities with respect to quality, demand, reputation, and many other areas.
I will be leading UMD through this Program Prioritization initiative with the help of the Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Directors, but everyone on campus will be involved at their program level. Criteria and weights for the criteria will be developed collaboratively in alignment with UMD's strategic plan, mission, and vision, with an additional focus on financial sustainability.
We will all be in this together. This initiative will spark innovative thinking and new approaches to accomplishing our mission and vision. We will emerge from this activity with a stronger, more robust UMD.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
I wish to share with you plans for a new Program Prioritization initiative at UMD. As we reflect on the past year and look to years ahead, I think one thing that we all expect is a first-class educational experience for UMD students combined with financial stability for our university.
Through this Program Prioritization initiative, we will closely examine the programs, courses, and services that we deliver to see how they align with our mission and how they position UMD for growth. The goal of this initiative is to use limited financial resources in ways that will best meet the needs of our students and our community, as outlined in our Strategic Plan.
This initiative is timely given lower state funding over time, a decline in last year's new student enrollment, a challenging economy, and a shrinking Minnesota high school student population. We need to be relevant, we need to be mission-driven, and we need to fiscally responsible.
To truly utilize our resources to their fullest potential, we need to review all of our programs in relation to how they support UMD's mission. This includes all programs and services on campus - academic and non-academic. Instead of moving forward without the resources to support programs to their full potential, we can provide much needed resources to our priority areas. While the budget situation underscores the need for prioritization, it is also crucial to evaluate our priorities with respect to quality, demand, reputation, and many other areas.
I will be leading UMD through this Program Prioritization initiative with the help of the Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Directors, but everyone on campus will be involved at their program level. Criteria and weights for the criteria will be developed collaboratively in alignment with UMD's strategic plan, mission, and vision, with an additional focus on financial sustainability.
We will all be in this together. This initiative will spark innovative thinking and new approaches to accomplishing our mission and vision. We will emerge from this activity with a stronger, more robust UMD.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
Friday, May 17, 2013
Campus Governance Results
Dear Campus Community:
I am pleased to report the results of our recent vote on campus governance.
Results are as follows:
Yes - 79
No - 2
Abstain - 0
Soon there will be another communication which will describe transition plans for our new governance system.
Thank you for your patience and perseverance as we have discussed a new governance structure for UMD. I look forward to even greater collaboration as we continue to build an outstanding shared governance process.
Sincerely,
Lendley "Lynn" C. Black
Chancellor
I am pleased to report the results of our recent vote on campus governance.
Results are as follows:
Yes - 79
No - 2
Abstain - 0
Soon there will be another communication which will describe transition plans for our new governance system.
Thank you for your patience and perseverance as we have discussed a new governance structure for UMD. I look forward to even greater collaboration as we continue to build an outstanding shared governance process.
Sincerely,
Lendley "Lynn" C. Black
Chancellor
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Revised Proposal for a New Shared Governance Model
TO: UMD Campus Community
RE: Revised Proposal for a New Shared Governance Model
Attached you will find the most recent revised proposal for a new shared governance structure for UMD. The proposal is based upon feedback we received from faculty, staff, and students since the last proposal was distributed on March 22. We will discuss this latest proposal at the Campus Assembly meeting on May 14, and it will be voted on by Campus Assembly members soon after that meeting.
Some people have asked why we need to keep voting on a change in campus governance and why only members of the Campus Assembly can vote. Our current Campus Assembly governance structure is imbedded in the UMD constitution, and the constitution is referenced in the UEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Any change in the constitution requires a two-thirds vote of the members of Campus Assembly. Even though the actions of the Campus Assembly are advisory actions to the chancellor, the chancellor cannot unilaterally change or void UMD's constitution. A change can only be made by a two-thirds vote of the current Assembly members.
You will note that this latest proposal returns to a system of voting membership on all committees. Although some people liked the non-voting aspects of the March 22 proposal, there was significant opposition to a system that eliminates voting from the work of the committees. We can make this voting system work well, if we focus on a collaborative shared governance process that values diverse opinions.
The attached documents include: 1) committee descriptions and membership, 2) the comparison of representatives in the current and proposed structure, and 3) a new graphic display of the proposed structure. Please review these documents and contact me or a member of the Campus Assembly if you have questions or comments. A list of the Campus Assembly members and our current constitution may be found at: http://www.d.umn.edu/committees/
The Campus Assembly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14th at 2:00 p.m. in the Kirby Ballroom. There will be a social beginning at 1:30. After this Assembly meeting, we will conduct another vote of the Assembly membership, using the same electronic voting process we used before. It is important that every member of Campus Assembly vote. Since we need two-thirds of the membership to approve the constitutional change, if you do not vote or if you abstain, it's the same as a "No" vote.
