2023 Provost's Office Message Archive

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Jensen as Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, effective January 1, 2024.

Dr. Jensen earned her associate’s degree in Forest Technology from College of the Redwoods and her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Idaho, including a Ph.D. in Environmental Science. She joined Texas State University in 2009, was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2015, and was promoted to the rank of Professor in 2021. She has served in various service and leadership capacities, including Associate Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and a Faculty Senator representing the College of Liberal Arts.   

Dr. Jensen has over 20 years of research experience focused on the intersection of geospatial sciences, physical geography, environmental science, and landscape ecology. Her research activities integrate GIScience and remote sensing to investigate and apply methods for geospatial data integration within geography, environmental studies, and beyond. Her research contributions facilitate increased collaboration across disciplines and an improved understanding of the physical landscape, land use, and land cover changes related to vegetation composition and structure, the distribution of various species, and conservation-oriented applications. She has graduated six Ph.D. students and 22 master’s students and served on 25 doctoral and master’s committees for students studying geography, geographic information science, population and conservation biology, and aquatic biology. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Jennifer Jensen on her appointment as Chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Barrett Bryant

                                    Dean, College of Science and Engineering

SUBJECT:                   James Webb Space Telescope Guest Lecture - Thursday, December 7

 

Due to the number of RSVPs we received for the event, we have changed the location of the meeting to FH 341. This is to ensure we have a conducive environment for our presentation.

 

Additionally, for those unable to join us in person, we have added a Zoom link to facilitate remote participation.  Here are the updated meeting details:

 

Thursday, December 7

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

FH 341

 

Zoom Details

Meeting ID: 879 3981 7882

Passcode: 073623

TO:                             Current Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   Announcing the winners of the 2023-2024 Graduate College Outstanding Mentor and Master’s Thesis Awards

 

It is my distinct pleasure to inform you that we have selected the recipients of the 2023–2024 Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award and the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Awards. 

Dr. Randall Osborne, Professor in the Department of Psychology, is the recipient of The Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award. This award recognizes a faculty member who has had extraordinary success in mentoring graduate students. Congratulations to Dr. Osborne for his excellent work!  I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Osborne’s colleagues and former students, who submitted very thoughtfully written letters which described in detail the tremendous positive impact of Dr. Osborne’s mentorship on his students’ careers.  

Sierra Bligh, who earned a Master of Arts with a Major in International Studies, is the recipient of the Graduate College’s Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in the Social Sciences, Education, and Business. Her thesis, “Feminist Foreign Policy: Analyzing the Core Values and Identities of Feminist States”, was directed by Dr. Franziska Boehme Newell, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science. Congratulations to Sierra for her outstanding research.

Courtney C. Dillard, who earned a Master of Science with a Major in Exercise Science, is the recipient of the Graduate College’s Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in the Life and Biological Sciences. Her thesis, “Slow Breathing Reduces Markers of Stress in Response to a Virtual-Reality Active Shooter Drill”, was directed by Dr. Matthew J. McAllister, Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance. Congratulations to Courtney for her outstanding research.

Jess Hawthorne Fiene, who earned an MFA with a Major in Theatre and a Concentration in Directing, is the recipient of the 2023-2024 Graduate College’s Outstanding Non-traditional Thesis / Project Award. Her production of Bertholt Brecht’s adaptation of Antigone was supervised by Mr. Jerry Ruiz, Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Congratulations to Jess for her outstanding directing work.

As the winners of these competitions, Dr. Osborne will receive $2,500 to be paid into his research account, while Sierra, Courtney, and Jess will each receive $500. All four will be recognized at The Graduate College’s award ceremony next April. The Graduate College has also entered them into the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools’ respective competitions.

I would also like to acknowledge the following members of the graduate community: Dr. Boehme Newell, Dr. McAllister, and Mr. Ruiz for their exemplary mentorship and commitment to their students; and the faculty members, graduate students, and Graduate College deans who served on the award committees. It was indeed inspiring to read about the excellent research and mentoring which is happening on our campus. And to the entire graduate faculty, I thank you all for your steadfast commitment to graduate education on our campus.  

If you have questions about this award, feel free to contact me via email at agolato@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Barrett Bryant

                                    Dean, College of Science and Engineering

SUBJECT:                   James Webb Space Telescope Guest Lecture - Thursday, December 7

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Guest Lecture

Klaus Pontoppian,

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Scientist

Thursday, December 7

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

IGRM 3101

Please join the Department of Physics for a special presentation hosted in conjunction with the College of Science & Engineering and the Division of Research. Dr. Klaus Pontoppidan, Scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California and former JWST Scientist at Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, will give a guest lecture about NASA’s newest flagship astronomical observatory, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This lecture will cover the first two years of operation and provide behind the scenes information of how the first images came to be.

Please use this link to indicate your interest in attending to gauge crowd size.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Fall 2023 Commencement

 

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 3,000 candidates in six commencement ceremonies to be held on Friday and Saturday, December 8 and 9, 2023.  The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus.  As graduates, families, and the university community prepare to celebrate, please note the following announcements and recommendations.

Parking at Commencement

Parking is available for all attendees as indicated on the directions, parking, and seating website.

Recommended parking for faculty and staff, with shuttle services, include:

• Lots A and B, located by Bobcat Stadium, will have shuttle bus service.
• Lot C, located adjacent to the UEC, is restricted to those with Limited Mobility.  Golf cart shuttles will be available to assist individuals in this lot.  This lot should be accessed from Charles Austin Drive via Hopkins Street.

Recommended park and walk lots for faculty and staff include:

• Lot D, across the street from the UEC.
• Garage F, at the corner of Edward Gary Street and University Drive.
• Garage H, at the corner of Pleasant Street and LBJ Drive.

All lots and garages listed above are free to those attending commencement.

Please be aware that if you are traveling southbound on IH35 and exit Aquarena Springs Drive you are advised to turn left on to Thorpe Lane and right on to Robbie Lane in order to access Lots A and B.  Traffic inbound to campus on Aquarena Springs Drive will not be able to make a left turn into Commencement Parking Lot D.

Information on faculty parking, parking maps, the faculty processional, and other details can be found on the commencement website.

Sights and Sounds of Christmas Festival

The Sights and Sounds of Christmas festival will be held November 30 – December 2 and December 7 – 9, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day.  Additionally, the Jingle Bell Run will be held on Saturday, December 9 with events from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m.

Faculty and staff should expect traffic and parking delays during these time periods and are encouraged to follow the special instructions listed below.

Special Instructions

To alleviate the traffic, wait time, and congestion that is anticipated between the conclusion of the 2:00 p.m. ceremony and the start of the 6:00 p.m. ceremony, the following procedures are in place for employees:

Early Release – Friday, December 8, 2023

To ease traffic congestion, supervisors may elect to release selected staff at 3:00 p.m.  However, all university offices must remain open until 5:00 p.m. or the normal closing time.  Staff members who leave early are expected to use vacation, compensatory, or flex time arrangements approved by supervisors.

