1. Father Wild asks senior university leadership to conduct financial review, develop budget scenarios to meet strategic plan and FY 2015 budget goals

President Robert A. Wild, S.J., shared with the University Leadership Council this morning that he is asking each dean and vice president to conduct a comprehensive financial review of their colleges and operating divisions during the coming weeks, a major step in operationalizing the strategic plan themes of "Enhancement of Organizational Effectiveness" and "Sustainability of Valuable Resources." As Father Wild shared in a letter to faculty and staff a few weeks ago, the university finished fiscal year 2013 with a "micro-thin surplus." The university is taking a proactive approach to managing its resources by setting the following goals for the fiscal year 2015 budget:

  • Balanced budget that includes a contingency fund. (The current fiscal year 2014 budget has a contingency fund of $4 million; the plan is to increase the funding by $2 million each year until reaching $10 million in fiscal year 2017.)
  • Decrease tuition rate increases in alignment with the Higher Education Price Index (three-year goal).

  • Provide a merit salary pool in fiscal year 2015 to retain and recruit the best and brightest faculty and staff, a priority identified in the "Enhancement of Organizational Effectiveness" theme.

  • Create a Strategic Initiatives Pool to fund new initiatives in the strategic plan.

To accomplish these goals, each vice president and dean will work with their staff to provide three budget reduction scenarios with potential outcomes to the President's Advisory Group (provost, vice president of finance and vice president of planning) in a budget scenario planning assessment template that is standardized across colleges and administrative units. The budget reduction plan scenarios will identify the opportunities and consequences at each budget scenario level – 95 percent, 90 percent and 85 percent of the current division or college operating budget.

Faculty salary expenditures are exempt from the budget scenarios; the focus of the budget assessment process will be on administrative expenditures in both the academic colleges and administrative units. Salary expenditures for administrative lines that are currently vacant will be included in the budget reduction scenarios developed by vice presidents and deans. The President's Advisory Group will evaluate the open positions in conjunction with the review of the budget reduction scenarios.

Senior leaders are being asked to provide multiple budget reduction scenarios to ensure the process is reflective, thoughtful and inclusive, while providing multiple options to assess how the university can better manage costs and continue to create value for students. The President's Advisory Group will use the budget reduction plans provided by administrative departments and academic colleges to evaluate budget options based on the goals and priorities of the strategic plan.

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2. Benefits enrollment period ends tomorrow

Marquette's annual benefits enrollment ends Friday, Nov. 15, at 11:59 p.m.

Key steps for benefits enrollment, with changes made through MyJob, are:

  • Update/verify personal information, including beneficiaries, dependents' birth dates, Social Security numbers and emergency contacts.

  • Choose whether to participate in the health, dental and vision insurance plans. New this year, a High Deductible Health Plan is available to all benefit-eligible employees.

  • Decide whether to participate in a Flexible Spending Account, which requires annual enrollment. Existing health care debit (Benny) cards are valid through Dec. 31, 2014, and 2014 health care elections are automatically loaded onto the card.

Health Risk Assessments are available to all employees. Health plan participants who complete both HRA parts — biometric screening and health questionnaire — receive a 10-percent discount for 2014 health insurance premiums. To schedule an on-campus appointment for a health risk assessment, call 1-877-765-3213 and press "1."

The second step is for individuals to complete an HRA Online questionnaire using the results from their biometric screening. This questionnaire will be available through midnight on Monday, Nov. 25. Where it says to enter the employee's Social Security number, employees should enter their nine-digit employee ID number with no extra zeros, numbers, dashes or letters. The group password is MARQUETTE in all caps.

A HRA Frequently Asked Questions for 2014 document is available, as well as a using MyJob for Annual Enrollment Help Guide.

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3. Teaching Excellence Awards nominations due tomorrow

Nominations for the Teaching Excellence Awards are due Friday, Nov. 15. The awards are given to those who have demonstrated commitment to a student-centered concern for individual student growth, development, and welfare that positively impacts Marquette students and have shown evidence of effective teaching and student learning.

Full-time faculty members as well as academic student organization presidents and the presidents of the Graduate Student Organization and Marquette University Student Government may nominate up to three full-time faculty members from any college or program.

Nominations can be submitted online.

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4. Office of Finance holding training sessions on updated expense and travel reimbursement, credit card policies

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 employee's 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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5. Way Klingler Young Scholar, Fellowship and Teaching Enhancement applications available

Applications for the 2014-15 Way Klingler Young Scholar, Fellowship and Teaching Enhancement Awards now available. Application guidelines are available online.

  • Way Klingler Young Scholar Award – Up to four awards will be given for 2014-15 to full-time regular junior faculty in the three years following their third-year review. The awards of up to $22,000 are intended to fund $2,000 in operating costs and to cover up to 50 percent of annual salary to afford the recipient a one-semester sabbatical. Applications are due Friday, Jan. 10.

  • Way Klingler Fellowship Award – Two awards, one in each applicant-designated area of science or the humanities and social sciences, will be made in 2013. The humanities fellow will receive $20,000 annually for three years, and the science fellow will receive $50,000 annually for three years. Applications are due Friday, Jan. 17. 

