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Whereness (noun): The condition or essence of being situated or existing in a specific place or location. From Old English hwǣr — earliest documented use, 1674. (Garg, Anu. "Whereness." A.Word.A.Day, March 28, 2025)

In this issue of FAN, we’re reflecting on whereness—not just in the geographic sense, but in the deeper, quieter ways it shows up in faculty life. Where is your work taking shape? Where are you finding clarity, friction, connection? To where are your thoughts circling back? Whereness asks for presence. It makes room for different kinds of being in place—whether carving out time to write, gathering in the Faculty Commons, or planning the last weeks of your classes. As you scroll through this issue, think of it as a map of sorts—a collection of locations, projects, and opportunities that remind us where we are, and maybe, where we want to be.

Where are you in your faculty journey? If you’re in your first five years at UMKC and making a meaningful impact through teaching, research, or service, consider applying for the 2025 Early Career Faculty Award (ECFA). The UMKC Emeritus College sponsors ECFA, offering $1,000 grants to support collaborations, travel, meetings, and networking. Funds will be available by Summer 2025 for use through 2026, making this a great opportunity to strengthen your research and connections. This recognition celebrates the energy, insight, and momentum of faculty who are shaping their fields—and our campus—with distinction.

Learn more and apply early at UMKC Emeritus College, and check out the impact of past awardees through their recorded reports.

Seventy-three years to the day after its original dedication, A Mural in the Language of Today’s Art returns to display. Created in 1952 by Italian artist Domenico Rotella during his Fulbright year at the University of Kansas City, the mural draws on the visual language of modern science—bold, abstract, and experimental.

Rotella would later reinvent himself as Mimmo Rotella, a pioneer of Italian pop art whose influence shaped a generation of artists. But this mural, hidden for decades in storage, captures an early flash of brilliance—and a pivotal chapter in UMKC’s creative legacy.

Join us for the unveiling at 1:00 PM in the Faculty Commons. Brief remarks from Provost Jenny Lundgren begin at 1:15. Want to know more? In-depth talks about the restoration and history of the mural begin at 1:45 in the CAFE Conference Room by Scout Marshall and Chris Wolff.

RSVP

Where does teaching take shape? In Canvas, in conversations, in small teaching adjustments that make a big difference. This spring, we’re focusing on the evolving spaces where learning lives—whether through the Student Experience Project, Missouri Online’s visit, or everyday choices faculty make to support clarity, connection, and momentum.

Members from Academic Technology are scheduled to participate in UMKC's campus visit. Drop in at any time during the meet & greet to participate in collaborative conversations, pick up some swag, enjoy some refreshments, enter a drawing for prizes, ask questions and talk about your teaching goals.

Table topics will include: Artificial Intelligence, accessibility in your course, course analytics and faculty development.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

UMKC Health Sciences Campus HSB 3301 - 12:00 - 1:00pm

UMKC Volker Campus UMKC Faculty Commons at Newcomb Hall 3rd Floor - 12:00 - 2:00pm

David Trowbridge (History) created a short video for his students—and they loved it. Over 200 views and 40+ comments later, the consensus is clear: “All students should watch this.” That phrase came up again and again in their feedback, often alongside personal stories about why the video mattered to them. With the goal of connecting with students in a more human, helpful way, David posted the video on an optional discussion board and asked for input.

He’s planning to make a new video each semester and is looking for fresh ideas. What would you want students to hear more about?  If you have ideas or want to collaborate, reach out. Watch the video and see what all the buzz is about and share it with your students.

The Equity-Based Teaching Collective (EBTC), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has released a powerful new report on how institutions can implement equity-based teaching practices at scale. Based on three years of research, the Equity-Based Teaching Playbook offers practical, research-informed strategies for: Academic leaders and department chairs, centers for teaching and learning, faculty at all career stages, institutional policymakers, and student support teams.This free, comprehensive resource is available through the end of 2025. 

Research doesn’t always move in straight lines—and creativity rarely stays in its lane. Whether you’re deep in a manuscript, starting a grant proposal, or revisiting an old idea with new eyes, we want to support the momentum you’re building.

Publishing consultant, developmental editor, and author of The Book Proposal Book (Princeton, 2021), Dr. Portwood-Stacer helps scholars navigate the publishing process with clarity and confidence. Through her company, Manuscript Works, she supports academic writers at every stage—from early ideas to polished proposals.

On May 19, 2025, Laura joins us at UMKC for two hands-on workshops designed to demystify the path to publication:

May 21–23, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | In person | Apply soon

Keep your writing momentum going after Laura Portwood-Stacer’s visit—or jumpstart a stalled project with focused time, structure, and support. The Faculty Writing Initiative Summer Retreat offers three full days of quiet accountability, writing in community, and space to make meaningful progress.

Coffee, snacks, and lunch are provided—just bring your words. No feedback sessions, no distractions. Just time to write.

Need a web-based home for your research, project prototype, or scholarly outreach? Create UMKC is a new pilot program from UMKC Libraries Digital Scholarship Services offering flexible, faculty-managed web hosting through platforms like Omeka, Scalar, and WordPress.

Backed by a Funding for Excellence grant from the Office of Research Development, Create UMKC is designed to support grant-seeking faculty—especially those in the digital humanities—who need a proof-of-concept site for proposals to agencies like NEH or IMLS.

Whether you’re building a digital archive, showcasing collaborative work, or developing a prototype for an emerging project, Create UMKC can help you get started, get funded, and share your work widely. Check it out!

Faculty life is a balance of individual pace and collective purpose. As we move through the final stretch of the semester, we’re anchoring our support in a few key places.

Organized by Gwen Nally and Debra Leiter, Faculty Fellows for Fun

Mark your calendars for the rescheduled UMKC Faculty Picnic—now on Sunday, May 4 at Sunnyside Park (8329 Summit, Kansas City, MO 64114) a green space with a quirky backstory and plenty of room to roam.

Once a cornfield-surrounded riding academy, Sunnyside Park sits on land once owned by Napoleon Boone, great-grandson of Daniel Boone. The site later housed a 1940s dance hall before transforming into the neighborhood park we know today. Now, it offers open space, shade trees, a sprayground, tennis courts, and playgrounds—ideal for a casual, family-friendly gathering.

No program. No pressure. Just a chance to bring your humans, your snacks, and your picnic spirit.

CAFE is offering to sponsor 10 individual one-year memberships to the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD). While the UM System no longer has an institutional membership, this is a chance for faculty to access NCFDD’s full suite of resources, including webinars, writing support, and professional development tools. To be considered, email Alexis Petri by Friday, April 18 at 5:00 PM with a short description of: (1) How you are currently engaging with NCFDD, and (2) how your NCFDD engagement addresses needs not currently met through CAFE offerings 

This opportunity is intended to complement, not duplicate, existing UMKC support for faculty.

The Code of Conduct reflects our core values, setting expectations for ethical behavior and encouraging us to always do what’s right. Reporting concerns is an important part of this, helping improve policies and build trust. This contributes to a respectful workplace, reducing stress and boosting productivity. To report a concern, speak with a trusted supervisor or use the Integrity and Accountability Hotline.

For more information visit www.umsystem.edu/ums/ecas/reportingconcerns

Wherever you are in your semester—grading, writing, catching your breath—we hope this issue helped you feel a little more grounded, a little more connected.

Thanks for the work you do, and for the way you do it.

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