Watch the video to learn more about Seattle University’s record-setting undergraduate enrollment, the latest rankings from U.S. News, our new fundraising milestone and some of the prominent speakers on campus this fall.
Comprehensive Review of Programs and Activities
Faculty and staff are, or will be, involved in some way in a campus-wide, comprehensive review of all of departments and programs at Seattle University. The review has been underway in non-academic areas for several months. Academic areas have begun the planning phase and will complete the process over the course of the winter and spring quarters this academic year.
I want to thank all faculty and staff for participating and doing so in a thoughtful manner. The review is an important step as we work toward a shared goal of building a thriving university of the highest quality. It will help us enhance resource allocation to invest in strategic priorities aimed at advancing academic excellence and student success and extending the reach of SU’s Jesuit education to more students.
For additional context, I invite you to read my recent State of the University address, A Vision of Our Future. I hope it serves as a starting point for further dialogue.
Campus Safety Measures You Can Take
As we keep the Umpqua Community College family in our thoughts and prayers following the tragic and senseless shooting on Oct. 1, it is important to be aware of campus safety measures each of us can take. The recent update from the Department of Public Safety provides helpful information and links. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to read the update and sign up for emergency text notifications.
Sexual Misconduct Information and Resources
Recent surveys and media coverage underscore the growing concern about sexual misconduct on campuses across the country. Combating it is a top priority at Seattle University. As I indicated in my President’s Welcome remarks, one of the books I read this past year was Missoula by Jon Krakauer. The book shattered any illusions I had about the extent and the viciousness of sexual assault on college campuses, forcing me to be doubly sure we are doing everything we possibly can to protect our students and provide them every resource and help they need. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the sexual misconduct information and resources page on our website.
In Case You Missed It: Mark Your Calendars for Town Halls on Climate Assessment
Last winter the campus community was invited to take a survey titled Assessment of Climate for Learning, Living and Working (also known as “The Big Important Survey”). Results of the survey will be shared this month as all students, faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to attend one of the following town hall meetings: Thursday, Oct. 22, 12:30-2 p.m. at Pigott Auditorium and 7-8:30 p.m. at Bannan Auditorium. Read more about the survey.
Socially Responsible Investment Task Force
The Socially Responsible Investments Task Force has resumed meeting this fall. The group has been reviewing the university’s current investments, what other universities have done and the range of options available as it considers what recommendations to make. Open forums for the university community are being planned for early winter quarter.
Tobacco-free
As you know, Seattle University became a tobacco-free campus on July 1. I am grateful to our campus community for making this transition as smooth as possible. Watch for an update from the Tobacco-free Task Force later this month. In the meantime, you can visit the tobacco-freewebsite for more information, including frequently asked questions and resources for people interested in smoking cessation.
Did You Know?
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s new College Scorecard, Seattle University graduates earn the highest median salary 10 years after entering school compared to all other colleges and universities in Washington state.