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. 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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3. 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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4. Mid-year Commencement cap and gown pick-up is Dec. 10

Caps and gowns for December graduates will be available for pick-up Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the AMU, 227. No preordering was required and graduation apparel is free of charge. If graduates cannot pick up apparel, friends or relatives may pick it up as long as they have the graduate's name, college, degree and height.

Undergraduates may retain their cap and gown; master's and doctoral degree graduates must return caps, gowns and hoods immediately following the ceremony.

For more information, contact University Special Events at 8-7431.

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5. MUSG to hold events this weekend, finals week

MUSG will host several events throughout the final weeks of the semester, including excursions to Chicago and a Late Night Breakfast.

  • Bus transportation to the men's basketball game against UW-Madison at the Kohl Center Saturday, Dec. 7 – students who already have purchased tickets to the game can buy a bus ticket for $10 in the Brooks Lounge.

  • "Christmas in the City" excursion Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – students can purchase a $15 ticket in the AMU, Brooks Lounge, for transportation to and from the Christkindlemarket in Chicago, near Navy Pier.

  • Late Night Breakfast Monday, Dec. 9, at 9 p.m. in the AMU, Monaghan Ballrooms – a free breakfast of pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, tots and orange juice will be offered to all students.

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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. 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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10. 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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11. 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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12. Attend information session tomorrow on March for Life pilgrimage to Washington, D.C.

Campus Ministry will hold an information session for students interested in learning more about the pilgrimage to the March for Life on Friday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. in the AMU, 236.

Marquette will send a delegation to Washington, D.C., to march for the rights of the unborn. Students will leave for Washington, D.C., Sunday, Jan. 19, at 6:30 p.m. and return in time for classes Tuesday, Jan. 21. The cost is $180, which includes transportation, accommodations and some meals. This pilgrimage, sponsored by Campus Ministry and Students for Life, will offer many opportunities for learning, engagement and exploration.

Online registration for the pilgrimage is being accepted online until Wednesday, Dec. 18. For additional information, contact Stephen Blaha, assistant director of Campus Ministry, at 8-3686.

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13. 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, graduate intern, at 8-7205.

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14. 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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15. 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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16. 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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17. 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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18. 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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19. 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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