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| Staff Newsletter | August 2024 |
Dear colleagues,
It's hard to believe that summer is winding down. It was a very busy season for the Office of the Provost, and I know everyone has been working hard.
With the 2024-25 academic year already under way for programs in Chicago and Doha and arriving soon in Evanston, I want you to know how greatly appreciated your work is year-round. Your contributions not only make the Office of the Provost better, but they also make Northwestern a better place for staff, faculty and students. Your efforts can be seen across the University every day — and will make an impact for years to come. Thank you for all you do.
In addition to helping us meet institutional goals, Provost Hagerty and I want to make sure that you have the opportunity to consider your professional goals and needs. That's where the Office of the Provost Professional Development programming comes in. I want to thank everyone who played a role in bringing last year's programming to life, from the volunteer working group who originally met to make recommendations, to the coordinators who led thoughtful learning opportunities in 2023-24, to all the participants who showed up to learn, network and grow.
Now, it's time to think about next year. Please complete this short anonymous survey by Sept. 20 to share your impressions of last year's programming and what you hope to see in the near future. We will use this feedback to determine how this program will evolve for the new academic year.
Please also mark your calendar for the Fall Quarter Office of the Provost all-staff meeting, which will take place from 9-10 a.m. on Oct. 2 in McCormick Auditorium in the Norris University Center.
Finally, as we approach a much-deserved holiday weekend, I hope you can take some time to have fun and recharge. I look forward to collaborating with all of you on the important work of the Office of the Provost in the year ahead
Sincerely,
Jake Julia |
All about the staff |
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Meet Gina Prokopeak
Gina Prokopeak joined the Northwestern Emeriti Organization (NEO) in November 2022. As NEO's administrative assistant, she plans events, assists with The Emeriti News, manages the website and works on other projects that further the organization's goals.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I feel so fortunate to work with such an amazing and esteemed group representing a range of disciplines. The best part of my job is getting to connect with our members.
How do emeriti engage with Northwestern?
NEO has approximately 700 members, and the organization is always looking to improve and expand opportunities for engagement with the University. Currently, our leadership is working with the Office of Human Resources to see how NEO can assist in a smooth transition for future faculty retirees. Members meet regularly for quarterly lectures and meals on campus at which speakers are always current or emeriti faculty. This year, we are focusing on AI and its impact on various areas, from medicine to media and everything in between. Over the past three years, we have offered events in person and via Zoom to ensure that all of our members can access this quality content.
For the past five years, NEO has helped connect the University to the greater community through its award-winning mini-course collaboration with Evanston Public Library, where emeriti faculty offer free courses to the community in person and via Zoom.
While members are retired, they are still very much connected to the University and are proud to continue to represent it. Our publication, The Emeriti News, is a great place to learn more.
What is a fun fact about you?
This is not the first news outlet in which I’ve been featured. At 8 years old, I enjoyed having my picture in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after I won an art contest for creating my dream ice cream sundae. The prize was supposed to be getting to eat my imagined sundae in real life. Unfortunately, the real sundae was a bit smaller than my towering creation.
Staff who started roles in June and July
Block Museum
Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Office of the Ombudsperson
Office of the Provost
Undergraduate Admission
University Registrar
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News, notes and need to know |
A few more days left to apply for seed funding
The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, along with the Women’s Center, are seeking proposals for seed funding for unit- and department-level initiatives to promote gender inclusion on Northwestern’s campuses. Students, staff and faculty can apply for seed funding between $500 to $1,500 for smaller projects and $1,501 to $3,000 for larger initiatives. Proposals must demonstrate how the project/initiative will foster inclusion, build community, educate stakeholders or advance gender equity. Interdepartmental and collaborative proposals are welcome. Applications should be submitted by Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. Questions can be directed to Michelle Manno or Sarah Brown. For more information or to apply, visit Seed Funds for Gender Inclusion.
Support group for stress management
The Office of Human Resources has partnered with Northwestern's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) SupportLinc to offer a free, four-week Stress Management in the Workplace support group Sept.19-Oct. 14. It will be participant-led and facilitated by a licensed counselor to offer comfort and advice as participants share their common experiences. The counselor will discuss the impact of workplace stress, offer practical tips about healthy habits and share coping skills to help manage stress and build resilience. Register to participate.
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More resources Help us build future newsletters! If your unit is working on a project that is relevant to the entire Office of the Provost, or if you have awards, honors or accomplishments to share, send an email to officeoftheprovost@northwestern.edu. |
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