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Northwestern Office of the Provost

Faculty Newsletter | March 2025

Dear colleagues,

 

As we approach the spring recess, I want to thank you for your relentless focus on the academic mission of our university. I know what a busy time this is for faculty, and I appreciate your dedication to our students and to each other even in the face of unprecedented uncertainty and change in higher education.

 

In the final months of this academic year, Office of the Provost units will offer a broad range of programming on a variety of topics related to teaching, research and career development.

 

Here are just a few upcoming opportunities (don't forget to see Mark Your Calendar below for more):

Finally, I encourage you to review the Spring Quarter updates email regarding Syllabus Standards, Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance, and other information that was sent to all instructors last week.

 

All of us in the Office of the Provost hope spring break allows you to recharge for the work ahead.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sumit Dhar 
Associate Provost for Faculty

News and Notes

 

people holding award plaques

 

Office of the Provost Awards Reception

On Feb. 26, colleagues, friends and family gathered in Scott Hall to celebrate Almaz Mesghina, the recipient of the 2025 Daniel I. Linzer Award, and Professor H Steven (Hank) Seifert, the recipient of the Award for Exemplary Faculty Service. Congratulations!

 

Navigating challenges facing Northwestern

As it monitors Executive Orders and their potential impacts on the University community, Northwestern has published a federal policy update website, where you can find relevant Leadership Notes and other information. Additionally, the Office for Research has created a website focused on the impact of federal orders on research. A recent note from President Michael Schill and Provost Kathleen Hagerty underscores their commitment to staying true to Northwestern's guiding principles as the University makes difficult decisions.

 

Opportunity to join Northwestern's Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility

A vacancy has opened for a Northwestern faculty member to apply to join the University’s Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility (ACIR). An application portal will be open on the ACIR website's Members page from April 4-May 2. The accepted faculty member will begin serving immediately. Please see the website for additional information.

 

Instructor resources for AI

As generative AI (GenAI) continues to grow and evolve, it is important for instructors to consider the impact on teaching and learning, as well as how GenAI tools might be used to engage students in their learning and prepare them for life after graduation. Instructors can learn more about GenAI in the classroom by exploring Northwestern's AI Instructor Resources.

 

In case you missed it

  • The spring application deadline to sponsor a visiting scholar through the Buffett Institute is April 15. Learn more. 
  • View more news from around the University.

Faculty Support and Services

Navigating Tenure  New and Early Career Faculty Institute. 

Tenure-track new and early-career faculty are invited to join a panel discussion about navigating the tenure process on April 2. Moderated by Associate Provost for Faculty Sumit Dhar, a panel of faculty members representing a variety of disciplines and schools will share insights, information and resources. Register online

 

Managing Staff Faculty Leaders Series

On April 9, Adam Goodman, the Director of the Center for Leadership, will present a session called "Managing Staff: How do you manage staff and set expectations for faculty interactions with staff in your unit?" This series is for department chairs, division chiefs and faculty directors. Register online.

 

Navigating the Promotion Process for NTE Faculty New and Early Career Faculty Institute

On April 16, Associate Provost for Faculty Sumit Dhar will moderate a panel of faculty from diverse disciplines and schools to share insights, strategies and key resources. Gain valuable perspectives on understanding promotion expectations, accessing essential information and positioning yourself for success at every stage of the process. Register online.

 

Faculty Summer Writing Retreat

Join faculty colleagues for a weeklong retreat providing protected time and space for writing without distraction. The retreat will be offered twice: July 7-11 and July 21-25Eligible faculty can attend only one of the two weeks and must be able to attend all five days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register via the online application by April 4. Space is limited, and priority will be given to those who have not attended a Faculty Summer Writing Retreat more than once. For more information, including eligibility, the daily schedule and details on the caregiving stipends, visit the writing retreat webpage

Funding Opportunities

Buffett Institute's Global Collaboration Grants

The Global Collaboration Grant from the Buffett Institute allows faculty to further their international research and teaching collaborations. Partners can be faculty members at other colleges or universities, leaders from global civil society or individuals from government, private sector or community organizations. Spring applications are due April 15. The maximum annual award is $10,000 per applicant. Learn more.

 

Alumnae of Northwestern University Academic Enrichment Grant

The Alumnae of Northwestern University is soliciting faculty-sponsored proposals to bring distinguished guest scholars, speakers and artists to campus for lectures, masterclasses or performances in the 2025-26 academic year. Up to $38,000 is available, which may be rewarded in its entirety to support one project or awarded in smaller amounts. Many past recipients have combined their grant award with other funding resources. Proposals are due April 8. For more information, email Judy Moore, Academic Enrichment Committee Chair. The application form is here and the RFP is here 

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, please send an email at least one month prior to the desired month of publication to faculty@northwestern.edu.

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