Provost Vaught's Thought's
Dear faculty,
Midterm Season is in full swing. The change in weather brings with it not only cooler temperatures but also a shift in students' needs and energy levels. Let's make an effort to provide meaningful feedback on assignments and assessments, offering guidance and support to help our students succeed. Additionally, take a moment to check on your students' well-being, as the academic journey can sometimes be challenging. Together, we can create a supportive learning environment.
As we approach the holiday season, let’s not forget to take care of ourselves. Remember to carve out time for relaxation and quality time with loved ones. "
Thank you for your dedication to our students' growth and success. If issues arise, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Academic Affairs.
Warm regards,
Office of Academic Affairs
ADA Accommodations Reminder
Hello Faculty,
As we move into the chillier weather, students will register for Spring semester classes
and renew their accommodations. Beginning October 23rd, if you receive an accommodation notification email, it may be for either the Fall
or Spring semester. Remember, you can view all accommodation letters at any time through
the Clockwork Faculty Portal.
We will also have a Fall Series of Accessibility Learning Sessions for Faculty with
topics including "Who is a student with a Disability?", "ADA Laws and Faculty Responsibility,"
and "Universal Design." These virtual sessions will run from October 30-November
20. Register here
If you have any questions, please reach out to Accessibility Services, and we are
happy to help.
801-863-8747
Important Dates
October 15
Department chair shall report Fall semester faculty workload to their dean by Oct. 15.
Supervisor review of goals and guidance must be completed.
October 19-21
Fall Break
October 21
Department chair submits tenure review portfolio and recommendation to the dean.
October 31
Last day to withdraw/audit classes
November 7
Dean delivers a copy of the solicited peer evaluations and the recommendations of the RTP committee, department chair, and dean to the candidate.
November 9
November 14
Final date for candidate to submit a written response to the dean.
November 15
Application request for Fall Semester is sent to Department Chair.
Deans, in consultation with department chairs, shall establish department ICHE goals.
Upcoming Events
October 3 - November 18
Faculty Art Exhibition at UVU Museum of Art
October 17
Voice Faculty Recital
Happenings in Humanities: Daniel Fairbanks
October 18
Degrees to Anywhere: From Psychology Major to Morgage Loan Officer, CB 510/511
October 27
UVU Mental Health Conference
November 15
Degrees to Anywhere: From Communication Majors to Entrepreneurs (CB 510/511)
Science vs. Hollywood: Twister (SB 134)
Happenings in Humanities: Laura Hurtado
November 16
Fall Presidential Lecture Series: Darryl Jones
UVU’s Working Mothers Conference
We are thrilled to invite you to UVU's first Working Mothers Conference! The conference will take place on UVU's main campus on November 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
UVU employees are invited to join us for a day of inspiring keynote speakers, informative breakout sessions, encouraging support groups, and delicious food! Topics include navigating aspirational shame, managing difficult emotions, maternal health, setting work boundaries, work-life balance, and more!
Registration is now open, and those who register by October 6th will be entered into a giveaway! Visit the conference website for more information and a full conference agenda.
We look forward to learning with and supporting you!
Sincerely,
UVU People and Culture
Faculty Ombuds Position Description
This is an Academic Affairs appointment that comes with a stipend. This is a pilot program and position which will be evaluated around May 2025. The initial appointment will begin in November 2023, with services offered to faculty to hopefully begin in January 2024.
Summary
The Faculty Ombuds Program aims to provide faculty with independent, confidential, impartial, and informal services to manage and/or resolve faculty-related issues, including early and informal conflict resolution at the lowest levels possible without the need to pursue formal grievance processes. During consultations, the ombuds will listen and serve as a strategic thought partner. They will help the visitor explore or develop options to resolve conflict or to surface an issue, provide resources and information about the University’s policies and systems, and otherwise assist with informal conflict resolution and problem-solving.
View Faculty Ombuds Program Description Here.
