Weekly update as we head into convocation week

Dear University community,

I have a few updates to share today related to initiatives outlined in our Institutional Recovery Plan as well as a few reminders about next week.

This week, Human Resources posted information on the IRP website to explain in detail the hiring and recruitment guidelines noted in my communication from last week. Provost Martini sent an email Wednesday addressing specific personnel impacts of the IRP on faculty, and I appreciate his extra concentration on the nuances within our guidelines. I know he will revisit some elements as part of his Aug. 31 Convocation remarks.

Many of you have also taken the time to send questions via the feedback form on the IRP website. We are responding to those as we can and using others to drive an FAQ that will be posted soon on the site. Thank you for using this additional tool to share your feedback and suggestions.
Yesterday, I met again with shared governance leadership to gather input on our developing plans and processes related to employee layoffs. I asked for those leaders’ feedback by early next week so that we can release more information to you all shortly after Convocation.
Speaking of Convocation, I hope you will join me and Provost Martini at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, in the Reeve ballroom as we welcome another academic year. A reminder that Opening Day Honors and Awards will be held 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Culver Family Welcome Center. Visit the website to RSVP for both events. We will also offer streaming access.

During Convocation, I will spend the bulk of my presentation talking about the factors driving our IRP and address some of the questions you have posed to us: How did we get here; how are we addressing our challenges; and how does our plan align with our strategic plan, UWO2030? Provost Martini will discuss the initiatives he is leading in Academic Affairs, including the development of a working group and related, upcoming forums.

And a final reminder: next week brings the hustle and bustle of move-in for our students at the Oshkosh campus. Thank you in advance to all who are driving this busy week, helping our students settle into their new homes, and delivering a week of activities and fun for our students as they prepare for another academic year.

Chancellor Andy Leavitt