Monday Memo August 13, 2018
Dean's Message
Dear Colleagues,
As we begin our week of organizational meetings to prepare for the fall semester, please let us keep in mind the enthusiasm and excitement that our new freshmen and many transfer students have for their UofL experience. We should do all we can to make their time with us worthwhile. We’ve attracted a large class (2,800) that once again has beat out the average ACT score (25.6) of its predecessors, and for the first time 22% are from other states. This class includes the highest ever representation of Latino/Latinas (6.5%) and African-Americans (14.7%), and students from 12 other countries. Sixteen percent are first generation college students. Let’s make sure that these students are 100% reassured that they chose the correct university!
Why is helping to instill a sense of belonging in our students important? Students not feeling connected to the institution is the top reason for transfers or early exits. If students are struggling, encourage them to take advantages of the many services UofL provides. As we challenge them in the classroom, make sure students have a grade to know their progress before the date to drop a class. UofL needs to improve retention, and it would be an easy fix if every single A&S faculty and staff member took this on as a goal this year. If we can retain students, our graduation rate improves and with it our national standing and ACC stature. UofL garners about 1 million dollars a year per 100 students, and if our large first-year classes become large sophomore, junior, and senior classes, many of our financial woes go away. We attracted these good students because our faculty and curriculum are superb; these students will stay if they know we care about them.
The start of the school year is a favorite time for me, not only because of the eager students, but also because of the opportunities to reunite with colleagues who ventured far and wide with research and summer adventures. I believe we make a strong A&S team, and I appreciate the opportunities to come together in work and fun. Here are just a few calendar items to help kick off the academic year:
- Tuesday, August 14 at 10 a.m.: Ribbon Cutting of Belknap Academic Building (followed by tours and refreshments)
- Thursday, August 16 at 4:30 p.m. (The Quadrangle): Cardinal Kickoff Picnic
- Friday, August 24 at 2:00 p.m. (Red Barn): A&S Ocktoberfest in August
I hope to see you at all of the above.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Kempf-Leonard, Ph.D.
Dean
Announcements
Inauguration of President Neeli Bendapudi
The inauguration of President Neeli Bendapudi will take place on Thursday, October 4, 2018. Classes will be cancelled that day between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Please be sure to plan around this and inform students of the cancelled classes.
Welcome to our two new associate deans
Please welcome our new associate dean for undergraduate affairs, Prof. Linda Fuselier (Biology), and associate dean for graduate education, Prof. Dave Brown (Physics & Astronomy). Feel free to reach out to both of them as needed.
A&S Faculty Assembly dates
Faculty assembly dates have been announced for the current academic year. Please see below for more information:
- September 28Faculty assembly dates have been announced for the current academic year. Please see below for more information:, 3 p.m., HUM 100, Dean's State of the College Address
- October 26 and all following - 3:15 p.m., Strickler 102
- November 16
- December 7
- January 25
- February 22
- March 29
- April 19
New Monday Memo submission form
Over the summer we transitioned to a new submission form for the Monday Memo. Please be sure to update any bookmarks. All future submissions should be submitted via this form.
Research & Creative Activity
Registration open for Watson Conference
The Twelfth Biennial Thomas R. Watson Conference on Rhetoric and Composition will take place at the University of Louisville on October 25-27, 2018. Visit the registration information page for details about the early registration discount, refunds, accessibility, and to register for the event.
47th Annual Louisville Conference on Literature & Culture Since 1900
The College will host the 46th Annual Louisville Conference on Literature and Culture Since 1900, February 21-23, bringing scholars from across the nation and globe. For program information, go to thelouisvilleconference.com.
Diversity & Engagement
CODRE Focus Groups: Participation requested
The Commission on Diversity and Racial Equality (CODRE) Campus Environment Team developed an Action Plan with recommendations to respond to the issues that were identified in the Campus Climate Survey.
Focus groups are being held to get input regarding the recommendations at the following times:
- Monday, August 13: 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. E117A/CLC Ekstrom Library
- Tuesday, August 14: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. E117A/CLC Ekstrom Library
- Thursday, August 16: 8:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. E254, Ekstrom Library
- Wednesday, August 22: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. E254, Ekstrom Library
- Friday, August 24: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. E254, Ekstrom Library
To register, send an email with your name to diveduc@louisville.edu. Other times will be available on the HSC campus, and more information on those dates are forthcoming.