Vehicles in the JCK Area

The rear gate at the back of the JCK parking lot will be barricaded from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Vehicles that normally exit on to Sessom Drive will be directed back to the one-way service drive and should exit the back parking lot going the wrong way towards Woods Street or Moon Street.  No vehicles will be allowed to access the back parking area starting at 3:00 p.m.  A parking guard will be stationed at the service drive at the front parking lot to restrict vehicles from entering the back parking lot.

Vehicles in Other Campus Areas

It is highly recommended that vehicles avoid the Sessom Street, Aquarena Springs Drive/Loop 82, and University Drive roadways between the ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.  Every effort should be made to exit the campus and San Marcos using Edward Gary Street, Guadalupe Street, Hopkins Street/Hunter Road, and other routes heading away from the UEC.

Thank you for your cooperation during this momentous time in our graduates’ lives.

Faculty or staff requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact commencement@txstate.edu at least one week prior to the event.

TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   Honors Research Conference - Friday November 17, 2023

 

We are pleased to present the Honors Research Conference  to be held on Friday, November 17, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the Trauth-Huffman Hall rooms 308, 309, and 310.

Undergraduate students from the Honors College and the IDEA Center will present their research themed panels including:

Mapping Migrations in the Americas: Immigrants, Asylum Seekers, and First Americans

The Pressures of Urbanization on Wildlife: The Virginia Opossum and the Coyote

Willful Women: Strong Female Leads from Icelandic Sagas to American Sitcoms

Virtually Impacted: Love, Music, and Veterinary School in a Changing World

Keeping Campus Engaged: Initiatives in Design and Sustainability

Exploring Creativity in Art, Music and Education

New Research in Biochemistry  

            …And more!  

The complete schedule can be found online.  Everyone is welcome to attend!  Questions should be directed to honors@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2266.  

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Kelly Visnak

                                    Vice Provost and University Librarian

SUBJECT:                   Invitation to University Libraries' Update on November 14, 2023: Charting the Future 

 

As we collectively pursue the university’s strategic imperatives, University Libraries (UL) is a key partner in providing vast resources, vital services, and specialized expertise that will advance academic research and bolster student success.  With that in mind, I encourage you to attend the University Libraries' Update.  

This essential gathering will provide updates related to library initiatives and services and offer the opportunity to provide feedback and insights to create more synergy and impact.

When:           November 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.   

Where:         Alkek Library Conference Halls (Rooms 441/442)     

This is an in-person meeting.  For those who cannot attend, a recording will be available soon after the event at this link.   

During the update, library leaders will answer some key questions:  

1. What is University Libraries doing to contribute to student success?  

University Libraries will provide an update on its expanding services in learning engagement and educational innovation, including initiatives to support active learning; information, digital, and artificial intelligence (AI) literacies; and partnerships for the adoption, adaption, and creation of open educational resources.  

2. How is the library supporting the research lifecycle as we make our run to R1?   

University Libraries will share news about our deep knowledge experts who are transforming the way digital scholarship is conducted, published, cited, and showcased at our institution.  We are available to partner with scholars from all disciplines and are especially interested in integrative mindsets within the humanities context that transcends traditional boundaries.

3. What are the latest learning opportunities through hands-on immersive technologies being offered in Alkek One?  What are the plans for expanding the use of creative technologies to collaborate on research?  

University Libraries will outline new projects and technology engagement opportunities offered in Alkek One, the transformative hub designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovation among students and faculty.  Learn about plans for the new Alkek Laboratory for Immersive Arts and Sciences (ALIAS), which will include a virtual production studio, professional-level audio studio, and an immersive gallery.  Our goal is to create the largest repository of immersive stories in the world, all made possible by the Alkek Foundation Grant and the Unity Technologies Social Impact Grant.  

4. How is the library meeting campus needs for access to scholarly resources and research materials?  

University Libraries will share its open scholarship practices, including its pivot to an access model, where we partner with other research library consortiums to make the most of our resource funds.  This work ensures ready access to global resources and provides wider opportunities to publish open access and increase the impact of scholarly output.  We are purchasing digital first.  These collections are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, online, readying for a global campus.

Your insights and engagement are essential to bringing library services into closer alignment with the goals of academic excellence and research innovation at Texas State University.  We are eager to hear your valuable perspectives at the University Libraries' Update.  

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Communication Studies

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marian Houser as Chair of the Department of Communication Studies effective November 1, 2023.  

Dr. Houser earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree in communication studies from Miami University (Ohio), and a Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Tennessee. 

Dr. Houser joined Texas State University in 2003, was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2009, and promoted to professor in 2013.  During her time at Texas State, Dr. Houser has served as the Director of COMM 1310--the Basic Communication Course, Associate Dean of Faculty Development for the College of Fine Arts and Communication, and Editor of Communication Teacher (a National Communication Association journal).  She received the Texas State University Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activities, the Eastern Communication Association's Past President's Award for Research, and was named Research Fellow by the Eastern Communication Association.  Dr. Houser's love for teaching also garnered her the Mariel M. Muir Excellence in Mentoring Award at Texas State. 

Dr. Houser’s research examines the intersections of interpersonal relationships and instructional communication in various contexts that include organizations, training, health campaigns, and the dialogue that occurs between teachers and students in the classroom.  She was the cofounder of CoSearch, a research-collaboration organization and Living Mental Wellness, a prevention-based organization. She is the co-director of the Communication Studies Department’s BioComm Research Lab.  Dr. Houser has published over 70 research articles in regional, national, and international journals and authored/edited two communication textbooks: Your Interpersonal Communication: Nature/Nurture Intersections (Kendall Hunt) and The Handbook of Instructional Communication (Kendall Hunt). 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Marian Houser on her appointment as Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff 

FROM:                       Dr. Kristy Daniel

Chair, University Lecturers Committee 

SUBJECT:                   Invitation to Submit Proposals to Sponsor Guest Lecturers for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 

 

The University Lecturers Committee (ULC) acts as a steward for a student activities fund that assists colleges, schools, departments, and campus organizations in sponsoring outstanding speaking engagements at Texas State University. In the current submission cycle, limited funds are available on a competitive basis to bring distinguished speakers to our campuses for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.  

Proposals must be submitted by email to facultysenate@txstate.edu by 5:00 p.m. the first Friday in February. Before submitting a proposal, please contact the speaker or speaker’s agent to determine availability and fees.

Awarded funds cannot be transferred to a replacement speaker. University Lecturers Series funds should be used only for speaker fees, and if needed, travel and accommodations up to a maximum request of $3,000. Receptions, incidentals (such as printing, food, flowers), and other costs will not be funded by the University Lecturers program but may be funded by co-sponsors.

The ULC will review proposals and assign a priority ranking to each based on the following considerations. The evaluation rubric has been updated and we encourage all intending to submit a proposal to review the four rating categories and the percentages assigned to them.

