1. Presidential Position Description approved by Board of Trustees

Dear members of the Marquette community:

On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I want to share with you that yesterday the Board of Trustees unanimously approved a Presidential Position Description, which the Presidential Search Committee wrote using the feedback provided in-person and online by more than 1,100 members of the Marquette community.

The Presidential Position Description will be used to recruit the 24th president of Marquette University. It identifies the following "Key Opportunities and Challenges" for our next president:

  • Serve as a compelling spokesperson for Catholic, Jesuit education within the university and beyond;

  • Be the chief advocate and leader of the university's mission;

  • Nimbly address and meet the challenges facing higher education while enhancing Marquette's commitment to the almost 500-year-old Jesuit educational tradition;

  • Expand the university's resources, in particular through philanthropy, by serving in a prominent role of cultivating and soliciting donors, as well as providing leadership in the largest comprehensive campaign in Marquette's history;

  • Lead efforts to enhance and implement the strategic plan;

  • Develop a cohesive leadership team, including hiring a permanent provost and integrating him/her into a high-functioning leadership group; and

  • Grow and strengthen Marquette's diverse community and culture of inclusiveness.

National executive search firm Witt/Kieffer is actively recruiting candidates that fit the Presidential Position Description. We ask for your help in that process. I encourage you to nominate qualified candidates by emailing MarquettePresident@wittkieffer.com. Nominations are confidential. Initial candidates will be reviewed by the Presidential Search Committee and Witt/Kieffer in the coming weeks.

Thank you again for your help in this important process.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

John F. Ferraro, Bus Ad '77
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Vice Chair, Marquette University Board of Trustees

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2. Final grades due Dec. 17 by noon

Final grades are due in CheckMarq no later than noon, Tuesday, Dec. 17. For those planning to scan exams, instructions are available from IT Services online. To ensure a quick turnaround, be certain exams are turned in to the IT Services Help Desk (Cudahy Hall, second floor) for scanning as soon as possible after the end of the exam.

The Office of the Registrar is available to help with grading questions. Contact Kerry Grosse, associate registrar, at 8-6320, or Jason Taylor, associate registrar, at 8-1498, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For any questions after business hours, contact the IT Services Help Desk at 8-7799. If needed, the IT Services Help Desk will contact the registrar on-call during grading weekend.

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3. New strategic plan goal stewards named

New stewards have been named to lead implementation of three goals of the strategic plan, Beyond Boundaries: Setting the Course for Marquette's Future. Dr. Lawrence Pan, chair and professor of physical therapy in the College of Health Sciences, and Rana Altenburg, vice president for public affairs, will co-lead the Social Responsibility and Community Engagement theme. Dr. Stephanie Russell, vice president for mission and ministry, will take over stewardship of Formation of the Mind and the Heart. Russell formerly led the Social Responsibility and Community Engagement theme. Tom Ganey, vice president of planning and university architect, will lead Enhancement of Organizational Effectiveness.

The new goal stewards join Dr. Margaret Callahan, interim provost and dean of the College of Nursing, who leads the Pursuit of Academic Excellence for Human Well-being theme; Dr. Jeanne Hossenlopp, vice provost for research and dean of the graduate school, who leads the Research in Action theme; and Chuck Lamb, vice president for finance, who leads the Sustainability of Valuable Resources theme.

In a mid-October letter to faculty and staff, Interim President Robert A. Wild, S.J., said: "With the Beyond Boundaries document now approved by the Board of Trustees (with considerable enthusiasm, I might add), we have a significant strategic planning effort well under way, and the challenge now is to begin implementation. That I want to push forward."

Goal stewards will prepare a second progress report in the coming weeks that will be shared with the campus community.

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4. Dr. Ulrich Lehner elected into the European Academy of Sciences and Arts

Dr. Ulrich Lehner, associate professor of theology, has been elected to the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, an interdisciplinary network of scholars from various fields who focus on scientific, social, cultural and ethical issues concerning the region. Lehner is the first Marquette scholar inducted into the academy.

Lehner is an internationally recognized scholar in early modern religious history and theology. In 2012 he was awarded the John Gilmary Shea Prize by the American Catholic Historical Association for his book, Enlightened Monks: The German Benedictines. He has also held numerous fellowships, including at the Princeton Institute of Advanced Studies, the Notre Dame Institute of Advanced Study, the International Research Center for Comparative History of Religious Orders in Germany, and most recently at the Earhart Foundation.

More information about Lehner and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts can be found online.

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5. Accreditation draft report received; affiliation status decision expected during spring semester

The site visit team that represented the Higher Learning Commission on campus Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 completed its draft report and provided it to the university to check for factual errors. Once completed, the team report will go to a decision-making body of the Higher Learning Commission, which will make the final decision, known as the Statement of Affiliation Status. The Statement of Affiliation Status can reaffirm accreditation status, but also can request that an institution provide reports or require a focused visit to confirm that recommendations from the commission are being addressed.

The Statement of Affiliation Status, which is expected to be received during the spring semester, will be shared with the campus community along with a summary of the report. The final report itself will not be available, as it references and articulates confidential evidence and information.

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6. Christmas events taking place this week and next

Holiday events taking place on campus this week and next include:

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7. Liturgical ministers needed for Mid-year Commencement

Students, faculty or staff are needed as liturgical ministers for Mid-year Commencement on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the U.S. Cellular Arena. Possible positions include communion minster, lector or banner bearer. Visit the Campus Ministry website to sign up by Tuesday, Dec. 10.

For additional information, contact Timothy Johnston, assistant director of Campus Ministry, at 8-0522.

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8. Tell us about interesting December graduates by tomorrow

The Office of Marketing and Communication is seeking stories about December 2013 graduation candidates for possible use with local media. Interesting stories include graduates who have remarkable plans and jobs post-graduation; have unusual backgrounds; have overcome substantial obstacles in getting their degree; have won recent national-level awards; have received academic recognition; or have been featured in scholarly publications.

