January 31, 2019

Colleagues,

I have been touched by the kind words and notes I’ve received since announcing my retirement last week. I have tried to respond to each of you individually, and I am sorry if I have missed any of you, but please know that I sincerely appreciate each and every email and word of support. Thank you.

We still have a lot to do, though, and I look forward to continuing our work on the tasks and challenges ahead. To that end, I encourage you to attend next week’s Faculty Assembly Meeting on Thursday, Feb 7 (4:15 pm) in 152 Shideler. President Crawford will provide important information about Miami’s financial situation and strategies moving forward that will frame some of our work this semester.

Here is this week’s Three:

Cancer Research Funding Opportunity – I apologize for the short notice, but we learned this week of an important research funding opportunity for students. Thanks to generous donors, four $5000 awards are available to support student teams working with faculty mentors on cancer-related research. Applications are due Tuesday, February 11, 2019 and student applications must include the endorsement of a faculty member. Guidelines and a link to apply can be found here. Awardees will be announced by Feb 18th.

Communicating with Students – Please remember that email is the official University-sanctioned method of communication with students outside of classroom or face-to-face discussions. Email creates and maintains a record of the communication and protects student information per the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA). Miami students are responsible for all information they receive from the University via email. If you choose to use other social media or communication channels with students (text, WeChat, Messenger, GroupMe, etc) please adhere to all FERPA guidelines and consider confirming expectations or information via email.

Calendar

• Undergraduate Research Forum (URF) – To celebrate the 25th year of the URF, this year’s forum will be a two-day event. On Tuesday, April 23, panel discussions will showcase undergraduate research across the institution and highlight the University’s student research support services, opportunities and centers. Student poster sessions will be held on Wednesday, April 24. Additional information and registration RSVP can be made here.
• Black History Month – Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Affairs and the Black President’s Caucus, a list of events celebrating Black History Month in February can be found here.

Until next week,
Phyllis