Kudos
Prof. Freberg's new social media textbook
Prof. Karen Freberg (Communication) has published a new social media textbook with Sage titled Social media for strategic communication: Creative strategies and research-based applications.
Prof. Lutz wins Surridge Prize
Prof. Deborah Lutz (English) has won the 2017 Lisa Surridge Prize for her article “Emily Brontë’s Paper Work” (Victorian Review 42.2 (2016), 291-305). The essay is from her current book project Album, Notebook, Paper-craft: Women Writing in Nineteenth-Century Britain.
Professors Petrosino and Allen are awarded Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowships
Prof. Kiki Petrosino (English) and Prof. Emerita Annette Allen (Comparative Humanities) were awarded Al Smith individual artist fellowships from the Kentucky Arts Council. The $7,500 statewide awards are to support their work in poetry. The 2018 fellowships went to 16 professional artists who exemplify excellence in their creative literary arts and who have reached a high level of achievement in their careers.
Items of Note
KY State Tuition Waiver program vs. UofL Tuition Remission program
Contrary to rumors, the UofL tuition remission program has NOT been changed and is still an active benefit. The following statement is from HR:
The KY State Tuition Waiver Program (controlled by the Commonwealth of KY) and the UofL Tuition Remission Program (controlled by UofL) are two separate and distinct programs. The UofL Tuition Remission Program remains unchanged. The April 2018 changes made by the KY General Assembly affect the KY State Tuition Waiver Program.
KY State Tuition Waiver Change: Effective April 26, 2018 the KY General Assembly removed the statewide tuition waiver requirement in KRS 164.020(33) for employees of postsecondary institutions. As institutions adjust to the new legislation, the university presidents and KCTCS president agreed to follow the Faculty & Staff Tuition Waiver Program Policy and waive a maximum of six (6) hours of tuition per term for eligible employees through the 2018 summer and fall semesters.
Between now and the beginning of the Spring 2019 semester, institutions will work with Council on Postsecondary Education staff to examine the landscape of current faculty and staff tuition waiver program participation and discuss options for any future program extensions or potential targeted reciprocity.
As a reminder, our governmental relations staff should be the ones to make any overtures to the Commonwealth. Staff Senate leadership is working with that office to express our concerns. If a staff senate member, or any other employee, wishes to express their disappointment to members of the legislature or other government officials, they may do so as a private citizen but may not utilize University of Louisville email or letterhead in doing so.
Update from Joseph Haan, COO
Information Technology (IT) and Performance Improvement and Business Analytics (PIBA) merged to create a new unit – Technology Solutions. The new unit will be led by CIO/Chief Technology Strategist, a position for which we are currently recruiting. The posting closed last week with over 120 applicants. The search committee is formed and the review process is in full swing. When the CIO/CTO position is filled, Business Operations (Shared Services), currently part of PIBA, will report directly to the me.
Mark Watkins, in addition to Business Services, has taken on several new responsibilities and is currently serving as Deputy COO. In July 2018, Mark took over Operations Division’s F.A.S.T. – Financial and Administration Support Team, following Demetrius Carmichael’s resignation as Director of FAST. Additionally, effective immediately, Mark will be responsible for the Facilities Operations department. (Jim Sears will retire on 12/1/18.)
In the News
Etscorn scholars take 'how I spent my summer vacation' to new level
UofL News, August 9, 2018
Features A&S students Margaret O'Bryan and Elizabeth Peña
Mayor Fischer: Castleman, Prentice statues to be moved from public locations
WHAS-11, August 8, 2018
Quotes Prof. Dewey Clayton (Political Science)
Trump's tweet isn't about sports. It's about black folks knowing their place
Courier-Journal, August 8, 2018
An op-ed by Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies)
UofL alum taps into A&S scholarship to earn graduate degree in Scotland
UofL News, August 7, 2018
Features alumnus William Nathan Dever.
Report crimes to police, not social media
WAVE-3, August 7, 2018
Quotes Prof. Michael Losavio (Criminal Justice)
Library's latest Short Course series will focus on 'Understanding Terrorism and Hate'
Insider Louisville, August 6, 2018
Features retired Prof. John Busch (Sociology)
What do fossils tell us about Louisville?
