Update and spring break greetings

 Dear students, faculty, and staff,

While many of us will still have items on our to-do list, I understand that next week, the campus will be quieter with spring break. I hope you can find some time to relax and recharge for the final push through the academic year.

I am aware of the mix of uncertainty and stress that many members of our campus community feel given the recent federal communications and executive orders. I want to echo what University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham said in her message earlier this week. While there are many unanswered questions, we will hold true to our mission and values to fuel discovery and provide valuable learning opportunities today and into the future.

The federal landscape continues to evolve and we are closely monitoring activity to understand impacts and be prepared with scenario planning. I recognize the challenges that come with this uncertainty and that there is a desire to know what the effects of those decisions may look like on our campus. Our intention is to approach any updates methodically while staying true to the university’s mission of research and discovery, teaching and learning, and outreach and public service.

You may not hear from university leadership weekly. As mentioned above, there are teams monitoring information continuously. For the latest information and continued updates, please visit our Rapid Response website. This website covers a range of issues, including diversity, equity and inclusion, research funding, immigration, and activity within the Department of Education.

Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this together. I want you to know that the work we do matters, in the region, state, nation, and world. You matter. And together, we will continue to make a difference.

Sincerely,

Charles Nies Chancellor

System strategic planning 3/31, campus conversation 4/7, awards and recognition 4/17

 

Dear Colleagues, I wanted to share a few dates with you and hope that you are able to join us. Please mark your calendars. System Strategic Planning - Maroon, Gold, and Bold listening session - March 31 President Cunningham is working to set the stage for a bold future at the University of Minnesota—one that pushes boundaries and redefines what is possible. Your participation will help ensure our systemwide strategic plan reflects the many voices that make up our University community. Please let us know if you can join us on Monday, March 31 from 10-11:30 am in the Kirby Student Center Ballroom to share your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on your vision for the University’s bold future as part of the Maroon, Gold and Bold strategic planning process by submitting your RSVP and adding to your calendar. During the session/meeting we will discuss several key questions: From your vantage point, what will distinguish the University of Minnesota System as a leader in higher education in 2035? How has the University of Minnesota System (as distinct from each campus) impacted you? What do you see as the University of Minnesota System’s biggest strengths? What can the University of Minnesota System do better? In what fields of research do you imagine we could most make an impact? How should we aspire to serve our nation, world, and/or state differently across the next decade? What do you think the University of Minnesota System should do to improve and excel in its educational offerings and opportunities? What barriers prevent the University of Minnesota System from accomplishing its full potential? What changes in the world should the University of Minnesota System meaningfully influence? I encourage you to visit president.umn.edu/maroon-gold-and-bold to learn more about the University’s strategic planning process. Campus Conversation - April 7 Members of the Senior Leadership Team and I will host a campus conversation on April 7 at 9:00 am in the Kirby Ballroom. This will serve as a follow-up to our fall conversation around values and provide other updates as we make our way through the academic year. Faculty, Staff and Years of Service Awards - April 17 Please join us for the faculty, staff and years of service awards on April 17 at 3:00 pm in the Kirby Ballroom. I’m looking forward to engaging, inspiring and productive discussions. Best,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Updates from Campus Leadership

Dear Campus Community, On Monday, President Cunningham sent a message to the University of Minnesota community about the University’s efforts to assess the implications to our operations following rapidly changing federal policies. In that and previous messages, she emphasized our ongoing commitment to all campus community members and reaffirmed the University’s longstanding commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that supports the needs of every individual across the System. She clarified that the University of Minnesota has not rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and we are not making any preemptive changes to our existing programs. My leadership team and I echo these sentiments at UMD. This message to our campus community represents a collective conversation with senior leaders at the system level and leaders across campus. We highly value the people who support diversity of thought and inclusion, which are integral to our engaged learning and discovery. Our support, guidance, and advocacy extends to all identities represented by all members of our community. Faculty, staff, and students who have questions about support and resources around federal immigration policies can consult this UMN website, which will continue to be updated with information and guidance. A University of Minnesota team has been created to review executive orders and policy changes to develop guidance for the university and our community. We will keep you updated as this information is made available. As we navigate through these dynamic times, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to the values that define our University. We know these must be more than words in messages. They must be practiced by all of us and reflected in how we learn, work, and interact in our community. At UMD, we seek to build a community in which every individual is valued and respected as we work together to prepare students to thrive as lifelong learners and globally engaged members of our communities. I urge each of you to engage in open, respectful dialogue and to listen with empathy. We can strive to understand one another, even when we disagree. Now, as always, our strength lies in our ability to come together, to support one another, and to learn from our differences. Let us build a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where every voice is heard. Thank you for your support in advancing our mission and holding steadfast to our values, as we focus on student success and lift up the diverse voices and perspectives that make UMD such an incredible place. Sincerely,

Charles Nies Chancellor

 

Semester greeting and Innovation Grants

 

Dear Colleagues, I hope your spring semester is off to a good start. It is exciting to feel the campus come to life again with a sense of renewal. Being part of this university is incredible and, as I wrote in a recent piece for the Duluth News Tribune, I’m motivated every day by our work to advance student success and generate knowledge that improves our world. In my role, I often hear from UMD’s creative and committed faculty, staff, and students about how to strengthen what UMD offers to its members and our community. To surface and support your good ideas, I am pleased to call for Innovation Grant applications. These grants will support collaborative projects that integrate programs, services, or experiences across different departments and academic disciplines. The grants will be supported by the Chancellor’s Excellence Fund, a philanthropic fund that supports the university as we advance excellence that is aligned with our mission. This one-time seed funding is intended to develop innovative initiatives that are cost-neutral, or that could provide cost savings or generate new revenues. Please read the guidelines and connect with your colleagues to consider how to leverage this opportunity. The deadline to apply for innovation grants is Friday, February 21. I am looking forward to a busy and inspiring semester. We will continue to have conversations around our values, enrollment, and academic programs. We will also continue to strengthen our partnerships on campus, across the system, and with external stakeholders as we work together to deliver on all aspects of our mission. Thanks for your commitment to advancing the university’s mission and values. Best,

Charles Nies Chancellor