Hands-on Success (September 2024)

HANDS-ON SUCCESS

Two years ago, the University of Louisville’s Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) opened on the bottom floor of the Belknap Village South residence hall. Since then, the center has grown to include the CARDS EXCEL program, where students who complete two or more qualifying engaged learning activities can graduate with distinction. The CEL WINGS program provides funding to support undergraduate students in completing unpaid internships at either 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government agencies.

UofL’s efforts to define student success beyond the classroom also include our University Career Center, cooperative education programs in the Speed School and College of Business, graduate assistantships and fellowships, education abroad programs and more. We provide these resources because we believe the value of experiential learning programs cannot be overstated. These programs provide students with relevant and necessary opportunities which prepare them for success in their vocations after graduation.

Just this past summer, eight Muhammad Ali scholars embarked on a transformative, two-week international learning and cultural experience in South Africa. Medical students conducted a study to decrease health disparities for Black patients by helping educate physicians about potential barriers to an important heart health test as part of a summer research program. Twenty-nine students participated in the CEL’s Summer Research Opportunity Program, which provides undergraduates an intensive 10-week research experience with a faculty mentor in any discipline.

With the new academic year underway, I encourage our faculty and staff to share information about our experiential learning opportunities with our students – whether that be through formal UofL programs or through your own personal/professional networks.

Gerry Bradley
Executive Vice President and University Provost

CARDINAL CALLOUTS

Brian Buford, assistant vice president for university culture and employee success, and Michael Mardis, dean of students and vice president for student affairs, will be inducted into the College Personnel Association of Kentucky Hall of Fame Friday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m., at the conclusion of the CPAK Annual Conference. The CPAK Hall of Fame honors those with distinguished tenures of leadership and service to their students, colleagues and institutions in Kentucky; demonstrate ongoing commitment to the state, region, national and international professional associations that serve college personnel; and exemplify service in scholarship and teaching in the field of higher education.

Vatsalya Vatsalya, assistant professor of medicine, Division of Gastroentrology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Clinical Laboratory for the Intervention Development of AUD and Organ-Severity, Department of Medicine, has been awarded a fellowship by the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP). A fellowship is the highest category of membership granted by ACCP and, as such, is awarded to those with exemplary credentials and dedication to the betterment of the discipline and provides an opportunity to share the future of clinical pharmacology.

Isabel Botero, assistant professor and the George E. and Mary Lee Fischer Chair of Entrepreneurship in the College of Business, provided insights for two articles recently published by Finance Buzz, Best Small Business Credit Cards of 2024 and Chase and Capital One Comparison.

The longstanding tradition of the IceBreaker Yard Show, hosted by the Brothers of the Alpha Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., took place Aug. 17, 2024, as part of this year's Welcome Week events. The IceBreaker featured performances from the National Pan-Hellenic Council's fraternities and sororities.

PROVOST OFFICE UPDATES

Statement on Misrepresentation
On July 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education updated the regulations (34 CFR §668.71 through 668.75) regarding the prohibition of misrepresentation so that it includes a section on omission of fact. The purpose of this statement is to educate our university community about the regulation and what it prohibits. The University of Louisville is prohibited under federal regulations from making, directly or indirectly, any substantial misrepresentation or misleading statement to a student, prospective student, member of the public, accrediting agency, state agency or to the U.S. Department of Education. To learn more about misrepresentation, including information on where to report questions or concerns, the Cardinal Community is encouraged to complete the misrepresentation awareness module and view our Statement on Misrepresentation.

Academic Leadership Search Updates

• The dean search for the College of Business began in August.
• The dean search for the School of Dentistry is scheduled to begin in the fall 2024 semester.

Blackboard Ultra Training and Resources
Whether you’re navigating the new gradebook or need extra help fine-tuning your course, the Delphi Center is here to help you and your students as we continue onward with the university’s first Blackboard Ultra semester. Join us for a quick 45-minute virtual training, and if you need more assistance, pop into a session—virtually or in-person in the TILL, Ekstrom Library, third floor—for one-on-one support. Learn more and register for the personalized support you need.

Mental Health and Wellness Week
Counseling Center staff are planning a Mental Health and Wellness Week Oct. 21–25. The biggest event of the week will be the annual Fall Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Red Barn. If your department would like to host a wellness event during that week, contact Geeta Gulati.

ITS commitment to inclusive excellence
Information Technology Services (ITS) continues its commitment to inclusive excellence and fostering a vibrant community by being a part of UofL’s engaged outreach. This summer, working with the Office of Community Engagement, ITS hosted 16 Upward Bound Bridge students for an immersive tech experience in our IDD team office and a behind-the-scenes tour of our MITC high-tech environment with the idea that a career in technology is possible for everyone.

We also recently welcomed Marian R. Vassar, UofL assistant vice president for inclusive excellence and belonging, who presented an all-ITS staff educational session. AVP Vassar led an engaging session on self-awareness of our own biases and privileges.

Fraternity & Sorority Life
Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) has had a busy start to the year. The Aug. 20 Grilling with the Greeks event brought more than 1,200 students to the Red Barn/SAC plaza. All three FSL councils welcomed new members to the community in August. Panhellenic is celebrating more than 240 new members; the Interfraternity Council is celebrating more 230 new members; and the National Pan-Hellenic Council is excited to welcome back Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Students involved in Greek life have a six-year graduation rate 20-26% higher than non-Greeks.

Move-In and Welcome Week
Many thanks for the support of the university community and to the staff of University Housing and the Resident Experience for another successful Move-In. We have more students living on campus than ever before. During Welcome Week 2024, more than 100 events were held to welcome new Cardinals, blending social, academic and informational experiences. Highlights included the New Cardinal Convocation, UofL Night at Kentucky Kingdom, Night at the Rec and academic open houses.

Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, director of student accessibility and accommodation services for the Division of Student Life at the University of Michigan, presented "Disabusing Disability:  Demonstrating disability doesn't mean inability" at the 2024 Research!Louisville symposium.

TIPS AND RESOURCES FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Educators at a Student-ready Institution Practice Empathy
Faculty and staff play a key part in building a student-ready college. Those who engage with students nearly every day play a critical role in the student experience. Our investment in student success is an essential factor in how successful a learner will feel, even years after graduation. When a student feels seen and understood by their mentors and college community, they will feel supported. Learn more in the Faculty Resource Library.

Delphi Center Workshops
The Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning periodically sponsors or collaborates with other units to offer special events, workshops and programs of interest to the university community. Workshop topics include advancing online programs, student crisis management, generative artificial intelligence and more. Learn more on the Delphi Center webpage.

Faculty Feed: Mastering Academic Integrity-Authorship, AI and the Future of Publishing
Allison Ratterman, director of the Office of Research Integrity, delves into the complexities of authorship and scholarly publishing in academia. She discusses the importance of maintaining research integrity, streamlining compliance processes and addressing issues like AI-written manuscripts and unethical authorship practices. Ratterman shares insights on how universities can protect scholars' work and offers guidance on managing expectations for authorship in evolving research projects. Tune in to learn about the challenges of publishing in today’s academic landscape and strategies for navigating them. Listen to the episode on the Faculty Feed webpage.

DID YOU KNOW

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Stay cybersecurity safe and secure! ITS encourages you to adopt cybersecurity best practices like strong passwords, two-factoring and being cautious of phishing scams. Increased awareness and proactive measures help create a safer online environment at UofL. See the ITS phishing webpage for more information on recognizing and reporting email scams, sms smishing, spear phishing, social engineering, fake Duo prompts and more. Use the SLAM method and, if you don’t know the sender, do not click or reply.