Dear WVU Faculty:
Greetings and welcome to the start of a new academic year! With the return of our students, the beginning of Fall semester is always an exciting time in which we face our work with renewed energy and high hopes for a successful year. As the year rolls out, you will note some positive changes at the University designed to support your success.
In his campus-wide message last week, President Gee reminded us to take care of ourselves and each other. The launch of the new safety.wvu.edu website is one way we are building on efforts to improve the health and well-being of all Mountaineers. Our approach to campus safety is a holistic one. It goes beyond providing faculty and students with a list of emergency procedures and contacts. It is predicated on a commitment to overall health and wellness programs and fostering a diverse and inclusive community at WVU.
In the coming months, we will share more about our vision for the future and our steps toward transforming academics and culture at WVU. We'll increase our efforts to keep you updated on new and ongoing initiatives and offer platforms for feedback and discussion. We'll highlight new opportunities for professional development for faculty and leadership across all WVU campuses.
It promises to be a busy year. I'm asking a lot of my team and of my colleagues across the WVU system. And I'm asking each of you to do your part when the call comes.
At New Faculty Orientation earlier this month, I offered the following advice to the newest members of our Mountaineer family, but my words pertain to each of you — and all of us.
- Work hard, but pace yourself, and make time for self-care.
- While you are at WVU, commit to being here and having an impact.
- Be kind to each other and help maintain our caring community. We all own the culture.
- Run your own race and focus on what you can do to make a difference.
- Ask for help when you need it and take advantage of WVU's resources.
Let's Go.
Maryanne Reed
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs