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Northwestern Office of the Provost

Faculty Newsletter | December 2023

Dear faculty,

 

In academia, we are conditioned to plan ahead — for the next lecture, for the next term and so on. Thus, even as we close the books on 2023, the Office of the Provost is busy planning for 2024. There is much on the slate in the early months of the new year. Here are a few highlights: 

  • The Office of the Provost is currently accepting applications for two grant programs: the Provost’s Grants for Research in Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts (up to $5,000) and the Career Development and Writing Supports Grants (up to $4,000). The deadline to apply is Jan. 19. Pease visit our Funding Opportunities website for additional information.
  • On Fridays from Jan. 12 to March 8, the Office of the Provost will host an On-site Faculty Writing Group for full-time faculty, providing dedicated time for advancing writing projects. Space is limited, so please register early.
  • The next faculty webinar will take place at noon on Jan. 31. We will be joined in conversation by our three new deans: Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy, Dean of the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP); Jonathan Bailey Holland, Dean of the Bienen School of Music; and Christopher Schuh, Dean of the McCormick School of Engineering. We will share webinar registration information in January.

I encourage you to mark your calendars with these important dates. Please also look for a message from Provost Kathleen Hagerty next week that will provide additional faculty guidance for the new year. 

 

I wish you a happy holiday season. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Sumit Dhar
Associate Provost for Faculty

News and notes

Call for honorary degree nominations

Every year, Northwestern awards honorary degrees to select individuals of exceptional accomplishment, who will be awarded during the Commencement ceremony. Nomination criteria and required materials for 2025 honorary degrees are detailed online. Please complete the online nomination form by March 1. Questions may be directed to honorarydegree@northwestern.edu.

 

Buffett at Global Climate Summit

A delegation of Northwestern faculty and graduate students supported by Northwestern Buffett traveled to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to attend the world’s largest annual international treaty negotiations and climate summit, COP28. The 12 members of Northwestern's delegation to COP28 span five Northwestern schools and have examined climate change through a variety of disciplinary lenses. They will share their thought leadership in panel discussions and research presentations and attend events hosted by climate leaders across the world. Read more.

 

News from the Office of Human Resources

  • The myHR Learn homepage has a new streamlined design and new resources, including the Professional Skills Curriculum and a curated set of playlists focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and personal well-being.
  • In an effort to protect sensitive personal information, reduce paper and printing and decrease unnecessary expenses, all faculty and staff are encouraged to opt, no later than Dec. 31, for receiving only a digital W-2 for 2023. To do so, sign into myHR, select the “Pay” tile and choose “W-2 Electronic Consent.” Your consent will remain valid for future years.

  

In case you missed it

Faculty support and resources

Generative AI in the Classroom

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools such as ChatGPT can provide instructors new ways to engage students in their learning and prepare them for life after graduation. To acquaint faculty with GAI and offer suggestions for its use, the Office of the Provost and AI@NU have created an easy-to-navigate website that includes guidance on how to clearly communicate expectations to students. The website also has videos sharing real-world examples of how Northwestern faculty are navigating the pedagogical challenges and opportunities, including a recent one with Kate Compton, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science, discussing how GAI can be "the world's best tutor." As your department continues the conversation, consider engaging with the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching to customize a session on addressing or incorporating GAI into assignments and assessments.

 

Mentoring Training Program for STEM faculty

The Office of the Provost, The Graduate School and the Center for Leadership are offering the Faculty Mentoring Training Program. The program, which is open to all STEM faculty, includes small group work, case studies, short lecture-style learning and guidance to help faculty be intentional and confident in their mentoring abilities. The National Institutes of Health and Northwestern strongly suggest that faculty appointed to T32 and other training grants participate in faculty mentor training, but even STEM faculty not appointed to training grants are welcome to participate. The program is offered in four modules; the first took place Nov. 29 and the next one is Jan. 8. View subsequent dates and register online.

 

Reimagining Assessment Practicum

The Reimagining Assessment Practicum (RAP) is a three-week online program designed for instructors of all levels, background and teaching contexts to learn more about and reflect on assessment and grading practices, with an emphasis on equitable approaches and alternative methods. This practicum will draw on expertise and experience from faculty and staff around the University.

Register for the practicum.

 

Navigating Tenure 

New and early career faculty are invited to join a faculty panel discussion on navigating tenure on Jan. 17. Moderated by Associate Provost for Faculty Sumit Dhar, a panel of faculty members representing a variety of disciplines and schools will discuss general tips for navigating the tenure process and learning where to obtain information and resources. Register online by Jan. 10. 

 

Faculty Leaders Series 

The Faculty Leaders Series equips department chairs, division chiefs and faculty directors with the knowledge and skills they need to lead. Upcoming sessions include “Strategic Planning 101,” “Chair’s Role in Developing, Promoting and Retaining Faculty,” and “Faculty Service.” View more information and register online.

 

Take care of yourself

  • Northwestern's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, SupportLinc, provides faculty, staff and household members 24/7/365 free and confidential access to a variety of mental health and well-being services and resources, including short-term counseling to help address everyday life challenges in a confidential, professional and supportive manner. In addition to SupportLinc, the Office of the Provost offers the Faculty Wellness Program. 
  • SupportLinc is now offering free four-week virtual support groups for Northwestern employees. Groups will be facilitated by a licensed counselor and are specifically for University employees. Two group topics will be available: "Coping with Loss" and "Stress Management in the Workplace." Learn more and register.
  • We are entering the thick of flu season and the best way to protect yourself and others from catching influenza is to get the annual flu vaccine. Make an appointment through the MyNM app or website, or call 847-491-8100.

 

Caregiver support benefit

A caregiver support benefit from Cariloop that was piloted last year is now available to benefits-eligible faculty and staff, who can receive personalized, concierge-style resources and support for all their caregiving needs via licensed and certified care coaches. Activate your membership by registering with your Northwestern email address. 

Mark your calendar

Featured events


Key dates

 

More resources

 

Help us build future newsletters! If your school or department is working on a project that is relevant to the entire faculty, send an email to faculty@northwestern.edu.

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