What graduates do you know who have fascinating stories to tell? Email their names and as many details as possible by Friday, Dec. 6.

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9. Simmons Fund applications deadline is Feb. 15

The submission deadline for proposals to the Edward D. Simmons Religious Commitment Fund is Saturday, Feb. 15, for grants for the 2014-15 academic year. The fund finances small projects or seed money for programs and events that deepen the religious nature of Marquette. Grants generally range from $500 to $2,500. Proposals that promote religious aspects of the mission of the university will be given preference.

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10. Training sessions on updated expense and travel reimbursement, credit card policies taking place next week

The Office of Finance will host training sessions on updates to the university's travel and expense reimbursement and credit card policies. The Office of Finance, with the help of campus stakeholders, has rewritten the Travel Reimbursement Policy (UPP 1-09) and has added a new Expense Reimbursement policy (UPP 3-18) targeting non-travel related expenses. Acceptable university credit card documentation requirements and review of the US Bank management system, Access Online, will also be covered as part of the University Credit Card Program (UPP 3-08). Attendance is required for managers or designees who approve other employees' credit card statements.

Training sessions will take place:

  • Monday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

All training sessions will be held in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites B and C. Register by emailing growwithmu@marquette.edu and specifying a session.

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11. Intercultural Engagement celebrating Human Rights Day

Intercultural Engagement will honor Human Rights Day with an interactive wall display in the AMU, lower level, Wednesday, Dec. 4, through Tuesday, Dec. 10. "Wall of Rights: Building Upon the Cornerstone of Social Justice" will be on display for members of the campus community to learn more about human rights and how to take action against injustices.

For more information, contact Roshanda Pinson at 8-7205.

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12. Attend interdisciplinary day of dialogue on ecology and environmental sustainability

The Center for Teaching and Learning will sponsor "The Shape of a Sustainable World: Research, Teaching and Community Endeavors at Marquette to Meet the Challenges and Needs of a Sustainable Future," Wednesday, Jan. 8, in the Eckstein Hall conference center. Dr. John O'Keefe from Creighton University will deliver the keynote. 

Lunch is included, and registration can be completed online. For additional questions, contact Susan Mountin, director of Manresa for Faculty, at 8-3693.

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13. Marquette Theatre to present The Quiltmaker's Gift in January

Marquette Theatre will present The Quiltmaker's Gift, a musical story of a greedy king and a mysterious old woman who refuses to give him a quilt, which starts the king on a journey of self discovery. The performances will run:

  • Saturday, Jan. 11, and Sunday, Jan. 12, at 2:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 18, and Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the Helfaer Theatre at 8-7504.

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14. AMU student employee coordinator wins Michael H. Poe Student Leadership Award

Barbara Bianchi, AMU student employee coordinator, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Association of College Unions International Region 8 Michael H. Poe Student Leadership Award. This award is given to one student leader each year form the region who excels in their role within the student union, who is committed to making positive contributions to campus life, and who supports the goals and values of ACUI. Bianchi was nominated by peers and staff who praised her commitment to enhancing the student employment program with her enthusiasm and vision for excellence.

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15. Raynor Memorial Libraries seeking feedback on new homepage

Raynor Memorial Libraries will launch a new homepage in spring 2014 and is seeking feedback from users during beta testing. Those interested in participating should visit the new webpage and complete the feedback form at the bottom of the page by Saturday, Dec. 14.

For more information, contact Mary Frenn, funding information librarian, at 8-1995.

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16. Meet Buzz Williams and men's basketball team at Spirit Shop today to kick off Christmas sale

Marquette community members will have the opportunity to meet Men's Basketball Head Coach Buzz Williams and the men's basketball team Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Spirit Shop. The Spirit Shop's Christmas Sale, including 25-percent off sweatshirts, t-shirts and caps, will take place Thursday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 15.

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17. Campus Kitchen hosting bake sale

The Campus Kitchen will host a bake sale Thursday, Dec. 5, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Wehr Chemistry, and Friday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Wehr Chemistry and Lalumiere. The bake sale will support Campus Kitchen's meal program in Milwaukee, which serves low-income, homeless and at-risk children and families in the community. Prices are donation based and only cash will be accepted.

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18. Commuter Value Pass deadline is Dec. 13

The deadline to participate in the Commuter Value Pass payroll deduction program is Thursday, Dec. 13. Formerly known as the Easy Pass, the Commuter Value Pass offers unlimited Milwaukee County bus rides, including Freeway Flyers and special event shuttles to the Bradley Center, Miller Park and other locations.

The program costs $210 per quarter and can be deducted before taxes to save money. Sign up between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the AMU, Union Station, for passes that will be good during January, February and March. Those who wish to drop the pass must also do so in Union Station by Thursday, Dec. 13.

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19. News Briefs schedule to change during semester break

Due to the semester break and the university being closed between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, the News Briefs schedule will change. New Briefs will continue its normal twice-weekly schedule next week, and will then be distributed for the final time this year on Monday, Dec. 16. News Briefs will be published Monday, Jan. 6, with the twice-weekly schedule resuming Monday, Jan. 13.

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20. Chapels can now be reserved online

The Chapel of the Holy Family and St. Joan of Arc Chapel can now be reserved online. For additional information, contact Timothy Johnston, assistant director in Campus Ministry, at 8-0522.

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21. Discounts on computers available to students, faculty and staff

Academic prices for computers from Apple, HP and Lenovo are available to faculty, staff and students. Among the available deals are savings of up to $200 on a new Mac from the Apple Store for Education and $30 off select HP notebook and desktop PCs.

Learn more about the computer discounts online.

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