1. University reorganizes to align with new "strong provost" model

Interim President Robert A. Wild, S.J., announced today that the university is reorganizing to better align with the "strong provost" structure of governance that he discussed in a letter to faculty and staff last week.

The Office of Student Affairs (led by Vice President Dr. Chris Miller) will begin reporting to Dr. Margaret Faut Callahan to take advantage of synergies involving the many responsibilities of the Provost's Office concerning university life and the student experience. "This close alignment of student and academic affairs is common at many universities and will help us work in a highly coordinated way to ensure our students a transformative Marquette educational experience," Father Wild said.

As the university transitions to this model where the provost is the second-ranking member of university administration, the vacant position of executive vice president will be eliminated and the responsibilities of that office will be absorbed by other administrative areas. Shared governance will continue to be a priority in this new model.

"As we adopt this new approach, we will do so in the framework of our strategic plan to ensure we continue to compete in tomorrow's competitive higher education marketplace," Father Wild said. "We must assess, evaluate and transform university operations to increase our efficiencies and effectiveness, a priority highlighted in our strategic plan. I am confident that this reorganization will move us in the right direction and is the most suitable leadership structure to move Marquette forward as we prepare for a new president."

In addition, the following reporting changes have been made.

Now reporting to Father Wild, interim president:
• Provost, vice presidents for finance; planning; advancement; athletics; general counsel; and mission and ministry

Now reporting to Tom Ganey, vice president of planning and university architect:
• Vice presidents for marketing and communication; public affairs; and administration

Now reporting to Cindy Bauer, vice president and general counsel:
• Vice president of human resources

View the university organizational structure online.

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2. Annual benefits enrollment period begins today, Benefits Information and Wellness Day is tomorrow

Marquette's annual benefits enrollment period begins today and runs through midnight on Friday, Nov. 15.

Free on-campus biometric screenings begin today as part of the two-part Heath Risk Assesment process. On-campus biometric screenings are available through Saturday, Nov. 23, for all employees and voluntarily for spouses and same-sex domestic partners. Call 1-877-765-3213 and press "1" to schedule an appointment.

The second part of the HRA process, the online questionnaire, opens today and is available online. Employees who complete the two-part health risk assessment will receive a 10-percent discount on the employee portion of their medical premium.

The university's annual Benefits Information and Wellness Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballroom. Attendees will have access to valuable benefits information from provider representatives, as well as free wellness screenings.

Members of the benefits team are available on the following Employee Benefit Assistance Days to assist employees with questions related to the benefits enrollment process. No appointments are necessary; however, employees are assisted on a first-come first-served basis.

  • Thursday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU, 252
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU, 252
  • Thursday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the AMU, 252

Additional resources regarding benefits can be found on the benefits website.

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3. RSVP for faculty and staff community input sessions on presidential search

Community input sessions on the presidential search will be held for faculty and staff the week of Nov. 11. The staff session will be held Monday, Nov. 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms A and B. The faculty session will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Raynor Memorial Libraries' Beaumier Suites B and C. RSVP online for the appropriate session.

Dr. Kristina Ropella, executive associate dean in the College of Engineering, and Dr. Stephanie Quade, dean of students in the Office of Student Development, will facilitate the sessions. Members of the Presidential Search Committee will be present at the session.

As the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees did in the previous presidential search in 2010, they are asking that the Marquette community provide input on the leadership qualifications that are most important for the president. Because the university's process during the presidential search three years ago was both extensive and inclusive, the Presidential Search Committee is reviewing the Presidential Profile that was developed at that time and asking for input on whether these attributes are still valid or should be adjusted.

An online form is available for faculty and staff who are unable to attend a community input session. Feedback is due by Thursday, Nov. 14.

In addition, discussion sessions are planned with students, University Academic Senate, the Faculty Council, the Marquette Jesuit community, the University Leadership Council, the Marquette University Alumni Association National Board and the Parents Council.

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4. Proposals for faculty conversation on creating a sustainable future due Nov. 1

Proposals for panel presentations for a faculty conversation on "The Shape of a Sustainable World: Research, Teaching, and Community Endeavors to Meet the Challenges and Needs of a Sustainable Future" are due Friday, Nov. 1. Submit proposals to Dr. Susan Mountin, director of Manresa for Faculty in the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Additional details for the "Faculty Conversations on Learning" event, co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and Manresa for Faculty, to be held Jan. 8, 2014, in the Eckstein Hall Conference Center, can be found online.

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5. Celebrate Marquette's first Writing Month with a kick-off event Nov. 1

November is National Novel Writing Month, and this November the Ott Memorial Writing Center will mark the celebration with Marquette's first annual writing month. The Writing Center invite all creative and academic writers to participate online and in person in this community-building event to encourage individuals to write.

To join in, individuals should write their name and their writing goals in the Marquette University Writing Month spreadsheet. Progress toward achieving goals can be updated on the same spreadsheet.

A kick-off event will be held Friday, Nov. 1, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the AMU, 163, to meet fellow writers, set goals and start writing. Participants should bring their laptops, notebooks and any other writing materials. Individuals are requested to RSVP to muwritingcenter@gmail.com.

The month will feature a number of face-to-face events, regular "write-ins" (with opportunities for "word wars," pep talks, community building and expert advice) and a celebratory event in early December.

For additional information, contact the Ott Memorial Writing Center at 8-5542.

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6. Register for CTL mini-course on facilitating online courses

The Center for Teaching and Learning will host a three-week online mini-course from Monday, Nov. 4, to Sunday, Nov. 24, on best practices for facilitating online or blended courses. All coursework is completed online.

Registration is now open and space is limited. For additional information, contact Dr. Heidi Schweizer, eLearning director, at 8-8811.

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7. Attend Gender and Sexuality Resource Center brown bag lunch this Friday

The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center staff invites all students and staff for an informal lunch discussion and fellowship Friday, Nov. 1, at noon in the AMU, 425. This event requires no registration and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch.

For additional information, contact Sheraden Bobot, program assistant for GSRC, at 8-4974.

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8. Tickets available for NCAA men's basketball tournament action in Milwaukee

Second- and third-round action of the 2014 NCAA Division One Men's Basketball Championship will be held Thursday, March 20, 2014, and Saturday, March 22, 2014, at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, hosted by Marquette University. Tickets are available online.

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9. The Solemnity of All Saints will be celebrated Nov. 1

The Solemnity of All Saints, which is a holy day of obligation, will be celebrated in the AMU, Chapel of the Holy Family on Friday, Nov. 1, at noon and 6 p.m. Relics of various canonized saints will be stationed throughout the chapel.

For more information, contact Timothy Johnston, associate director of Campus Ministry, at 8-0522.

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10. All Souls Ecumenical Service of Remembrance is Nov. 4

The Faber Center for Ignatian Spiritualty will offer an All Souls Ecumenical Service of Remembrance on Monday, Nov. 4, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the AMU, Chapel of the Holy Family. This service will include hymns, readings, and an opportunity for quiet prayer and reflection, and is an opportunity to remember and pray for those who have died during the past year.

RSVP to Ellen Blonski, administrative assistant, by Friday, Nov. 1.

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11. Photo exhibit features people, landscapes and animals of Tanzania

A 19-image photography exhibit depicting people, landscapes and animals from Tanzania is on display on the first floor of Johnston Hall. Photographic Journey: Tanzania is free to the public and open during regular building hours.

Contact Julie Rosene, special events coordinator in the Diederich College of Communication, for additional information.

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