Thank you again for your input and for your interest in having an effective and collaborative shared governance process at UMD.
<Governance Comparison of current and proposed 0Governance Structure 050813.pdf50813-1.pdfGovernance Comparison of current and proposed 050813-1.pdfCommittee Descriptions and Membership 050813.docx
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Graduate Rates Improve at UMD
To UMD Faculty and Staff,
You are to be congratulated. Thanks to your hard work and support, UMD has experienced an increase in graduation rates. Comparing data reported in 2011 and 2012, our campus has achieved a four and a half percent increase in our four-year graduation rate and a six percent increase in our five-year rate. Without you, this significant change in graduation rates would not have been possible.
Along with your efforts working with students on an individual basis, a concerted effort has been made to engage students in planning their degree progress using tools such as the Academic Progress Auditing System (APAS), the Graduation Planner as well as the 30-60-90 Student Success Roadmap. This fall, 68 percent of students were enrolled in 15 or more credits and more students are meeting the 30-credit annual benchmark, a key measurement in the 30-60-90 Roadmap. The use of APAS and the Graduation Planner confirms to students that they are taking the correct credits. It is through the individual conversations taking place between students and their faculty and advisors that these tools become meaningful and support our ongoing goal of increasing student success.
Finally, we must not forget about students' own desire and dedication to reduce their time to graduation to help lessen their educational costs. The quality learning experiences you provide continue to validate that persistence to graduation is a worthwhile investment for our students and their families.
I want to thank all of you for giving your time and energy to this effort. I am proud of you and these excellent results.
Chancellor Lendley C. Black
You are to be congratulated. Thanks to your hard work and support, UMD has experienced an increase in graduation rates. Comparing data reported in 2011 and 2012, our campus has achieved a four and a half percent increase in our four-year graduation rate and a six percent increase in our five-year rate. Without you, this significant change in graduation rates would not have been possible.
Along with your efforts working with students on an individual basis, a concerted effort has been made to engage students in planning their degree progress using tools such as the Academic Progress Auditing System (APAS), the Graduation Planner as well as the 30-60-90 Student Success Roadmap. This fall, 68 percent of students were enrolled in 15 or more credits and more students are meeting the 30-credit annual benchmark, a key measurement in the 30-60-90 Roadmap. The use of APAS and the Graduation Planner confirms to students that they are taking the correct credits. It is through the individual conversations taking place between students and their faculty and advisors that these tools become meaningful and support our ongoing goal of increasing student success.
Finally, we must not forget about students' own desire and dedication to reduce their time to graduation to help lessen their educational costs. The quality learning experiences you provide continue to validate that persistence to graduation is a worthwhile investment for our students and their families.
I want to thank all of you for giving your time and energy to this effort. I am proud of you and these excellent results.
Chancellor Lendley C. Black
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Campus Governance
Campus Community:
A site has been set up for those who wish to provide anonymous feedback on the revised governance proposal that was sent last week:
http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/governance_comment_form.html
The email that was sent last week along with links to the proposal structure and committee details can be found here:
http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/campus_governance.html
Please take a few moments to review this proposal and provide feedback. The deadline for comments is April 1st.
A site has been set up for those who wish to provide anonymous feedback on the revised governance proposal that was sent last week:
http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/governance_comment_form.html
The email that was sent last week along with links to the proposal structure and committee details can be found here:
http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/campus_governance.html
Please take a few moments to review this proposal and provide feedback. The deadline for comments is April 1st.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Academic Calendar Change
To: UMD Campus Community
From: Chancellor Lendley C. Black
Subject: Academic Calendar Change
After significant input from the UMD Campus Community, the Chancellor's Cabinet has approved changing the Academic Calendar, effective fall of 2015.
Fall semester classes will begin the Monday before Labor Day, and there will be a mid-semester break on a Thursday and Friday in October.
Spring semester classes will begin the Wednesday before the observance of the Martin Luther King holiday on the third Monday in January.
The 2015-16 calendar is available at: http://www.d.umn.edu/calendar/academic_cal_15-16.html
From: Chancellor Lendley C. Black
Subject: Academic Calendar Change
After significant input from the UMD Campus Community, the Chancellor's Cabinet has approved changing the Academic Calendar, effective fall of 2015.