Qualifications
- Must be a full-time tenured associate or full professor in good standing
KNOWLEDGE
- Must be familiar with the International Ombuds Association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (found at https://www.ombudsassociation.org/standards-of-practice-code-of-ethics) (Academic Affairs will support training)
- Must have a working knowledge of university rules and policies, resources, and administrative processes
- Must be familiar with sound principles of visitor consultation and advisement, and individual and organizational conflict resolution
SKILLS
- Must have solid interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including active listening
- Must have analytical, time management, and problem-solving skills
ABILITIES
- Must have the ability to convey empathy and approachability, remain neutral, maintain confidentiality, and act with sensitivity in highly charged situations
- Must have the ability to clarify issues and develop creative solutions in complex situations
OTHER
- Relevant training in dispute resolution, mediation, or negotiation is preferred
- Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures is also desired
How to Apply
Interested candidates will provide an application letter expressing interest and addressing qualifications as related to the functions of the position and the content of the Program Description. Faculty Ombuds candidates must get prior written approval of service from their supervisor and dean before submitting their application letter. Letters should be sent to the Faculty Senate President at [email protected] on or before October 31, 2023.
Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research
Are you ready to showcase your innovative research to a wider audience? We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Undergraduate Conference for Undergraduate Research - UCUR 2024 hosted here at Utah Valley University, where undergraduate scholars can shine!
FACULTY RESEARCH FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Undergraduate Research and Creative Works Office offers five different grant opportunities to support faculty research. GEL Grant awards range in amounts from $3,500 to $15,000 and can be for one to two years. The Juntos (Hoon-Tohs) can be for one year for up to $10,000 and two years for up to $15,000 per year. The Faculty-Led Student Professional Experience (FLSPE) Grant provides faculty funds to engage entire undergraduate classes in discipline-specific activities with awards up to $10,000.
Each grant provides faculty with the opportunity to engage students in several ways. Helping students succeed in their chosen discipline while benefiting from the expertise of faculty and providing faculty the time and financial support to conduct any type of research/project.
Get support while you share your time, passion, and experience incorporating students in your research and field of study by applying for one of our grants today.
Click Here for student/faculty research information.
Click Here for the application for faculty GEL Grants.
Click Here for the student/faculty applications for JUNTOS/URSCA Grants.
Important Conference Dates
September 11
Abstract submissions open
November 3
Abstract submission closes
December 4
Notification of acceptance
Registration to present opens
January 12
Registration closes
February 15
UCUR kickoff party
February 16
UCUR conference
Library Instruction Boosts Information Literacy
Are your students struggling to find sources and complete research assignments? The
ability to access, evaluate, and use credible information is crucial to academic and
professional success; library instruction can ensure your students have a solid information
literacy skillset to effectively tackle their courses and career goals.
Fulton Library’s subject librarians offer information literacy instruction in a variety
of modalities:
• In-person and online course-integrated sessions
• Online tutorials and research guides
• SLSS 1050 credit-bearing course
• Individual research consultations
We offer two types of course-integrated instruction: For courses with a research component,
our subject librarians provide subject-specific instruction, highlighting library
resources and
research techniques necessary for students to succeed on specific assignments. For
ENGL 1005,
1010, and 2010, academic research instruction sets students up for success in their
academic
writing courses, focusing on a-la-carte skills that instructors can select from an
instruction
menu.
Course-integrated instruction can be customized based on your learning outcomes,
assignments, and other course needs. Whether your students need help locating relevant
sources, evaluating source credibility, or avoiding plagiarism, our librarians will
meet them at
their level of understanding, offering a deeper understanding of information literacy
concepts.
Interested in scheduling course-integrated instruction? You can request library instruction
online!
Questions?
If you have questions about library instruction, contact Instruction Coordinator Karen
Sturtevant at 801-863-7214 or [email protected].
Are You Using OER in a Course?
We need your expertise!
Open educational resources (OER)—textbooks and other educational material in the public domain—can transform the higher education landscape, making degrees more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds.