Interest/Anticipated Attendance (25%) 

• Potential that Speaker/Topic will Attract a Diverse Audience (Content Diversity) 
• Potential that Speaker/Topic will Attract a Diverse Audience (Other Diversity) 
• Potential to Reach a Wide University Audience (expectations of attendance will be adjusted for speakers at the Round Rock campus) 
• Potential to Reach a Community/External Audience 

Topic/Speaker Involvement (31.25%) 

• Direct involvement of the University Community in the Scholarly Dialogue during the program
• Direct Speaker involvement with Scholarly Dialogue during the program
• Plans for Dialogue/Reflection beyond the Presentation/Q&A
• Clear Connection on How Event will Advance University's Diversity Mission 
• National/International Accomplishments of Speaker provided in Biography 

Event Logistics (18.75%) 

• Established Contact with Speaker 
• Tentative Commitment by Speaker 
• Comprehensive Description of Event Planning 
• Comprehensive Description of Marketing Plan 

Collaboration/ Budget (25%) 

• Collaboration Across University Units 
• Joint Sponsorship 
• Commitment for Shared Funding 
• Budget Justification

Proposals judged to merit funding will be approved in ranked order until funds are exhausted. In order to support as many speakers as possible, awards are limited to no more than $3,000.

The application form, instructions, evaluation rubric, and lists of past awards are available on the University Lecturers Series web page. Please note that only proposals submitted on the PDF proposal form will be accepted.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact me, Kristy Daniel, ULC Chair, or GG Mortenson, Administrative Assistant to the Faculty Senate, 245-8323.

We look forward to receiving your proposals. The University Lecturers Series offers a valuable opportunity for stimulating scholarly discussion at Texas State. We anticipate notifying successful applicants by email no later than May 1, 2025. 

 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Meet Film and Television Director Thomas Carter

 

TXST Distinguished Alumnus Thomas Carter is a 3-time Emmy Winner and director of five feature films and more than 50 TV shows

Interview/Q&A: Friday, November 10 from 12:00-1:00 in PERF Recital Hall

Followed by a reception from 1:00-2:00 in the PERF Lobby

Thomas Carter Biography

Distinguished Alumnus Thomas Carter has enjoyed a storied career as an actor, director, and producer for both television and film. Career highlights include:

• He received the Emmy Award twice (1990 and 1991) for Best Director of a Dramatic Series for episodes of Equal Justice, a series he co-created and executive produced.
• In 1998 Mr. Carter received the Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie as Executive Producer of Don King: Only in America.
• He received the George Foster Peabody Award and the Broadcast Film Critics Award for Don King: Only in America, which he executive produced in association with HBO Pictures.
• Mr. Carter is also the recipient of the prestigious Director’s Guild of America Award for Hill Street Blues, a series for which he directed nine episodes, two of which received Emmy nominations.
• He was also nominated for an Emmy for his direction of an episode of Midnight Caller (1989) and received a Director’s Guild of America nomination for his direction of Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2010), a TNT movie starring Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Acting

In 1975, Thomas started his career as an actor. He has appeared in 15 different television shows, most notably as series co-star James Hayward in the ground-breaking show The White Shadow (1978-1981). While on this show, Thomas started his transition to being a director, helming four episodes.

Director (Television) 

Thomas has directed episodes for over 50 different television shows. He is well-known for setting the directorial and visual style for many distinguished television pilots, including Miami Vice, St. Elsewhere, and Equal Justice. He has directed 13 pilots that have gone to series.

Director (Films)

• Swing Kids (1993: Disney’s Hollywood Pictures); starring Robert Sean Leonard, Christian Bale, and (uncredited) Kenneth Branagh. 
• Metro (1997: Touchstone); action/suspense starring Eddie Murphy.
• Save The Last Dance (2001: Paramount); box-office smash starring Julie Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Kerry Washington. 
• Coach Carter (2005: Paramount); starring Samuel Jackson.
• When The Game Stands Tall (2014: Sony); starring Jim Caviezel.

Other Notes

• He is a 3-time nominee for an NAACP Image Award for directing.
• He directed “Part 3” of the reimagined Roots (2016) miniseries starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Anika Noni Rose for A+E Networks.
• His most recent directing assignment was on The Morning Show (2023) for Apple TV.

 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Sanjay Ramchander

                                    Dean, McCoy College of Business

SUBJECT:                   McCoy Conversations: Thought Leadership in A.I.

 

McCoy Conversations Series: Thought Leadership in Artificial Intelligence

Wednesday, November 8

12 p.m.

The McCoy Conversations series offers topical webinars for the business community to bridge academic and industry perspectives. Join us Wednesday, November 8, at 12 noon for "Thought Leadership in Artificial Intelligence." Conversation topics will include the ABCs of generative A.I., busting common myths, use cases in business, and a live Q&A with attendees. This free event is open to the public.

Visit the event webpage for webinar registration.

Panelists

• Mindy Cancila, Vice President, Strategy and Growth Activation, Dell Technologies
• Neil Skaria, Consultant, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Growth and Activation, Dell Technologies

Moderator

• Dr. Tahir Ekin, Fields Chair in Business Analytics, McCoy College of Business, and the director of Texas State Center for Analytics and Data Science

Host

• Dr. Alex McLeod, Associate Dean, Faculty Success and Research, McCoy College of Business

For questions, please contact Dr. Alex McLeod via email at mccoyresearch@txstate.edu or at (512) 245-2311.

If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact (512) 245-2311 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

 

TO:                              Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Director, St. David’s School of Nursing

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Theresa Garcia as the Interim Director of the St. David’s School of Nursing, effective November 1, 2023. 

Dr. Garcia earned a bachelor’s degree and a PhD in nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a registered nurse with an unencumbered license to practice in Texas. Dr. Garcia joined Texas State University in 2021 as an associate professor. Prior to joining Texas State, Dr. Garcia was a tenured associate professor and served as the coordinator of the DNP Program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, College of Nursing. Dr. Garcia has extensive experience in clinical practice, research, and teaching spanning 38 years. 

Dr. Garcia’s research examines intergenerational prevention and management of type 2 diabetes and obesity in Latino families. She has also been engaged in promoting strong and productive collaborations among all levels of nurse faculty and clinicians, with an emphasis on PhD/DNP collaborations to advance the science and practice of nursing. Dr. Garcia participated and placed first with her team in the Texas State CoSearch program in 2021 and continues to work on that project with an interdisciplinary faculty team from nursing, communication disorders, and fine arts. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals since 2011 and has presented her work, including showcasing students as often as possible, at professional conferences across the nation. 

She has been funded internally and externally to conduct research, most recently teaming with two other Texas State faculty to receive a $197,283 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Nursing Innovation Grant Program. Dr. Garcia has taught across the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral curricula in nursing and has been actively involved in local, state, federal, and international nursing organizations. Since arriving at Texas State, she has served on several school, college, and university committees, including as a search committee member for the new Vice President of the Round Rock Campus. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Garcia on her appointment as Interim Director of the St. David’s School of Nursing. 

