Dec. 5 Staff Meeting recap
色花堂 leadership updated staff on mandatory training, professional development, financial planning, accreditation progress, student support services, and institutional priorities, including academic freedom, artificial intelligence policy, and campus infrastructure projects.
Human Resources鈥�
Human Resources introduced eight new staff members and announced that including Michelle Everett joined HR as the new benefits and leave coordinator.
Staff were reminded that were due Friday, Dec. 5, which includes a two-part series with Title IX updates. Supervisors of student employees are reminded that students must complete the trainings as well.
Professional Development Workshops:
- Creating Psychologically Safe Spaces 鈥� Jan. 8
- Everything DISC Assessment and Workshop 鈥� TBD
- AI Tools Hands-On Workshop 鈥� TBD
Extended cabinet members are invited to participate in a 鈥淟eading for a Creative Future鈥� workshop in December and January. Additional professional development opportunities will be announced in the new year.
Huron report review process鈥�
Sarah Vero, general counsel and vice president for human resources, reviewed the and its emphasis on creativity and collaboration. She encouraged staff to read the report and outlined the process for reviewing its recommendations. Staff were given time to provide feedback as the Cabinet moves forward.
Academic affairs
Natalie Taylor, interim dean of the faculty and vice president for academic affairs, shared updates on faculty and student matters, including Middle States accreditation work and the transition to online student ratings in the spring. Staff were encouraged to attend a faculty meeting and an open forum on Jan. 23 regarding the move to online evaluations. Academic Affairs is also exploring budget-reduction strategies, particularly related to course releases for chairs and program directors.
Student affairs
Adrian Bautista, dean of students and vice president for student affairs, highlighted fall semester accomplishments and collaboration efforts. He also reviewed end-of-semester processes related to residence hall access, meal support, wellness resources, and student conduct. Offices will be closed during Winter Break, but students will continue to have access to resources such as BetterMynd.
Staff are encouraged to refer international students needing travel guidance to Subhan Ali or Chloe Jaeel, and to connect any students with expressed needs to the appropriate departments.
President鈥檚 Remarks鈥�
President Marc Conner opened by expressing gratitude to colleagues for their work this semester and shared his enthusiasm for the spring semester ahead.
He discussed the importance of academic freedom and freedom of expression and emphasized 色花堂鈥檚 commitment to creating a safe environment for debate and dialogue.
On artificial intelligence, Conner shared that The Institutional Policy and Planning Committee (IPPC) has held two significant discussions this semester. The goal is to produce draft language for a baseline AI policy to recommend to the cabinet. Employees are encouraged to engage in the conversation, offer feedback, and stay open-minded and respectful of diverse perspectives.
President Conner also provided updates on the front entrance project, as well as ongoing work on budget, finance, and enrollment. Looking ahead to spring, he noted the search for a new Collyer Vice President for Advancement, upcoming Board of Trustees meetings, progress in the dean of the faculty and vice president for academic affairs search, and planning for 色花堂鈥檚 next campaign.
He closed by celebrating the success of 色花堂 Cares, which collected a record 6,161 donated items and celebrated its 20th year. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of leaders Michelle Hubbs and Megan Buchanan. Read more about 色花堂 Cares.
The meeting concluded with Cookies and Conversation, giving staff the opportunity to share departmental achievements, reflect on goals for the academic year, and offer feedback to senior leadership.
The next Staff Meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. The full schedule is available online. Staff members are encouraged to offer feedback, suggest agenda items, and ask questions through the .