As UVU continues to embrace open educational resources, we need to understand how faculty use OER in their courses. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey, which will shed light on the use and cost savings of OER at UVU. The survey is anonymous unless you choose to enter the drawing for one of twenty meal vouchers ($10) given to those who complete the survey. The survey will close on Friday, November 10, and is available here.
UVU Thrive: Here to Help Students Grow
There’s more to the college experience than academics, and Student Development and
Well-Being has launched a new initiative to help Wolverines in and out of the classroom.
UVU Thrive is dedicated to connecting students to resources to support all aspects of their
well-being, from basic needs and mental health to social connectedness and wellness.
Every month, we will be highlighting what the student experience looks like and how
UVU faculty and staff can support students throughout the semester lifecycle. This
month we also encourage you to familiarize yourself with mental health resources both
on and off campus.
Centering Mental Health
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and we recognize that mental health can be
a significant barrier to accessing higher education. With midterms rapidly approaching,
students may begin to see their mental health impact their academic performance. As
faculty and staff, we have a responsibility to break down these barriers and support
Wolverines throughout the semester by connecting them to mental health resources.
UVU Thrive has collected mental health resources and compiled them into a self-reflection
exercise for students. We ask that you review these resources so you’re prepared to
support student mental health.
October Student Snapshot
Now that students have had time to settle into their routines for the semester, they
are beginning to identify areas where they may need support. This may be tutoring
to better understand what they’re learning, time management resources, or strategies
to reduce stress. Here are some programs and departments on campus where you can direct
students to help them throughout the midterm season.
Midterms and Academic Performance
Midterm exams and projects are often a significant portion of a student’s final grade, so students can be especially worried about performing well on their midterms. Whether a student needs additional support understanding the subject matter or accommodations to succeed in a testing environment, UVU has resources available to help students meet their academic goals.
Managing Time and Stress
It’s crucial for students to take care of themselves throughout midterms so they can study effectively without burning out. Students may need support in time management and may also be dealing with high levels of stress. In whatever case, we have programs and services in place to support student well-being throughout midterms.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75th Anniversary
Join us for a celebration of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights!
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Following the Second World War, the international community wanted to ensure that the atrocities of the war never happened again. This led to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), consisting of 30 articles, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. Now, 75 years later, the world has evolved, raising the question—what does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mean for us today?
Find out more about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: watch a short Video, see a list of Abbreviated Articles, or read the Full Articles.
Call for Submissions
We invite you (students and faculty) to submit a creative work representing one, several, or all of the articles of the UDHR.
Optional prompt: What does the UDHR mean for you?
There are the categories:
- Essays (creative)
- Poetry
- Art/Poster
- Music composition (instrumental or vocal)
- Dance composition
- For other categories, please contact the Office for Global Engagement ([email protected]).
Submission Instructions and Guidelines:
- Written works need to be submitted as a Word document. Creative essays should be 500–1000 words.
- Video/audio: Music compositions should be between 3–5 minutes and submitted as an MP3 file.
- Art Poster: We welcome all physical media that can be placed on an easel. Submissions must also be emailed as a JPG.
- Dance compositions should be between 5–7 minutes and submitted as an MP4 file.
Submission deadline: Sunday, November 19, 2023
For submissions and questions contact: [email protected]
Selected submissions will be presented on the day of celebration: December 6, 2023, at 3pm in the Grande Ballroom.
October Service-Learning Superstar
We are pleased to announce Dr. Nate Cottle as the October Service-Learning Superstar!
Dr. Nate Cottle is a Professor of Family Science in the Behavioral Science. Shortly after arriving at UVU, he began engaging his students in service-learning projects in the Family Life Education Methodology class and in the community internships and UVU Stronger Families Program.
For example, in FAMS 4500, Dr. Cottle’s students write curricula to teach families of various types to improve their functioning and coping skills. The students become certified in Survival Skills for Healthy Families and use that curriculum in their teaching families in the community as part of the UVU Stronger Families Program. His use of service-learning helps teach students vital skills, which are essential learning outcomes for students in the Family Science major.