Fall semester classes will begin the Monday before Labor Day, and there will be a mid-semester break on a Thursday and Friday in October.
Spring semester classes will begin the Wednesday before the observance of the Martin Luther King holiday on the third Monday in January.
The 2015-16 calendar is available at: http://www.d.umn.edu/calendar/academic_cal_15-16.html
Campus Budget Forum
To: UMD Campus Community
From: Chancellor Lendley C. Black
Subject: Campus Budget Forum
You are invited to a Campus Budget Forum on Tuesday, February 19 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Kirby Ballroom.
For the first half of the forum, Mike Seymour, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations, will join me in providing an update on the legislative process and its impact on the upcoming biennial budget. We will also provide an overview of how the UMD budgeting model is being changed to best meet the campus needs. During the second half of the forum, faculty and staff will meet in smaller groups within their administrative areas to discuss the impact of the change in the budgeting process.
We encourage you to join us for this important discussion. I hope that your semester is going well, and I would like to thank you again for all that you do for UMD and the success of its students.
From: Chancellor Lendley C. Black
Subject: Campus Budget Forum
You are invited to a Campus Budget Forum on Tuesday, February 19 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Kirby Ballroom.
For the first half of the forum, Mike Seymour, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations, will join me in providing an update on the legislative process and its impact on the upcoming biennial budget. We will also provide an overview of how the UMD budgeting model is being changed to best meet the campus needs. During the second half of the forum, faculty and staff will meet in smaller groups within their administrative areas to discuss the impact of the change in the budgeting process.
We encourage you to join us for this important discussion. I hope that your semester is going well, and I would like to thank you again for all that you do for UMD and the success of its students.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Make Your Mark: Angels for a Cause
Students, Faculty and Staff -
Please join me on Saturday, February 9 to attempt to break a world record in the snow while raising money for clean drinking water in Ethiopia.
Make Your Mark: Angels for a Cause will bring thousands of people to campus to break the Guinness Book of World Records' standard for the most snow angels made simultaneously. The current record is 8,963, set in North Dakota.
Duluth can break the record with your help!
UMD has a challenge with the College of St. Scholastica and Lake Superior College to see which college can get the largest percentage of its students, faculty and staff out for the Make Your Mark event. Be sure to wear your UMD colors and tell the gate attendant that you are representing UMD.
Gates to Malosky Stadium will open at 9:30 a.m. and the record attempt will be at 11:00 a.m. in the various athletics fields on the UMD campus.
The suggested donation is $5 for individuals or $10 for families.
The Rotary Club of Duluth and Proctor High School DECA have organized this event, and 100% of the profits raised from Make Your Mark will go to the Global Team for Local Initiatives, an organization that supports the indigenous people in Ethiopia affected by climate change.
You can register in advance online at makeyourmarkduluth.com and get updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/makeyourmarkduluth. Anyone who registers online will be automatically eligible to win $1,000 in cash. Registration is also available at the door.
I look forward to seeing many of you there to show the world that Those Who Can, Duluth!
Lendley Black
Chancellor
Please join me on Saturday, February 9 to attempt to break a world record in the snow while raising money for clean drinking water in Ethiopia.
Make Your Mark: Angels for a Cause will bring thousands of people to campus to break the Guinness Book of World Records' standard for the most snow angels made simultaneously. The current record is 8,963, set in North Dakota.
Duluth can break the record with your help!
UMD has a challenge with the College of St. Scholastica and Lake Superior College to see which college can get the largest percentage of its students, faculty and staff out for the Make Your Mark event. Be sure to wear your UMD colors and tell the gate attendant that you are representing UMD.
Gates to Malosky Stadium will open at 9:30 a.m. and the record attempt will be at 11:00 a.m. in the various athletics fields on the UMD campus.
The suggested donation is $5 for individuals or $10 for families.
The Rotary Club of Duluth and Proctor High School DECA have organized this event, and 100% of the profits raised from Make Your Mark will go to the Global Team for Local Initiatives, an organization that supports the indigenous people in Ethiopia affected by climate change.
You can register in advance online at makeyourmarkduluth.com and get updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/makeyourmarkduluth. Anyone who registers online will be automatically eligible to win $1,000 in cash. Registration is also available at the door.
I look forward to seeing many of you there to show the world that Those Who Can, Duluth!
Lendley Black
Chancellor
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