From the Office of Provost Peggy Agouris
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Dear colleagues,
As we begin a new semester, it is inspiring to see our community come together after a summer marked by transformative achievements. Whether you’re returning to campus or have been here engaged in summer projects, let's build on our progress and make this an outstanding year for everyone.
This fall marks the final semester of W&M’s Year of the Arts, highlighting how the arts strengthen all facets of the educational experience. That’s why I’m especially thrilled to share that the Office of the Provost is accepting proposals for the newly established Art & Science Exchange (ASE). The ASE will award three research teams of W&M faculty, staff, and students up to $25,000 each for a public-facing, interdisciplinary project shared with the campus. As you prepare for the start of classes, consider submitting a proposal and encourage your students to do the same. Please feel free to collaborate across schools and programs, and submit more than one proposal. I look forward to the creativity and innovation the ASE will spark across campus.
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For those who are new to the communications cadence from my office, you can expect a curated list like this one at the beginning of each week during the academic year. My objective with the 5 Things is to share at-a-glance timely items of interest specifically for faculty throughout the year so that you are aware of and able to participate in numerous activities and informed about what is occurring across the campus that may impact you as a faculty member.
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Here are the first Top 5 for this semester: |
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I enjoyed seeing many of you at our Professional Development days earlier this month. As President Rowe shared, we are embarking on an academic year of learning during a time when our national atmosphere will feel particularly charged. Although uncertainty and the potential disagreement due to diverse interests and multiple perspectives can feel daunting, we at William & Mary, with our faculty and students, are equipped to skillfully navigate these times. With that in mind, I encourage you to consider attending one of the workshops hosted by the Democracy Initiative to put the Better Arguments principles and Confidence Map framework into practice.
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As you heard at the end of last semester, Blackboard Ultra is now available for courses this fall. IT has provided a guide to Ultra Courses, which includes how to get started from a blank course as well as how to transfer Original Courses to the new version. The Blackboard Ultra website features a wealth of helpful information for you as you get acquainted with Ultra, including any upcoming training opportunities and/or open office hours. For more detailed questions, please contact the Technology Support Center at support@wm.edu. Please also keep an eye out for an additional email update with technology tips and important updates for faculty coming this afternoon.
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Last month, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia approved William & Mary’s School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. Significant work is underway as we prepare for the fall 2025 launch. We have several promising Dean candidates who have visited and will visit campus in the near future. I look forward to sharing additional details with you as they become available.
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The safety of the William & Mary community is always top priority. As we come back together on campus, please note that information and resources are available related to COVID as well as other major communicable diseases. There is also a page focused on student resources to assist in answering any questions you might receive.
- This week’s shout-out goes to the many talented event-planners across campus who are busy helping us kick off the fall semester. Each event on our busy calendars represents countless hours of behind-the-scenes work to ensure we have these opportunities for connection and community. Thank you to everyone with a hand in making these events possible!
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I am counting on seeing you on Wednesday evening at Opening Convocation, where Dr. Cleveland “Cleve” Francis Jr. M.A. ’69 will welcome William & Mary’s new students to campus. We will also have another opportunity to gather on Friday at 3:30 pm in Tucker 127A for the fall faculty meeting followed by a reception in the Wren Yard at 5:00 pm.
I look forward to reconnecting with you and welcoming our new faculty and students as we embark on what promises to be another exceptional academic year.
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