Dear University community,
Work continues on the development of a recommended workforce reduction plan. I am briefing shared governance leaders on its status and progression weekly. As we have pledged, we expect layoff notifications will be completed by the end of October, likely beginning in the middle of the month. I appreciate everyone’s continued patience and feedback through this development process.
Meanwhile, teaching, learning and life move forward at UWO. In a time of hardship, good things continue at the campuses where we serve thanks to all of you.
Next week has the makings of a remarkable one. I am grateful to everyone whose contributions make it possible.
- On Tuesday, Athletics invites the UWO and broader community to pack Kolf Sports Center for Community Night. We will cheer on our nationally ranked UWO Volleyball team in a match against UW-Stevens Point. Admission is free. Volleyball aims to break an attendance record. I expect an incredible atmosphere inside Kolf.
- In the hours after that event’s conclusion, Athletics and Facilities Management colleagues will refresh and flip Kolf so that it is ready Wednesday morning to host our fall 2023 Internship & Career Fair. More than 200 companies and organizations will be on hand searching for Titan talent. Please encourage students to attend. Thank you to our Athletics, custodial, IT, public safety and Career and Professional Development team members for their hard work.
- Later, at 6 p.m. next Wednesday in Reeve Memorial Union, our Center for Civic and Community Engagement hosts a panel discussion on free speech titled Crisis of Engagement: Why We Need More Speech on Campus. This is just one example of the kinds of critical conversations and engaging events happening at UWO every day. Thanks to the events’ participants, hosts and sponsors.
- And at 10:30 a.m. next Thursday, we will gather with colleagues, regional leaders and UWO partners to rededicate Clow Academic Complex, cutting the ribbon on the $27 million College of Education and Human Services renovation. As I will share that morning, revitalized spaces are critical for building community and for bringing people together for common purposes, such as learning, collaboration and belonging. Whether it be Clow or the planning underway for a new technology-enhanced learning commons to replace Polk Library, we continue to push forward to make sure students, faculty and staff have quality spaces to teach, learn, research and develop.
That encapsulates a pretty remarkable, nonstop 72 hours at UWO. And, as we all know, it captures only a few of the enlightening and fulfilling activities on the campuses of this worthy public institution.
In my daily work to represent UWO in the community, stakeholders consistently ask me what they can do for the institution through this period of challenge. I ask them to remain alongside UWO as an active partner and advocate, to share any opportunities and resources that may support the people we will say good-bye to and to speak up about the indisputable value of a college education and the faculty and staff members who provide it.
Please continue to take care of yourselves and the people around you.
Chancellor Andy Leavitt