Some of Dr. Cottle’s students have taken this certification and lessons from their curricula to present to families in a variety of settings outside of UVU. These students are better prepared through service learning to enter the workforce and share their skills as they intervene with families in their careers.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Nate Cottle for his incredible service-learning efforts!
Dr. Jonathan Westover, Academic Director, Center for Social Impact
Dr. Ezgi Sertler, Associate Academic Director, Center for Social Impact
We welcome nominations for future Service-Learning Superstars on a rolling basis, and self-nominations are encouraged. To nominate, please send an email to Dr. Jon Westover ([email protected]) and Dr. Ezgi Sertler ([email protected]) with a 250-word description of the nominee, department affiliation, and service-learning course activities.
Policy News
Policy Highlight
Policy 366 Emeritus Faculty
Emeritus status is an honor conferred by the University for select full-time retirees. (1.1) These employees are those “who (1) have made significant meritorious contributions to the University in the areas of student success, teaching, scholarship, leadership, innovation, and/or service and (2) retire in good standing.” (4.1.1) This distinguishment also provides linkage with the University “in order to promote continued development of the University, retain contact with those carrying significant university memory, and allow opportunity for specific university privileges and benefits.” (1.1)
A retiring employee is eligible for emeritus status if they: (1) Are at least 57 years old with a minimum of 10 years of full-time university employment service, or (2) Have a combined age and years of full-time employment service that is 75 or greater, or (3) Are any age with at least 30 years of full-time university employment. (5.1)
To be considered for faculty emeritus status, an eligible retiring employee must submit an Emeritus Consideration Request Form to People & Culture no less than six months prior to retirement. An exception “may be granted at the discretion of the Provost or vice president of the retiring employee’s division.” (5.1.3)
The Office of the Provost, in consultation with People & Culture, will determine whether the applicant is retiring in good standing with the University. Upon an affirmative determination, People & Culture will “forward the candidate’s application to their department chair and RTP committee.” (5.2.1)
First, the RTP committee will meet and must “vote upon the recommendation within 120 calendar days of the retirement date. […] Upon simple majority vote, the RTP committee will forward their recommendation with the Emeritus Consideration Request Form to the department chair.” (5.2.2) Within 14 calendar days of receiving the recommendation and request form, the department chair will “review the recommendation of the RTP committee and the Emeritus Consideration Request Form, provide comments regarding the meritorious contribution of the candidate, and forward their recommendation to the dean.” (5.2.3) Within 30 calendar days, the dean will “consider the recommendation of [both] the department chair and RTP committee, and submit a written recommendation for action to the Provost.” (5.2.4) Next, the Provost will consider the dean’s recommendation and “present a written recommendation to President’s Council for their consideration and action.” (5.2.5) Upon a majority vote of approval, the President will notify the retiring employee of their emeritus rank.
The procedure for granting executives and staff emeritus status is very similar. Rather than forwarding the candidate’s application to the department chair and RTP committee, People & Culture will “forward the candidate’s application to their supervisor.”
Policy Update
On September 28, 2023, the President’s Council approved the following policies to be updated in the Policy Manual: Policy 141 Cost Transfers for Sponsored Programs, Policy 168 Whistleblower Anti-Retaliation, Policy 201 General Fiscal Policies and Procedures, Policy 202 Payroll, Policy 205 Investments, and Policy 607 Course-Based Fees for Credit Courses.
Remember to get your comments to your Faculty Senate senator or PACE representative for Policy 376 Reduction in Force, Policy 632 Assignment and Advancement in Academic Rank, Policy 649 Faculty Remediation, Sanction, and Dismissal due to Cause, all of which are now in stage 2, Review by UVU Entities. The review closes on December 7, 2023.
President’s Council also approved Policy 211 Employee Appreciation and Recognition (Gifts and Rewards)to extend stage 3, Campus Community Review. The review closes on October 20, 2023.