Updates and recap of campus conversation

 

Dear colleagues, Thank you to those of you who were able to make the campus conversation gathering last Wednesday. I appreciate your participation in what I felt was a productive engagement and start to the discussion around our values. In the meeting, and through my sketch, I connected our strengths and how they drive us forward. Those strengths include our campus and the Duluth community, our place in the U of M System that continues to grow, and our commitment to student success that is fueled by innovation and integration with the environment around us. We have a bright future and I look forward to building it with you. As for our values, the campus leadership team and I will continue to engage in conversations. We are looking through the input gathered at the meeting last week and will circle back with more information on next steps. I will also work closely with our campus shared governance structure. I wanted to also provide a quick follow-up to a handful of other topics we covered last week. Regents Visit - November 12 A few members of the Board of Regents will be on campus Tuesday, November 12. They will be tabling in the Kirby Student Center from 11:00 am -1:00 pm and are asking members of the campus community to stop by to talk with them. Please swing by as your schedule allows. Leadership Search Updates I recently announced our new VCFO Matt Massman who will start in December. The executive director for advancement position is posted and I want to thank Athletic Director Forrest Karr and Tracy Ketchem from the University Foundation for leading that search. I have also asked Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Trevor Eagle and SGA President Remi Foust to co-chair the vice chancellor for student life search, which will begin in the next couple of months. I am also working on the executive vice chancellor for academic affairs search. I am working on leadership for that search and will use an executive search firm to support this effort. Once those pieces are in place, the search firm will meet with campus stakeholders to finalize a position profile that will be used to recruit top talent to UMD.  Chancellor’s Council on Campus Climate (4C) Core to UMD's values and priorities is ensuring a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive campus community. This last year, the Chancellor’s Council on Campus Climate (4C) worked to review previous and current campus climate efforts and prepare a recommendations report for campus leadership. These recommendations include an executive DEI position on the UMD leadership team, an expanded membership for the council, and intentional collaboration with campus commissions and committees that support DEI work at UMD. The 4C group will be holding feedback sessions with the campus community around the last campus climate survey results, including a Campus Conversation (formally known as the Lunch-n-Learn series) open to everyone on November 26, 2024 from 9:00 - 11:00 am in Griggs Center. You can find the campus climate survey reports on the Office of Equity and Diversity Campus Climate website. Student Success Initiative (SSI) Last academic year, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Life Jeremy Leiferman and Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Trevor Eagle led a team of faculty, staff, and students to review best practices, examine previous data and efforts, and identify areas of exploration that will ultimately lead to better student outcomes in and out of the classroom. This work resulted in a SSI report of recommendations, which was recently presented to the senior leadership team. Moving forward, I am asking the group to consider how we expand our student scholars’ access to high-impact practices that lead to transformative education and student success, build upon some promising practices in advising already deployed at UMD, and consider ways to build strong and intentional collaborations across the campus to advance student success. I also hope they will recommend professional development opportunities that orient us to see all students through an asset-based lens, with a focus on the strengths that every student we admit brings to their learning and our community.  Academic Program Array Analysis Building on the extensive work done last year, we are engaging in a two-pronged approach to strengthen and focus our academic program offerings. Four priorities guide our efforts. Our academic programs will: 1) align with the mission and identity of both UMD and the U of M System 2) use effective and innovative practices to advance student success 3) meet student and community needs 4) be fiscally responsible In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, deans will propose changes that meet these priorities through consultation with UMD colleagues in and outside their units, the Academic Leadership Team, and, where appropriate, colleagues throughout the U of M System. In each case, they are focusing on foregrounding student success by incorporating ideas that are intended to improve retention, graduation rates, and boost undergraduate and graduate enrollments. They are using a “MEDIC” framework to consider what to Maintain, Eliminate, Decrease, Increase, and Create as we fine-tune our dynamic academic programs. Additionally, the Academic Revisioning Committee (ARC) will establish a process that current and future leaders can use to make mission-driven, student-focused, community-oriented, and fiscally responsible decisions about our academic programs. With ARC’s guidance, we will establish a process that will be transparent, predictable, and normalized as a regular part of academic decision making. This process will be established by an outstanding committee, including Jen Mencl and Erik Brown from Academic Affairs, as well as representatives from each of our colleges and from the faculty senate. In order to grow and innovate, this broadly consultative process will help us invest in academic programs that align with our current strengths and future aspirations. End of Semester Buffet - Save the Date! Please mark your calendars for the annual End of Semester Buffet on Tuesday, December 3 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm in the Kirby Ballroom. Have a great day,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Announcing our new Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations

Dear UMD community,  I am pleased to announce that Matt Massman has accepted the position of vice chancellor for finance and operations (VCFO) at UMD. In this capacity, Matt will serve a critical role in providing leadership for the University, advising the campus as we develop plans and implement our future strategies and initiatives, and supporting our campus and systemwide financial and operational goals. Matt is a successful finance and operations leader with more than 30 years experience in state government and higher education. He served as State of Minnesota commissioner of administration, deputy chief of staff, and deputy commissioner of revenue for Governor Mark Dayton, leading a host of central operating, facility, budget, and financial management functions for the state government. In those roles, he oversaw some of the state’s most high-profile facilities projects – restoration of the Minnesota State Capitol and construction of the Minnesota Senate Building – while championing diversity and more environmentally sustainable operations. Since leaving the Dayton Administration, Massman has led public policy advocacy for the Minnesota Inter-County Association. A native Minnesotan, Massman is a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from Hamline University and a Masters’ degree in Public Policy from UW Madison.  I’m thrilled to welcome Matt to campus, and look forward to working with him. Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role. His commitment to empowerment, equity, and quality will be an incredible asset to this institution and our community. His first day will be December 2, 2024. Please join me in welcoming Matt to UMD.  I want to take this opportunity to thank Sue Bosell for her tireless efforts in the role of Interim VCFO, a position she has been serving in since March, 2020. Sue’s approach, expertise, and willingness to help during a critical time for this institution is a testament to her character and professionalism. Thank you Sue.  I also want to express my gratitude to the search committee and our search partner Isaacson, Miller for their work in this successful process. The search was co-chaired by Janelle Broesch and Lynne Williams. Other committee members included Curt Albertson, Jannifer David, John Rashid, Lindsey Klegstad, Sean Huls, Susana Pelayo-Woodward, Koryn Zewers, and Jackson Poetz.  Have a good day,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Voting information and civic engagement (Sent 10/11/24)

 

Dear colleagues,  Elections are just a few weeks away, on Tuesday, November 5, and so I am writing to you today to encourage each of you to participate in this important civic process. Voting provides us with a voice in our communities and an opportunity to weigh in on the issues that matter to us. With this being a general election year, voters will have an opportunity to cast their vote for United States President and other important elections. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s website has information about candidates and initiatives that will appear on ballots across the state. You can also use their polling place finder to identify where exactly you can vote. As a reminder, paid time off to vote is provided through University policy, which allows employees time off to go to their polling place, vote, and return to work. In addition to voting on Tuesday, November 5, we encourage University leaders to extend time off so that employees can vote early in person if they prefer. Voter Registration: Voter registration is easy and convenient in Minnesota. If you’re unsure whether you're registered or not, you can check your voter registration status online. If you have not registered to vote and meet Minnesota’s registration requirements, there are several ways to register, and unlike many states, you can register and vote on Election Day in Minnesota. However, we encourage you to register before Election Day—it will save you time at the polling place. The deadline to register online is 11:59pm, 21 days before Election Day (Tuesday, October 15, 2024). To register on paper, you must turn in your registration or it must be received by mail by Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Otherwise, you can register on Election Day at your polling place. If you have any questions regarding voting or registering to vote, visit UMD’s voter registration website for resources. How to Vote: Minnesota provides you with three voting options: You can vote in person on November 5 at your polling place. Polls are usually open 7am-8pm. You can vote by mail. Your absentee ballot must be received by mail by Election Day or it will not be counted. You can vote early in person with an absentee ballot at your local elections office. Some cities and towns also offer in-person absentee voting. Learn more about voting early in person. Democracy and Dialogue at UMD: As we approach this important season, I want to emphasize the value of civility and constructive dialogue. I want to echo and reaffirm President Rebecca Cunningham’s commitment to the University’s core principles of academic freedom and free inquiry, and to fostering an inclusive community where we all contribute to defining our future together. While I have strong personal views on many current issues, I recognize those are separate from my role as Chancellor, and I am committed to fostering an environment that fully embraces diverse perspectives. Encouraging dialogue across our differences, with vibrant civic engagement, is central to our University’s mission of research, education, and outreach. Toward that end, as Chancellor, I will refrain from commenting on broader societal issues unless they directly relate to the University’s mission and identity. Democracy thrives on diverse opinions, and UMD must be a space where free speech is supported and respected. We will uphold your right to free speech and the principles of academic freedom. We may agree at times and disagree at others, but let’s commit ourselves to civil discourse, and ensure that no voice is silenced. Thank you for your commitment to fostering a respectful and engaged community.

Charles Nies Chancellor

Campus Conversation - Wednesday, October 30

 

Dear colleagues, Please join me for a campus conversation in the Kirby Ballroom from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 30. Refreshments will be served! As I mentioned in a previous message with a short save the date for this event, I plan to share my observations after my first few months here. We will also use this time to discuss our campus values, which will serve as a precursor to our upcoming strategic planning process. I am looking forward to engaging the group in conversation to help shape our shared values. For your convenience, you can use this link to add to your calendar. We hope to see you there! Best,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Campus updates: System, Enrollment, Oct 30 Save the Date