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Instructional Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Honor Code Policy and Submission Updates

 

To improve the university’s Honor Code submission process, the Honor Code University Policy (UPPS No. 07.10.01) and case submission process has been updated to an online format. This new process is outlined below and can also be found on the Honor Code website’s Faculty Resources page. Cases should no longer be submitted via email due to the security risks associated with transmitting over a non-secure network.  

Honor Code Procedures: Faculty Member Responsibilities

Below is a checklist of basic steps to assist faculty members who suspect that a student has violated the Honor Code Policy. The faculty member may consult with their department chair or school director to determine an appropriate academic penalty.

In compliance with the Honor Code University Policy (UPPS No. 07.10.01), the faculty member will follow these steps:

1. Schedule a meeting with the student suspected of committing an honor code violation.
2. During the meeting, clearly communicate your observations and the prescribed penalty to the student if confident that academic misconduct occurred.
3. After the meeting, using the TXST (secure) File Transfer system, send the student the Determination Verification Form to obtain the student’s acceptance or non-acceptance of responsibility. Indicate in the message to the student that their response must be submitted using the TXST (secure) File Transfer system.
4. When the student's completed Determination Verification Form is received, or after three business days of no response, complete all required fields on the online Honor Code Review Form. Texas State NetID and login credentials will be required.
5. Attach the Determination Verification Form and any supporting documentation related to the Honor Code violation to the Honor Code Review Form.
6. Based on the submission details, a University Honor Code Hearing Officer will contact the student and/or professor for further steps as necessary.

Reference UPPS No. 07.10.01 for descriptions and details of violations and other honor code policy information.

Reference the New Honor Code Submission Process Video for clarification on the new online submission process and Determination Verification Form.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   2023 Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

 

The Graduate College is excited to host this year’s 2023 Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition and invites the entire Texas State University community to join.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a university-wide research communication competition in which graduate students present their thesis or dissertation research and its significance in under three minutes.  This competition challenges graduate students to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience and invites viewers to learn about innovative research by members of the graduate student community.  The competition will consist of a virtual Preliminary Round and an in-person University Final. 

You are invited to view the virtual 3MT® Preliminary Round presentations and vote for your favorites during the People’s Choice Voting from Thursday, October 19, 2023 through Tuesday, October 24, 2023 on the 3MT® webpage.  Nine finalists selected by judges and three finalists selected by the People’s Choice Voting will advance to the University Final.

On Thursday, November 2, from 10:00 – noon, the University Final will be held in the LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom.  All Texas State faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are invited to attend.  During the University Final, audience members will have the opportunity to vote in person for their favorite presentation to help a competitor win the final People’s Choice Winner award. 

Snacks and refreshments will be provided, and there will be door prizes and raffle prizes.

For questions, please contact Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean in The Graduate College, via email at the3mt@txstate.edu or at (512) 245-2581.

If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact (512) 245-2281 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Free Tickets: Ballet Nepantla

 

BALLET NEPANTLA fuses contemporary dance with Mexican Folklorico to explore new interpretative ways of delving into cultural and historical "in-between-ness."  With sections performed in blacklight, Ballet Nepantla’s Mística ignites the senses and accentuates the evocative beauty of Día de Muertos. The performance honors the dead by celebrating the creative and spiritual energies of indigenous, Afro, and Hispanic roots. It commemorates traditions of Día De Muertos and transports the audience into the afterlife through Ballet Nepantla's unique fusion of ballet folklorico and contemporary dance. Mística honors our ancestors, and the dead take the stage as the centerpiece of the show.

Complimentary performance next week.

Use the TXST Student or Faculty / Staff price types.

Friday, October 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

EVANS AUDITORIUM
627 N. LBJ

TXST students, faculty, staff: $FREE

(Utilize the appropriate price type)

Download your free tickets

THIS PERFORMANCE WILL SELL OUT!

Take a moment to download your tickets.  Seating is limited, and everyone needs a ticket!

 

Full list of events or to download tickets

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

SUBJECT:                   Bobcat Day – October 7

 

On Saturday, October 7^thfrom 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., future Bobcats will have the opportunity to see what life is like at Texas State University.  As a campus, we will welcome potential students and families to experience Texas State by connecting with faculty, staff and students.  Bobcat Day creates the opportunity for students to learn about academic majors, programs and services in addition to taking a campus tour and experiencing many of our residence halls, academic buildings and centers.

We look forward to having representatives from your areas showcase your majors, departments, and services.  If you have any questions, please contact Allison Menchaca at allison@txstate.edu  and Beverly Woodson Day at bw13@txstate.edu. 

Also, please mark your calendars for our three remaining Bobcat Days which will be held on the following Saturdays: November 4, February 17, and April 20. 

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

                                    Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Teaching and Instruction

 

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and information related to teaching and instructional responsibilities, student records, students with disabilities, and classroom materials.  All employees serving in instructional roles, including teaching assistants and instructional assistants, are asked to visit the websites linked below and to talk with their department chairs/school directors about specific questions regarding these policies and practices.  Please forward this message to new instructors, as hiring processes occur daily.   

Faculty-Authored Teaching Material

AA/PPS 02.03.30, Faculty-Authored Teaching and Instructional Material, requires approval before a faculty member may require any textbook, notebook, manual, or other materials written or prepared by a member of the Texas State University faculty for which a charge is required.  The policy covers materials authored or prepared by Texas State University faculty, even if the materials are used in classes taught by other instructors.  The approval process, which is described in the policy, involves the faculty member requiring the course material, department chair/school director, dean, and provost.  The deadlines for the submission of requests for materials to be used are: July 1 (fall semester), November 1 (spring semester), and April 1 (summer sessions).  Instructors may only require materials that meet instructional goals and student learning outcomes of the course.  The request form is available from Faculty and Academic Resources. 

Inadvertent Release of Student Education Records: Updated with Secure Communication Instructions 

This is a reminder of your obligation to guard against the inadvertent release of student education records as stipulated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  UPPS 01.04.31, Access to Student Records Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, addresses this law and faculty and staff obligations.  

Examples of inadvertent releases of student education records include emailing student grades, grade point averages, test scores or posting grades by student ID numbers, social security numbers, or other numbers that make student identities easily traceable.  These actions violate federal law and university policy.  A list of frequently asked questions is available for additional information. 

Please review File and Data Sending and Receiving information standards as well as best practices for Data Classification (confidential, sensitive, or public) from the division of Information Technology.  To securely send and receive confidential student education records per FERPA regulations, use the university’s secure File Transfer system.

Faculty and staff may login to the Bobcat Family Portal to verify a student has granted someone access to their records.

