Aug. 27, 2019
Welcome to the start of the 2019-20 academic year! The fall semester is off to a great start with the Welcome Back Fair yesterday and New Student Convocation and the all-campus lunch last Friday. I appreciate everyone’s participation in these events as they send important signals to our students that we are interested in them and their success. During my first year as chancellor, I am eager to listen, learn and lead the university forward with all of you. This year, we will be focused on the following priorities:
- Enrollment and Retention
- Diversity / Campus Climate
- Campus and Community Engagement
- Marketing and Communications
- Facilities
- Budget Process, Education and Alignment
- Bicentennial Celebration and Campaign
In addition, the Chancellor's Cabinet has adopted the following operating principles to guide us in working with everyone this year: focusing on customer and student service, having a growth mindset, improving clarity and transparency of processes, and being open to new views and opportunities. The campus has an already established statement on Commitment to Learner-Centered Service, which I encourage everyone to review and use as we all work together.
To help us learn more about how we can adopt a growth mindset, Dr. David Yeager, a nationally recognized scholar on growth mindset, will visit campus on November 7 & 8. In short, growth mindset is an orientation towards positive action and development based in the belief that everyone can learn and achieve their dreams. Details regarding the event will be forthcoming.
I hope to see you at the next Coffee with the Chancellor, which are monthly opportunities for all students, faculty and staff to hear updates on campus priorities, get information on key initiatives, and ask questions. It is also a time when we can celebrate good news and accomplishments, so be prepared to share! The next Coffee with the Chancellor will be held on Wednesday (8/28) at 2 p.m. on the fifth floor of the Schurz Library. I hope to see you there. Images and information from the events are posted on the Chancellor’s webpage.
Otherwise, thank you for all you do to make IU South Bend such a special place and have a great semester! And, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @iusbchancellor.