  • Way Klingler Teaching Enhancement Award – Intended to foster the development of effective and sustainable changes and innovations in teaching approaches within specific courses or clusters of courses. For 2014-15, projects featuring innovations that promote high impact educational practices are encouraged. Applications are due Monday, Dec. 2.

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6. University wins three awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education

Multidisciplinary teams led by the Office of Marketing and Communication and University Advancement received three awards in the 2013 Pride of CASE V Awards competition, an annual event sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. A group headed by UA, which included the Diederich College of Communication, a Marquette Board of Trustee member, and the Office of Marketing and Communication, was a gold winner in the Best Practices in Fundraising and Development category for the $8.3 million O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism proposal. A team from OMC was a silver winner for "Find your way home," which showcased the university's social media presence, in the Best Video Features category. An OMC-led team that included several faculty and staff members from across campus also won for Mission Week 2013: The World is our Home.

The contest, which honors excellence for collateral and programs in the advancement, alumni and communication fields, included entries from individuals and institutions in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. There were 482 total entries.

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7. College of Health Sciences announces inaugural issue of Health Sciences magazine

The College of Health Sciences launched Health Sciences, a new print magazine for alumni and friends of the college to learn about the achievements of students, faculty and alumni.

The inaugural issue, created by the Office of Marketing and Communication and available online, features a look at residency programs in physical therapy and physician assistant studies, a profile on the distinctive collaborative neuroscience environment in the biomedical sciences department and a question-and-answer session with teaching assistants in the gross anatomy laboratory.

Register online to receive a print copy of Health Sciences or any of the six other college magazines.

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8. Panel on immigration to conclude Immigration Awareness Week

Youth Empowered in the Struggle will host a panel of experts to discuss issues surrounding immigration Friday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. in Cudahy Hall, 001. The panel will conclude Immigration Awareness Week and will discuss the current issues regarding immigration, specifically the misuse of the world "illegal."

The panel includes: Dr. Ed Fallone, associate professor of law; Dr. Grant Silva, assistant professor of philosophy; Christine Neumann-Ortiz, founding executive director of Voces de la Frontera; Sister Josephine Marie Flynn, chairperson of Justice for Immigrants in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee; and Jorge Maya, a current student attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

For additional information, contact John Janulis, coordinator of intercultural engagement, at 8-3214.

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9. Dispute Resolution Association to host workshop on meaningful conversations

The Dispute Resolution Association will host a "Meaningful Conversations" workshop Friday, Nov. 15, from noon to 1 p.m. in the AMU, 163. The workshop will examine the methodology of the Public Conversations Project and the ongoing work of the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion. Dr. Katherine Wilson, executive director of the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, will host the workshop.

Email David Angel, graduate student, to RSVP for this event.

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10. Women's soccer to play in first round of NCAA tournament Friday

The women's soccer team will face Western Michigan in the first round of the NCAA championship tournament Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. at Valley Fields. Tickets are free for all Marquette students. Non-Marquette students can purchase tickets by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 8-4668. The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for youth.

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11. Bayanihan Student Organization's fall fashion show this Saturday to benefit typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines

The Bayanihan Student Organization is holding its 17th annual Fashion Show Fundraiser, "House of Bayanihan," Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms. Advance tickets are available through Friday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the AMU for $10. Tickets at the door are $12.

Proceeds will benefit typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines.

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12. State Bar Judicial Task Force members go "On the Issues" to discuss Wisconsin Supreme Court term limits

State Bar Judicial Task Force members Joseph Troy, Christine Bremer Muggli, Catherine Rottier and Thomas Shriner will be the featured guests for "On the Issues with Mike Gousha," Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Eckstein Hall.

The task force members will discuss a proposal that would limit Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to one 16-year term in office.

For decades, voters have elected justices to 10-year terms, with no limit on the number of terms that can be served. Re-election campaigns have become increasingly expensive and politically charged, potentially eroding perception of the court's independence.

This fall, the State Bar of Wisconsin's Board of Governors voted overwhelmingly to support a proposal that would amend the state constitution to preserve elections but limit each justice to a single, 16-year term. The plan, recommended by the bipartisan Judicial Task Force, is designed to "engender greater public confidence in the court's ability to pursue justice independently of political influence."

The four members of the task force will discuss the origins of the proposal, its merits and its political future. Register online.

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13. Inventor of Ziploc to discuss entrepreneurialism in new speaker series

Inventor Steven Ausnit, considered a pioneer who helped create the Ziploc bag, will discuss his six decades of business ventures and entrepreneurialism to mark Entrepreneurship Week on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. A 5 p.m. reception will precede the keynote event.

Ausnit formed Minigrip Inc., and played an integral role in the development of the re-closable plastic bag. Now retired from Minigrip, Ausnit remains an active entrepreneur, investing in various businesses around the world while holding 116 patents in his name and co-holding 67 others.