Regular and Substantive Interaction in Distance Learning

Regular and substantive instructor and student engagement in distance learning courses improves student learning outcomes and student satisfaction and aligns with Texas State’s long-held commitment to quality teaching and learning.  In addition, the university’s continued eligibility to award federal financial aid depends on the ability to provide evidence that this engagement takes place in a timely way and within certain regulatory guidelines.  Instructor-initiated actions, feedback, and oversight are expected to be timely, ongoing, focused on the course subject and assignments, and integral to the course plan and learning outcomes.  Instructors should plan to retain records of student engagement in academic activities that occur on or before each semester’s census day to document student engagement for financial aid purposes.  More information may be found in G/PPS 02.03, Distance Education Courses and Programs.

Students with Disabilities

Texas State complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA).  The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides certain students with written certification or an academic accommodation letter to share with faculty or staff members that outlines and requests appropriate accommodations specific to the student’s disability-based need.  Instructors are expected to work collaboratively with ODS and students who present written certification or accommodation letters and are asked to review Students with Disabilities, a Teaching Resource Guide for information on legal mandates, ODS procedures, types of accommodations, and best practices for ensuring access to full educational opportunity.

 

 

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Instructional Faculty Appointments

 

Instructional faculty appointments are reserved for individuals who make a unique contribution to Texas State University’s mission by dedicating their time and expertise to teaching, learning, and instructional activities that complement and enhance the goals of students, academic units, and the university.  We are pleased to introduce a new title and ranks for qualified instructional faculty effective September 1, 2024 (FY25).  During this academic year (FY24), we will implement a process to transition qualified faculty to assistant professors, associate professors, and professors of instruction. I encourage widespread participation in this important initiative.   

What is changing on September 1, 2024?  

To date, lecturers or senior lecturers are the primary faculty job titles dedicated to teaching and instructional roles at TXST.  The university will be expanding job titles and opportunities for career advancement and promotion for instructional faculty employed on a 75% to 100% FTE basis.  Effective September 1, 2024, qualified lecturers and senior lecturers may be appointed to the ranks of assistant professor, associate professor, or professor of instruction. In collaboration with their academic units, current lecturers and senior lecturers will determine whether to 1) pursue the new title and rank or 2) remain in their current job title.  This opportunity will be available to approximately 500 faculty members at TXST.  See the timeline below.   

Why create a new instructional faculty title series?  

As a result of faculty feedback and national trends, the Faculty Senate, the Nontenure Line Faculty Committee, and academic leaders worked collaboratively to create the title and ranks of assistant professor, associate professor, and professor of instruction.  Many R1 institutions similarly employ promotion-eligible faculty dedicated to teaching and instruction.   

What policy will provide guidance on instructional faculty appointments?  

AA/PPS 04.01.26, Instructional Faculty Appointments, is currently out for review and comment (attached).  Colleges, schools/departments and Faculty Senate will gather feedback from their respective constituents.  After comments are received, the Provost’s Office will respond and finalize the AA/PPS.   

Will there be a salary adjustment if current lecturers or senior lecturers transition to the instructional faculty title series?  

The university has allocated $1M for salary adjustments associated with the launch of the title series in FY25.  The details of salary adjustments for faculty who transition to the associate or professor rank are under review.  More information will be distributed in late spring 2024.   

What role do departments/schools and colleges have in the policy process?  

Departments/schools and colleges are responsible for discussing and developing guidelines for the ranks of assistant, associate, or professor of instruction by January 19, 2024.  The guidelines will be developed in collaboration with all voting faculty in the academic unit and consistent with parameters in AA/PPS 04.01.26.  Chairs/directors are available to discuss the opportunity with lecturers and senior lecturers.  

How do faculty participate in the policy process?  

Faculty are encouraged to engage with their departments/schools, the Faculty Senate, the Nontenure Line Faculty Committee, and others in 1) providing feedback on AA/PPS 04.01.26 and 2) developing department guidelines and qualifications for the new job title and ranks.  Lecturers and senior lecturers should discuss the opportunity with chairs/directors during the annual evaluation period in early spring 2024.  

Will the senior lecturer title exist after September 1, 2024?  

Current senior lecturers may elect to retain their job titles rather than transitioning to the promotion-eligible line.  No additional faculty will be hired or reclassified into the senior lecturer title.  

Will the lecturer title exist after September 1, 2024?  

Current lecturers may choose to retain their job titles rather than transitioning to the promotion-eligible line.  The lecturer title will remain in use for new faculty, primarily those appointed on a temporary or part-time (less than 75% FTE; per-course) basis.  

What is the timeline for the new title series?  

September 2023	AA/PPS 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments out for review.
October 2023	AA/PPS 04.01.26, Faculty of Instruction Appointments finalized.
Fall 2023	In collaboration with all voting faculty, academic units discuss guidelines and qualifications for achieving the rank of assistant, associate, or professor in accordance with the new AA/PPS.
January 2024	In collaboration with all voting faculty, academic units finalize guidelines and qualifications for achieving the rank of assistant, associate, or professor by January 19, 2024. Guidelines are concurrently reviewed by the college and Faculty and Academic Resources.
January to March 2024	Faculty annual performance evaluation occurs, including discussion with lecturers and senior lecturers on transitioning to the new title.
April 2024	Current lecturers and senior lecturers finalize their intent to transition to the new title or remain in their current title to their academic unit leader no later than April 19, 2024.
May 2024	Departments and colleges review and provide recommendations on new titles and ranks to Faculty and Academic Resources no later than May 20, 2024. No additional transitions will be considered after this deadline.
Fall 2024	Assistant professor, associate professor, and professor of instruction are available job titles at TXST!

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   National Transfer Student Week, October 16-20, 2023

 

Please join the Transfer Center in celebrating National Transfer Student Week (NTSW), October 16-20, 2023. 

During NTSW, Texas State University celebrates transfer students and the Texas State professionals who support them on their journey. 

Transfer student stories will be featured in the NTSW exhibit at Alkek Library in addition to the Transfer Center website and Instagram. New and continuing students who transferred to Texas State are invited to share their stories.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to nominate a faculty or staff member for the Transfer Champion Award. A Transfer Champion is a faculty or staff member who has made a difference in the journey of transfer students. 

If you would like to feature your event during National Transfer Student Week, please submit it to the Transfer Center calendar or email transfercenter@txstate.edu.

For information about NTSW events, to share your story, or to nominate a Transfer Champion, please visit the National Transfer Student Week webpage. Submissions are due by Friday, October 6, 2023.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

                                    Deans

                                    Associate Provost/Associate Vice Presidents in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs 

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Ethics and Compliance

 

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and other information related to ethics and compliance following university, state, and federal regulations and policies. This message addresses required ethics and compliance training, dual/outside employment, reporting of relatives working at Texas State University, and mandatory notices to employees. Specific questions regarding these policies and practices may be addressed to supervisors.

University Ethics and Compliance Program 

Texas State is committed to ensuring that our institution maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity throughout all aspects of operations. As public servants, university faculty and staff are guardians of the resources entrusted to it and have a responsibility to students, parents, alumni, donors, and the citizens of Texas to ensure those resources are used efficiently and for their intended purpose. Several reporting tools are available that provide a confidential avenue for reporting concerns about potential waste, fraud, and abuse of resources; the lack of compliance with laws, regulations, and/or University Policy and Procedure Statements; or violations of The Texas State University System’s Code of Ethics. We encourage you to report such issues through one of the following tools:

· EthicsPoint Website

· The Texas State University System (TSUS) Toll-Free Hotline at (866) 294-0987. Para hacer un reporte en Espanol, favor de llame (866) 294-0987.