Louisville Magazine, August 3, 2018
Quotes Prof. Jafar Hadizadeh (Geography & Geosciences)
Beshear to co-host training for nearly 20 states focused on un-submitted sexual assault kits
Berea Online, August 3, 2018
Mentions Professors Brad Campbell and Deborah Keeling (Criminal Justice)
A full list of this season's performing arts in Louisville
LEO Weekly, August 1, 2018
Includes UofL theatre arts productions
'It Do Take Nerve'
The Voice Tribune, August 1, 2018
Features Prof. Kaila Story (Women and Gender Studies)
UofL grads are McConnell Scholars, Fulbright winners and best friends
UofL News, July 27, 2018
Features A&S students Robert Gassman, Kyle Hilbrecht, and Christian Bush.
Kentucky Arts Council Honors Artists with Al Smith Fellowships, Emerging Artist Awards
Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet - Kentucky Arts Council, July 25, 2018
Mentions awards for Prof. Kiki Petrosino (English) and Prof. Emerita Annette Allen (Comparative Humanities)
Evidence detected of lake beneath the surface of Mars
CNN, July 25, 2018
Video mentions Prof. Timothy Dowling (Physics and Astronomy)
It's a controversial admission for some, but there are black racists
Courier-Journal, July 18, 2018
An op-ed by Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies)
Activists say public heckling a legitimate part of McConnell protests
Courier-Journal, July 15, 2018
Quotes Prof. Michael Cunningham (Communications and Psychology)
Let's forgive 'Papa John' and give him a gift: lessons in black studies
Courier-Journal, July 13, 2018
An op-ed by Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies)
Critics: Heckling elected officials won't get desired results
WHAS-11, July 10, 2018
Quotes Prof. Dewey Clayton (Political Science)
INTERVIEW: Senate, America weighing in on SCOTUS nominee
WHAS-11, July 10, 2018
An interview of Prof. Laura Moyer (Political Science)
INTERVIEW: Laura talks Brett Kavanaugh
WHAS-11, July 10, 2018
An interview of Prof. Laura Moyer (Political Science)
Survey Gauges How Louisville Residents Feel About Crime, Policing
89.3 WFPL, July 10, 2018
Features Prof. Deborah Keeling (Criminal Justice)
So who is Andy Beshear's running mate, Jacqueline Coleman?
Courier-Journal, July 8, 2018
Features alumna Jacqueline Coleman (Political Science)
Monument Committee Letter to Fischer Points to Process Consumed By Castleman
89.3 WFPL, July 3, 2018
Quotes Prof. Chris Reitz (Fine Arts)
Fox News host Tucker Carlson calls Louisville professor 'racist' on air
Courier-Journal, July 3, 2018
Features Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies)
Mayor should yank statue of ex-Confederate soldier, councilman says
Courier-Journal, July 2, 2018
Mentions Prof. Dewey Clayton (Political Science) and Prof. Chris Reitz (Fine Arts).
Public art committee releases findings, guidelines on controversial monuments
WHAS-11, June 30, 2018
Quotes Prof. Chris Reitz (Fine Arts)
Spencer Pratt Used to Be Filthy Rich. Here's His Plan to Get It All Back
Money, June 29, 2018
Quotes Prof. Karen Freberg (Communication)
Annual Butterfly Count is Saturday in Kentucky
U.S. News, June 29, 2018
Mentions Professor Emeritus Charles Covell (Biology)
Fort Pierce community advisory committee could create lasting change for Police Department
TC Palm: USA Today, June 29, 2018
Quotes Prof. John Reed (Criminal Justice)
Need a summer read? Check out these five by local authors
Cincinnati Enquirer, June 28, 2018
Mentions Prof. Sarah Strickley (English)
Was James Baldwin right when he called white Americans moral monsters?
Courier-Journal, June 27, 2018
Op-ed by Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies)
The plantation in your town: How we handle the vestiges of our past
LEO Weekly, June 27, 2018
Symphony of Color: Artist finds harmony in cacophony clatter
Valdosta Daily Times, June 23, 2018
Features Fine Arts alumnus Lawrence Tobe
Countdown continues: Join in the annual butterfly tally
UofL News, June 21, 2018
Mentions Prof. Emeritus Charles Covell (Biology)
Temperatures Rising In Kentucky, But Slower Than Much Of The U.S.
