CLAS Signature Areas decided
Based on proposals prepared by faculty from across the college and university, voting by faculty, staff and students, and after considerable discussion by the CLAS Council, the CLAS Chairs, and the CLAS leadership team, seven interdisciplinary signature areas have been identified that will be included in the CLAS strategic plan. They are (in alphabetical order):
o Environome Science
o Geo-Spatial Technologies
o Innovative Learning Research
o Public Humanities
o Social Justice, Civic Engagement, and Critical Consumption
o Sustainability
o Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
(Note that Innovative Learning Research is a combination of the original TRUE Learning and the Science and Math Education Research proposals).
Many thanks to everyone who participated in this process. It generated a lot of excitement, and there is already significant activity occurring to propel these broad and diverse college signature areas forward. Some of the proposals that did not rise to the level of college signature areas nonetheless generated new initiatives that are also being actively pursued by interest groups within the college.
The next steps in the process will include a) listing the signature areas in the college strategic plan; b) including a request for campus “initiative funding” for signature area activities in the budget proposal for next year, and c) planning to move ahead with the initiatives outlined in the 5-page proposals for each area. Please be aware that selection of a signature area indicates that there is broad faculty support in the college for the initiative, and that the college will work to help achieve the initiatives; however it is not a commitment to fund everything in all the proposals! Each signature area group will be meeting with the dean and the office of sponsored programs to plan out activities and support strategies.
Celebration of Jerry Jacks' life
Gathering and luncheon: April 2
Long time UCDHSC political science instructor, Jerry Jacks, recently passed away. The department of political science is hosting a gathering and luncheon on Monday, April 2 at 1:00 pm. in the St. Cajetan’s Center to commemorate his nearly twenty years of service to the university. Refreshments will be provided. Everyone remembers him in different ways, both with respect as well as humor. Please come for lunch, meet your friends and feel free to share your thoughts. During the gathering, the political science faculty will confer a scholarship fund in his name to his widow, Karen.
University computer disposal
New Procedure
The university has implemented a new procedure for the disposal of old university computers. In the past, departments had to a contact a state agency that would pick up the equipment and charge the department a small fee. With the new procedure, departments will no longer be charged and disposal will be facilitated by the university’s finance office and ITS. Please reference these instructions, as well as the policy and form to aid you in the process.
Please contact Paul Fass (303) 315-2249 or Mark Obie (303) 315-2257 in the the Space and Asset Management Office if you have further questions.
Strategic Planning
Work Session scheduled: March 27
On Tuesday, March 27, there will be an open college meeting from 8:30-12:30 in CU-470 to discuss the current working draft of the CLAS strategic plan. After a general discussion, breakout groups will edit each of the goals, focusing on the objectives considered most critical for the next three years. All CLAS faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend. The working draft can be found here. Also, a task force is forming to write the first draft of a diversity plan for the college. If you are interested in joining the diversity plan task force, or have questions about the strategic planning process, please contact Kathleen Bollard.
Commencement
Call for volunteers: May 12
Spring 2007 commencement will be 9 a.m. Saturday, May 12, on the Auraria playing fields. Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in this exciting event, the most visible sign that we are fulfilling our mission.This is the best opportunity we have to show our graduates’ families and the community who we are—a university that strives for excellence with integrity. (Information)
Research and Creative Activities Symposium
Encourage students to showcase work: April 20
The Research and Creative Activities Symposium is scheduled for April 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the scholarly activities of UCDHSC students and faculty on the downtown Denver campus. Any UCDHSC undergraduate or graduate student engaged in faculty-mentored research, creative, and entrepreneurial activities is encouraged to participate. (Information)
Classified Staff Performance Evaluations, Plans and Training
Due April 16
All supervisors of classified staff are reminded that the current performance evaluation cycle for classified staff ends March 31. The deadline per Regent Policy 11-F-3-11-2 for submitting original copies of the complete, signed evaluation to the Human Resources Office (Campus Box: 130, Attn: Evaluations) is Monday, April 16. (Information)
Reminders / Events
Chairs' Meeting reschedule
The Chairs' Meeting originally scheduled for April 5 has been changed to April 12 from 10-12. There was also a room change to CU-626 for this meeting only.
Chairs: please remember to schedule your department's merit review during the second and fourth weeks of April. Contact Rick Wilson for scheduling.
Bake Sale: Ethnic Studies Student Organization, March 15
The Ethnic Studies Student Organization is holding a bake sale on Thursday, March 15, from 11-3 p.m., in the North Classroom Atrium.
Outstanding Graduate Student dossiers are due to Tammy Stone on March 23.
Annual faculty meeting with Chancellor Wilson, April 6
All downtown Denver faculty are invited to the annual UCDHSC Faculty Meeting for a conversation with Chancellor Wilson from 12:30-2 p.m. April 6 in the second floor Terrace Room of the Lawrence Street Center. Lunch will be served. The meeting will be followed by the regular Faculty Assembly meeting.
Dean's Reception
April 23, 2007
Tivoli Adirondack's Room
1:30-4:00pm
IN THIS ISSUE:
CLAS Signature Areas decided
Celebration of Jerry Jacks' life
University computer disposal
Strategic Planning
Commencement
Research and Creative Activities Symposium
Classified Staff Performance Evaluations, Plans, and Training
Reminders / Events
ARCHIVES:
Past issues since Jan 21, 2007.
USEFUL LINKS:
Campus News (PostExpress archives)
The CLAS Deans' Notes is a weekly newsletter
for department chairs and staff.
EDITORS:
Rick Wilson
303.556.2557
Rick.Wilson @cudenver.edu
Katy Brown
303.556.6663
Katy.Brown @cudenver.edu