· Texas State University Office of Internal Audit Hotline at (512) 245-1707 

Please note the following training requirements: 

1. Ethics and Compliance Training: The Tools for an Ethical Workplace course is offered online via the employee learning management tool, Success Factors (SF) Learning. All employees are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by TSUS. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.      

2. EEO and Title IX Training: The Preventing Harassment and Discrimination course is offered online via the employee learning management tool, SF Learning. All employees are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by the State of Texas. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.

3. Cybersecurity Training: To combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3834 in the 2019 legislative session, which requires certain state and local government employees to complete a cybersecurity training program certified by the state’s Department of Information Resources (DIR). All employees must complete the Cybersecurity Training available within SF Learning. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due. 

4. Clery Act and Campus Security Authorities: The Clery Act is a federal law that requires the institution to provide accurate and timely information about crime and campus safety to the university community as well as prospective students and their families. The act requires the identification of individuals and organizations that meet the definition of a campus security authority (CSA). While many faculty members are not designated as CSAs, based on their position, those who serve as advisors to student organizations or program trip leaders will be CSAs. Employees designated as CSAs will be notified by the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator and are required to complete the CSA Clery Training Course available within SF Learning annually. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.

Online Reporting of Dual/Outside Employment and Activities 

UPPS 04.04.06, Outside Employment and Activities defines outside employment as any compensated employment, consulting, or service performed by the employee outside of the employee’s employment relationship with Texas State for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee or the organization serviced. Outside activities that involve non-compensated services are not always reported. However, there are special provisions for holding public office. Outside employment or activities must not interfere or create a conflict of interest or commitment with any employee’s duties and responsibilities at Texas State. 

Outside employment, financial conflict of interest (FCOI), conflict of commitment (COC), and inappropriate foreign influence may be related topics that potentially present challenges in managing overlapping dimensions. This is particularly important for faculty and staff involved in federal grant awards and sponsored programs. To encourage and support the research community, the division of Research will continue to develop and disseminate information and guidance regarding disclosures to internal and external entities, including funding agencies. Contact Sean Rubino, Director, Research Integrity and Compliance, via email at srubino@txstate.edu for questions or more information in this regard.

Annual approval is required for 1) any outside employment or consulting prior to beginning such outside employment or consulting; 2) any employment with another state agency, community college, or school district (regardless of the faculty member’s FTE at Texas State); 3) any employee holding public office (elected or appointed to serve for a federal, state, or local government entity including school districts, cities, and towns); or 4) non-compensated activities where the employee or supervisor believes there may be a conflict of interest or interference with the employee’s university duties and responsibilities, or if the outside activities will take place during or interfere with the employee’s normally scheduled work hours.

If the outside employment is with another State of Texas entity, Texas law requires that all state employees must inform their state agencies or institutions of higher education before accepting an additional employment with another agency or institution. See section 03.02 of UPPS 04.04.06. 

Annual reporting is required. Thus, outside employment approved from a prior academic year must be reported for the current year if the employment is ongoing. The current reporting academic year is 9/1/23 – 8/31/24. Employees are also required to report any changes that may occur during the academic year (e.g., additional outside employment throughout the year or change in outside employment workload). Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal under the “Self-Report” tab. At least one supervisor in the approval workflow, such as a department chair/school director, director, assistant vice president, dean, or associate vice president, must document there is no conflict of interest or commitment with outside employment before the request flows to the Office of the Provost.  

Note: Honorariums need not be reported.

Online Reporting of Relatives Working at Texas State University

An online form is available for employees to report certain relatives also working at Texas State University. With centralized records, Human Resources and Faculty and Academic Resources will be able to better manage potential conflicts and provide accurate reports as required by state law and The Texas State University System Regents’ Rules and Regulations. The governing policy is UPPS 04.04.07, Nepotism and Related Employment.

Note: If you have already reported relatives working at Texas State and there are no changes, no action is required. After your initial certification, you must report any changes as they occur.

If needed, please take action by October 16, 2023 and provide complete information, including hours worked per week and other details that aid reviewers in decision-making. Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal under the “Self-Report” tab. Instructions for Self-Reporting of Relatives at Texas State are available. The records will be reviewed by Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources against the organizational structure in SAP. If there is a potential conflict, Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources staff will contact the department head for resolution. Faculty-related questions may be directed to Faculty and Academic Resources at (512) 245-2786.

Employee Notices

While a variety of policies and laws are provided to new employees at orientation sessions, employee notices are important reminders for all employees and supervisors. These notices include information on State of Texas employee policies, sexual misconduct in the workplace, workplace accommodations, campus security, and other matters.  

Thank you for your commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Please forward this email, as appropriate, to ensure all employees in Academic Affairs are aware of these commitments and requirements.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Seeking Presenters for this year’s Star Stories

 

The University Star is looking for eight phenomenal local storytellers who are members of our Texas State University and San Marcos communities to present “Star Stories: True Stories of Life at TXST.”  This annual event features true personal narratives that reveal something about our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities.  The goal is to open dialogue among diverse groups while assigning value to first-person narratives.  

Anyone who is part of the Texas State community is invited to participate, whether you consider yourself a student, faculty member, staff member, parent, alumni, business owner who serves the TXST community or other.  

This event will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12 in the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall.

In order to have an amazing event, we need you and your stories.  Storytellers are asked to submit an application through our online portal by Friday, September 22.  We will review all applications and ask 10 people to come in for interviews/auditions.  From that pool, we will select eight who represent the diversity of our community and experiences.

Click the application link to complete and submit.

We look forward to hearing your stories!

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Faculty Ombudsperson Program

 

Texas State University implements a Faculty Ombudsperson program to ensure faculty have a pathway for addressing concerns or questions if efforts with supervisors and colleagues have not proven satisfactory. A faculty ombudsperson is an advocate for respectful and civil dialogue, transparent and fair policies, and continuous improvement and serves as a designated neutral, neither an employee nor a management advocate. 

Beginning June 2022, the university began implementing a new model of support that includes two faculty ombudspersons. This model is designed to better serve Texas State's large and diverse faculty body and to provide faculty members with an additional layer of support in addressing questions, concerns, and solutions to work-related issues. 