89.3 WFPL, June 21, 2018
Quotes Prof. Emerita Margaret Carreiro (Biology)
'Y'all better quiet down: Trans advocacy, justice & safety'
LEO Weekly, June 20, 2018
Event featuring Prof. Kaila Story (Women's and Gender Studies)
Kentucky Reformed Juvenile Justice, And Left Black Youth Behind
89.3 WFPL, June 20, 2018
Quotes Prof. Cherie Dawson-Edwards (Criminal Justice)
Multimedia artist KCJ Szwedzinski wins the 2018 Hadley Prize for Visual Art
Insider Louisville, June 20, 2018
Features graduate student KCJ Szwedzinski (Fine Arts)
Looming budget cuts have U of L looking for help and political support
Courier-Journal, June 19, 2018
An op-ed by A&S Dean Kimberly Kempf-Leonard
What does Dad really want? More time with his kids
StarTribune, June 16, 2018
Quotes Prof. Ryan Schroeder (Sociology)
INTERVIEW: Will US-North Korea Summit lead to lasting peace?
WHAS-11, Jun 12, 2018
Interview with Prof. Jason Abbott (Political Science)
Korean Americans in Kentucky hopeful for peace following Singapore Summit
WDRB-41, Jun 12, 2018
Quotes Prof. Jason Abbott (Political Science)
Efforts to clear Kentucky's rape kit backlog appear to be working
WLKYT, Jun 12, 2018
Features Prof. Bradley Campbell (Criminal Justice)
'There has to be a start': Some encouraged by U.S.-North Korea summit
Courier-Journal, Jun 10, 2018
Mentions Prof. Moon-he Baik (Fine Arts) and Prof. Jason Abbott (Political Science)
The U.S.-North Korean summit hits close to home for some in Louisville
Courier-Journal, Jun 10, 2018
Mentions Prof. Moon-he Baik (Fine Arts)
UofL's 'Thursdays at Moore' yield storytelling success
UofL News, June 7, 2018
Animal behavior with Dr. Lee Dugatkin
LEO Weekly, June 6, 2018
Event featuring Prof. Lee Dugatkin (Biology)
Statue report due by June 30
LEO Weekly, June 6, 2018
Quotes Prof. Dewey Clayton (Political Science)
Author Sarah Strickley Talks New Book "Fall Together"
Louisville Magazine, June 1, 2018
Features Prof. Sarah Strickley (English)
Exploring inequality: Institute aims for intensive undergraduate experience
UofL News, May 31, 2018
Subverting democracy: Four views on the state's war on schools
LEO Weekly, May 30, 2018
Features Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies)
New director, Carnegie Center must focus on 'serving a more diverse audience'
LEO Weekly, May 30, 2018
Features Dr. Eileen Yanoviak (graduate of UofL)
Portland elementary students dig up local history
WHAS-11, May 30, 2018
Meet the teachers who won Kentucky primaries - and sent shockwaves through the GOP
Lexington Herald Leader, May 23, 2018
Quotes Prof. Dewey Clayton (Political Science)
Black to the future: From page to stage
The University of Kansas, May 22, 2018
Mentions Prof. Baron Kelly (Theatre Arts)
Louisville professor to speak at Paul Sawyier Library Monday
The State Journal, May 21, 2018
Features Prof. Charles E. Ziegler (Political Science)
Social media expert to give public talk May 23 at SOJC
U of Oregon: Around the O, May 17, 2018
Features Prof. Karen Freberg (Communication)
Love him or hate him, Malcolm X deserves respect for courage, honesty
Courier-Journal, May 16, 2018
Op-ed by Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies)
CIA Nominee Wins Panel Endorsement, Clearing Way for Confirmation
Wall Street Journal, May 16, 2018
Features political science alumna Gina Haspel
Neeli Bendapudi begins tenure as U of L president
WLKY-32, May 16, 2018
New U of L President Neeli Bendapudi says 'best days are ahead'
WDRB-41, May 15, 2018
Opinion: Shared parenting the best option for children of divorce
The Enquirer, May 14, 2018
Quotes Prof. Ryan Schroeder (Sociology)
UofL student's long road to graduation
WHAS-11, May 14, 2018
Distinguished Faculty, outstanding staff recognized at awards program
UofLNews.com, May 10, 2018
Look Behind The Curtain
Arts-Louisville.com, May 8, 2018
Features MFA student Douglas Miller
Childish Gambino's provocative This is America video tackles racism, gun violence
CBC, May 8, 2018
Features Prof. Ricky Jones (Pan-African Studies)