Dear colleagues,  HAPPY HOMECOMING! I hope the semester is going well for you thus far. While I haven’t been able to get to everything, I have enjoyed concerts, cultural celebrations, football and soccer, gallery openings, and cardboard boat races in the pond at Bagley. It has been a great start to the fall semester and I look forward to all the events in the days and weeks ahead.  I have a few updates for you today.  U of M System I continue to engage with our system leaders and partners regularly. I am encouraged by what seems to be a renewed appreciation for the U of M System and continuing to leverage how we work together across it. The work includes regular meetings, presentations at the Board of Regents, appointment to systemwide work groups, and planned efforts to find synergies and implement collaborations.  Last week, I was also honored to be part of a UMD contingent who participated in the inauguration for President Rebecca Cunningham. Her inauguration was a celebration of her leadership and the U of M’s service and commitment to the entire state of Minnesota. Throughout the day, she emphasized her focus on the health and wellbeing of the university and the citizens of Minnesota. It was a meaningful event with UMD presence, recognition, and even Champ and the UMD fight song.  For those of you who are wondering, we are working through the early stages of planning for my inauguration at the start of the fall 2025 semester. It is not uncommon for Chancellor inaugurations to occur roughly one year into the role. I also see it as a great opportunity to wrap up our current strategic plan and launch our campus efforts around our future strategic priorities.  Enrollment As the semester is now in full swing, I also wanted to provide you with an update on our enrollment. I am pleased to say that UMD continues to see a high level of interest from prospective students, with a record number of applications this past year (up 4% from the previous year). Our new undergraduate student count is up 2.5% and lands at 2196 (compared to 2140 last year). This is primarily due to a 16% increase in our new transfer student population.  We continue to see increasing racial and ethnic diversity among our incoming students, with 17% of our incoming student class being BIPOC, an 18% increase from last year.  We also continue to see improvements in the success of our students. Unofficial first-year retention numbers are up for the second year in a row, rising to 81%. This is the highest first-to-second year retention rate of the previous 16 years. Please note that these enrollment numbers are based on first day enrollment data and there will be slight differences when we get the official data. It often takes into early October before we have final enrollment data.  While these statistics are promising, I want to emphasize the importance of our continued focus and work around student success and enrollment. I am grateful for the efforts from those in the enrollment team and their partners across campus who have played a part in this success.  Save the Date Please mark your calendars for an all campus conversation on Wednesday, October 30 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in the Kirby Ballroom. At this gathering, in partnership with campus leadership, I plan to share an update after my first four months. More to come, but please save the date.  Thank you,

Charles Nies Chancellor

Welcome to Fall Semester

 

Hello students, faculty, and staff, Welcome to the first day of classes! The start of the fall semester has always been a highlight for me as everyone returns to campus with renewed energy and enthusiasm. This year is particularly special as I begin my first year here at UMD. I had a blast welcoming new students last week and am excited to join you in this campus community. Watch this short video to be inspired by the sights and sounds of move-in last week.  To all of our new students, welcome and thank you for choosing UMD. To our returning students, welcome back to campus and Duluth. The UMD faculty and staff are here to support you wherever you are on your educational journey. Please seek out resources and support; we have designed them to enrich your Bulldog experience! And to our faculty and staff, thank you for your efforts to make the start of this year a success. We join a university environment because we value the transformation that education provides as we learn, discover, and grow, being fully present in the moment and preparing for a bright future. We do that when the environment is both welcoming and inclusive. College is a place where open discussions in a civil and respectful environment are essential to our growth, even when those discussions can be uncomfortable. Lean into that discomfort, ask questions, and embrace curiosity so that together we can create an inclusive community in which we all live, learn, play, and work.  I wish you all a great start to the academic year and look forward to seeing you around campus.

Charles Nies Chancellor

Student Success and Brand Refresh

Dear colleagues, 

This week we are one week out from the start of classes and I am looking forward to welcoming our students to campus. 

During the time I have been on campus, it is clear that at the forefront of our work is a focus on the success of our student scholars. Their shared goal will be marked by graduation. In between is the educational journey that we intentionally facilitate – challenging them to explore, ask questions, and experience new perspectives. Each of you has an integral role in helping our students succeed and I am grateful for the time and energy you put into delivering our mission. 

I am also excited to share a refresh to UMD’s brand. Driven by input from a variety of stakeholders, which included members of the campus community, this updated brand speaks to the inspiring qualities of our campus and our role within the University of Minnesota. 

Our student scholars come to UMD because of the incredible educational experiences, which are enhanced and supported by our amazing location and the opportunities afforded beyond the classroom. This brand refresh celebrates UMD’s courageous spirit, our natural integration across campus, community and environment, and our student-centric culture. That unique combination encourages growth and exploration for our scholars that yields lasting rewards. 

As with any rebranding process, updates will happen in stages. Watch for updated materials soon. In the meantime, you can watch a one minute video highlighting the new direction here.

I am thankful for the early engagements I have had over the summer and to have learned about the qualities you revealed over the past year during this branding refresh. I am excited to build further connections across campus and fully experience the energy of our community.

I appreciate all that you do to support UMD and our students.

I look forward to seeing you around campus.

Thank you,

Charles Nies Chancellor