Dr. Todd Jewell, Professor of Finance and Economics, and Dr. Colleen Myles, Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, are the university’s faculty ombudspersons. Learn more by visiting the Faculty Ombudsperson webpage. 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   TEDxTexasStateUniversity Call for Speakers and Artists

 

The TEDxTexasStateUniversity leadership team is seeking speakers to share innovative ideas at our 8^th annual TEDx event on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The application portal is open, and we need your help finding speakers who will inspire our community and embody our theme, resolve. 
2024 Theme Description and Call for Speakers: 

The last few years have been rife with difficulty, from managing a global pandemic to mounting economic uncertainty, ongoing protests for human rights, and escalating environmental disasters, all of which have been taking place in a contentious political environment. Despite these difficulties, we believe in our resolve to overcome these challenges and are hopeful for the future. Our speakers are visionaries serving as drivers of change, and their talks will focus on the potential and promises ahead. Through these talks, we aim to explore specific ideas, processes, and solutions that will enable us to adapt to and transform the current obstacles we face as a local and global community. The talks will represent a variety of fields and perspectives including technology, health, the arts, media, social sciences, the humanities, and the natural sciences. We invite you to join us for a day of conversation as we discover how to strengthen our collective resolve.   
If you or someone you know has an idea worth sharing that aligns with the resolve theme, please submit your idea here. 
The application is open to anyone of any age and the deadline to apply is Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. The application also requires a two-minute audio AND video recording of the applicant presenting their idea. You do not have to have a fully written or developed presentation to apply, just an idea worth sharing. If selected, speakers will work with our speaking coaches starting in mid-October. Community members who are not affiliated with the university are also encouraged to apply. Though this event will be live, the speakers will be featured in a professionally edited video, post-event, that will be uploaded to TED Headquarters. 

If you have questions about the application process or event or have ideas for fine arts performances, entertainment, or exhibits that should be included in our event, please contact us at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu 

We look forward to hosting another amazing TEDxTexasStateUniversity event for our campus and greater San Marcos communities! 

TEDxTexasStateUniversity Organizing Team 

Dr. Kristen Farris, Department of Communication Studies 

Mr. Mark Paz, Department of Communication Studies 

Ms. Hannah Collazo, Department of Communication Studies

Dr. Youjeong Kim, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. Prisca Ngondo, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Time and Leave Policy – Faculty Sick Leave Reporting Requirements

 

Faculty members appointed in benefits-eligible positions (50% or more appointment) earn sick leave and must report sick leave taken even if no classes were missed. Reporting is required by the State of Texas (Texas Government Code 661.203).

Faculty must report sick leave for the actual time missed from carrying out their normal responsibilities, including teaching, research and scholarly/creative activities, and service. Sick leave taken must be recorded in hours, including partial day absences. Sick leave is recorded for any time taken to focus on the health needs of the faculty member or immediate family members during the workweek, not just teaching days.

The specific guidelines and procedures for faculty to use in reporting sick leave are prescribed in UPPS 04.04.30, University Leave Policy. In particular, please review Section 03, Sick Leave Procedures, Section 03.10, Faculty, Section 15, Record Keeping Policy, and Section 16, Record Keeping Procedures. 

Employees, including faculty, may take sick leave with pay when illness, medical and dental appointments, injury, immunizations, pregnancy, or confinement prevent carrying out their normal, negotiated workload responsibilities, or when the employee needs to care for an immediate family member who is sick or to obtain medical or dental examinations as part of an employee’s or immediate family member’s personal health maintenance program. Employees are allowed to use up to eight (8) hours of sick leave each fiscal year to attend educational activities of their children in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.

Questions regarding the use and recording of faculty sick leave should be directed to the appropriate department chair/school director. Each department/school must have a procedure in place for timely reporting and assigned responsibility for getting time entered into the SAP time management system, either by a faculty member or the departmental time administrator.

 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Shannon Weigum

                                    Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SUBJECT:                   ignite Entrepreneurship Workshop

 

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is now accepting applications for the ignite entrepreneurship workshop.

ignite is an engaging 3-day, learning-by-doing weekend workshop for students, faculty, and staff interested in discovering the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

Whether you have an idea for a business or are simply curious about the fascinating world of entrepreneurship, ignite is the perfect place to begin your journey!

Over the weekend, you will learn how to transform an idea into a business and position it for success!  As part of the workshop, participants work in diverse teams with peers from across campus and receive guidance from experienced faculty, entrepreneurs, and mentors (many of whom have started and sold their own businesses).

This workshop will be held in person at the Alkek Library, and runs from Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1.  There is no cost to attend. 

Registration is open now until Wednesday, September 13, at 5:00 p.m.  You may find additional information and a link to register by visiting the ignite web page.  

Please note that applications from all majors (including non-business majors) and all levels (including undergraduate and graduate) are encouraged to apply.  Space is limited, so apply today. 

Questions about the ignite workshop may be directed to Mr. Hauke Roeschmann via email at hauke@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Dean Jaime Chahin’s Retirement Reception

 

Dr. T. Jaime Chahin, Dean

College of Applied Arts

 Join us as we honor

Dean Chahin

for his 36 years of commitment and service to Texas State University. 

Monday, October 2, 2023

LBJSC Ballroom

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

program at 11:15 a.m.

All are welcome.  Please RSVP here.

Your response by September 22 is appreciated.

We look forward to your response.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

SUBJECT:                   2023-2024 Bobcat Day Dates

 

It is time again to host Texas State University’s premier open house event, Bobcat Day. Bobcat Day provides future students an opportunity to see what life is like at Texas State. As a campus, we will welcome prospective students and families to connect with faculty, staff, and students. Students will learn about academic majors, programs, and services, in addition to taking a campus tour and experiencing many of our residence halls, academic buildings, and centers. We will need everyone’s support and participation to showcase our amazing campus.

We look forward to having representatives from your areas to share your majors, departments, and services. We will be connecting with representatives from your areas soon. In the meantime, please mark your calendars with the following dates:

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Saturday, November 4, 2023 

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Saturday, April 20, 2024

If you have questions, please contact Beverly W Day at bw13@txstate.edu or Allison Menchaca at allison@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming 

Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication 

SUBJECT:                   Buy One Get One for Faculty and Staff: Hiplet Dance Co. | Friday, August 25

 

This dynamic Chicago-based dance company combines hip-hop with ballet (thus Hiplet). The TXST concert will feature dances set to the music of Chance the Rapper, Aretha Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Black Violin, Roberta Flack, Motown, and more… one of the works is an extended version of a piece they did on America’s Got Talent.

B1G1 FREE Code: HIPLET23

Use this code at checkout to receive the discount.

THIS PERFORMANCE WILL SELL OUT!

Take a moment to purchase your tickets NOW before they are all gone.

TXST University Arts presents

 

Hiplet (pronounced HIP-LAY) started as "The Rap Ballet" in the 1990s, developed by Ballet Master, Homer Hans Bryant. Soon after its development, the Rap Ballet was featured at several schools in the Chicago area while working with Urban Gateways.

After being asked by the UniverSoul Circus for one of his dancers to perform "rap ballet" type movement for the circus to Eminem’s violent piece, “Lose Yourself”, on the violin, Homer thought, "I can’t call this rap anymore. What are we going to call this"?

His answer...."Ballet & Hip Hop---Hiplet"!!!!