Ausnit's appearance is the first of a new "After Hours" speaker series established by the Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship, which along with The Coleman Foundation of Chicago, is sponsoring the event.

Register online.

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14. Neuroscience colloquium to discuss enhancing brain function for successful aging

The Integrative Neuroscience Research Center will host Dr. Kristy Nielson, professor of psychology, Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 3:30 p.m. in Schroeder Complex, 256. Nielson will present "Move! Enhancing Brain Function Toward Successful Aging."

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15. Faber Center hosting Pope Francis roundtable conversation

The Faber Center will host a roundtable discussion Thursday, Nov. 21, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the AMU, 227. The discussion will focus on Pope Francis' papacy, specifically his recent interview in America Magazine. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to FaberCenter@marquette.edu.

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16. Behavior Clinic to celebrate 10th anniversary

The Behavior Clinic will celebrate its 10-year anniversary Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the AMU, Henke Lounge. Registration begins at 4 p.m. and the program will start at 4:30 p.m. Founded by Dr. Robert Fox in collaboration with Penfield Children's Center, Marquette's pioneering Behavior Clinic has enhanced the lives of Milwaukee-area families by bringing cutting-edge pediatric mental health counseling to the community.

Register online, or contact Jennifer Hammernik Niespodziani, advancement associate, at 8-1506.

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17. OIE hosting various events in celebration of International Education Week

The Office of International Education will host a number of events in celebration of International Education Week from Friday, Nov. 15, through Friday, Nov. 22. Events will explore the benefits of global awareness and exchange. Events include a Global Discussion Series panel on sub-Saharan Africa, a presentation on the impact of study abroad on professional life, a visit to a Sikh Temple in Oak Creek and more. A full list of events can be found online.

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18. Educational Opportunity Program hosting open mic night

The Educational Opportunity Program will host an open mic night on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Union Sports Annex. Students who bring food or clothing items to donate to a local charity will be given additional raffle tickets for chances to win door prizes. For additional information, contact Claire Dinkelman, administrative coordinator in EOP, at 8-3127.

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19. Volunteers needed for campus Thanksgiving dinner

Volunteers are needed to serve Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students who cannot go home for the holiday. The dinner will be served in Cobeen Hall and is sponsored by Campus Ministry with the assistance of the Department of Residence Life.

To volunteer, contact Sue Niemi, administrative secretary in Campus Ministry, at 8-3685.

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20. Physician Assistant Studies blood drive is Nov. 19

The Physician Assistant Studies program is hosting a campus blood drive Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the book pick-up room, 824 N. 16th St., next to the Book Marq. Make an appointment online.

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21. Donations of hats, mittens and scarves needed

The College of Education is holding a donation drive for gently used child-sized hats, mittens and scarves through Wednesday, Nov. 27, in Schroeder Complex, 151, and at the information desk in the AMU.

Donations will be given to children who attend the Hartman Literacy and Learning Center in the College of Education, which provides after-school tutoring for local children.

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22. Butterbeer fundraiser tomorrow to support Club Quidditch team

The Club Quidditch team will sell non-alcoholic butterbeer, made famous in the Harry Potter books, at the flagpoles on 14th Street and Wisconsin Avenue on Friday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to sending the team to the national Quidditch competition in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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23. Input needed for College of Nursing accreditation

As part of the College of Nursing's accreditation evaluation for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, all are invited to provide comments about the college to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Comments, which will be accepted through Dec. 23, are shared with members of the evaluation team, not directly with the college.

Please submit all comments to:

Catherine Sneed
Accreditation Coordinator
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530
Washington, D.C. 20036

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1. Father Wild asks senior university leadership to conduct financial review, develop budget scenarios to meet strategic plan and FY 2015 budget goals

2. Benefits enrollment period ends tomorrow

3. Teaching Excellence Awards nominations due tomorrow

4. Office of Finance holding training sessions on updated expense and travel reimbursement, credit card policies

5. Way Klingler Young Scholar, Fellowship and Teaching Enhancement applications available

6. University wins three awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education

7. College of Health Sciences announces inaugural issue of Health Sciences magazine

8. Panel on immigration to conclude Immigration Awareness Week

9. Dispute Resolution Association to host workshop on meaningful conversations

10. Women's soccer to play in first round of NCAA tournament Friday

11. Bayanihan Student Organization's fall fashion show this Saturday to benefit typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines

12. State Bar Judicial Task Force members go "On the Issues" to discuss Wisconsin Supreme Court term limits

13. Inventor of Ziploc to discuss entrepreneurialism in new speaker series

14. Neuroscience colloquium to discuss enhancing brain function for successful aging

15. Faber Center hosting Pope Francis roundtable conversation

16. Behavior Clinic to celebrate 10th anniversary

17. OIE hosting various events in celebration of International Education Week

18. Educational Opportunity Program hosting open mic night

19. Volunteers needed for campus Thanksgiving dinner

20. Physician Assistant Studies blood drive is Nov. 19

21. Donations of hats, mittens and scarves needed

22. Butterbeer fundraiser tomorrow to support Club Quidditch team

23. Input needed for College of Nursing accreditation