In 2009, Homer obtained the trademark on the word “Hiplet.”

Today the Hiplet Ballerinas are "WOWING" audiences all over the globe with their fiery performances and amazing skill. In the words of Founder and Artistic Director, Homer Bryant, "Hiplet is important. It is Afro-centric. We are pulling from your urban communities, and we put in the Jazz, Latin, and African, but we stick to the classical Ballet discipline. We have been to Germany, Seoul, South Korea, France, Spain, and the Virgin Islands, New York and California a dozen times. It’s just amazing what has happened.

Following his principle of inclusivity and a heart to create space and a platform for all, Homer states, "A lot of normal people have been deterred from dancing because they were a little too big and a little too busty. Hiplet ballerinas look like normal people".

Friday, August 25, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
405 Moon Street, 78666

TXST Faculty and Staff: Purchase 1 get 1 free

(Use coupon code: HIPLET23 at checkout)

For a full list of events or to download tickets, visit Texas State Presents. 

More to come SOON!

Above prices include a processing fee.

 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Academic Administrative Unit Name Change

 

Effective fall 2023, the Department of Health Information Management will be renamed to the Department of Health Informatics and Information Management (unit code HIIM).

Please join me in extending best wishes to the faculty, staff, and students of the Department. 

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Supplemental Awards Associated with Faculty Development Leaves

 

Texas State University has authorized ten supplemental awards to assist eligible tenured faculty in conducting their faculty development leave projects, including support to provide up to 100 percent of salary for a full academic year leave (fall and spring). Alternatively, supplemental awards may be used for $20,000 in expenditures for equipment, travel and lodging, and/or materials needed for research, scholarly, and/or creative purposes during the leave period.

A committee appointed by the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs will review all requests for supplemental awards received from faculty who have been approved by the President for faculty development leave. The committee will recommend supplemental award recipients to the Provost, who will make the final decisions. Award notifications will be made by January 15, 2024.

To apply for the award, faculty must complete the regular application for faculty development leave and concurrently submit the supplemental award application via the Texas State Faculty Requests portal. Additional information regarding the online application process is posted on the Faculty Senate website. Criteria for selection are described in AA/PPS 04.02.02, Faculty Development Leave. I encourage all eligible faculty members to apply for faculty development leave and the supplemental award.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   University Humanities Research Excellence Award

 

It is my distinct honor and pleasure to announce the inaugural recipient of Texas State University’s University Humanities Research Excellence Award.  Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sharon Ugalde, University Distinguished Professor, in the Department of World Languages and Literatures.  The University Humanities Research Excellence Award is designed to recognize and reward superior accomplishments, to provide models of excellence for fellow faculty, and to encourage all faculty to continue to perform, improve, and advance their research, scholarship, and creative activity, and service.  The award acknowledges humanities research and scholarly activities as defined by the National Endowment for the Humanities, theNational Humanities Alliance, and the National Humanities Center. 

Dr. Ugalde has an international reputation in the field of Hispanic letters, particularly for her ground-breaking studies of twentieth-century Spanish poetry written by women.  Within her primary subfield of expertise, modern Spanish poetry, Dr. Ugalde is a lauded authority and pioneer of gender studies.  Her publication history across five decades includes over 100 book chapters and juried journal articles, four monographs, four single-edited book collections, and a special journal edition.  For her singular and unwavering commitment to humanities scholarship at the highest level, we recognize Dr. Sharon Ugalde as the first recipient of the University Humanities Research Excellence Award.

Please join me in celebrating Dr. Ugalde and her significant contributions!

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Constitution Day

 

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is an American federal observance recognizing the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become United States citizens by birth or naturalization. It is normally observed on September 17, the day the United States Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787 in Philadelphia. During any year that September 17 falls on a weekend, colleges and universities may present educational programs on the week preceding or following September 17.

This year, Texas State University is hosting Dr. David Williams of DePaul University. Dr. Williams is the author of several books including Rousseau’s Social Contract (Penn State University Press) and Rousseau's Platonic Enlightenment (Cambridge University Press). His book, “The Greatest of All Plaques”: Economic Inequality in Western Political Thought will be published in 2024 by Princeton University Press. His Constitution Day lecture is entitled "The Forgotten Role of Republican Virtue in the American Constitution” and will take place on Wednesday, September 13, 2023  from 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. in the Alkek Teaching Theater. The lecture is sponsored by Discourse in Democracy, the Department of Political Science and made possible by a grant from the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America’s Founding Principles and History. For more information, you may contact the Department of Political Science via email at politicalscience@txstate.edu.

Also, Student Government will be at the Quad on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., distributing pocket-sized United States Constitutions to students. The main goal of this activity is to make their fellow students understand the importance of the U.S. Constitution and in particular, the right to vote which is one of the greatest privileges in a democracy. Because of this, Student Government will have students who are deputized and who can assist students to register to vote in Hays County.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Barrett Bryant

                                    Dean, College of Science and Engineering

SUBJECT:                   Save the Date and Call for Session Proposals – 2024 TXST STEM Conference

 

Texas State University will host the second annual TXST STEM Conference on Friday, April 12, 2024 at the LBJ Student Center. The TXST STEM Conference will focus on the achievements of our students and trainees from a range of STEM fields, who will be the NEXT contributors to and leaders of the STEM workforce. 

The 2024 conference theme will be “One Health” as described by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP).

“One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.

The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines, and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing the collective need for healthy food, water, energy, and air, taking action on climate change and contributing to sustainable development.” 

We invite proposals for conference sessions featuring research projects and best practices that highlight both the conference theme and support STEM workforce development. Proposal abstracts can be submitted for sessions in the following formats: workshop, symposium, or panel. The deadline to submit session proposals is October 1, 2023. For more information about the 2024 TXST STEM Conference, including call for session proposals and sponsorship, visit the conference webpage.

We are excited to host another conference that brings together all colleges at TXST towards collaborating over a unifying topic. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Faculty Director, Service-Learning Excellence Program

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Steven Rayburn as Faculty Director of the Service-Learning Excellence Program, effective August 1, 2023.

Dr. Rayburn earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a Master of Business Administration from University of Louisville, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration focused in Marketing from Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Rayburn joined Texas State University in 2013 and was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2019. During his time at Texas State, Dr. Rayburn has taught a variety of courses in the Department of Marketing, often utilizing a service-learning approach to engage students with community partners. He has contributed positively to numerous department and university objectives, including serving as a member of the Service-Learning Excellence Advisory Board, the Institutional Review Board, First-Gen Proud Committee, and Bobcat Bounty Steering Committee. Dr. Rayburn is a Fulbright Specialist and continues work with colleagues at Universidad de Piura – Lima within their Service Research Center.

Dr. Rayburn’s current research focuses on consumer and worker experiences at the organizational frontline. His work has been featured in many peer-reviewed publications, including the Journal of Service Research, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Public Policy and Marketing, Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, European Journal of Marketing, and Psychology and Marketing.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Steven Rayburn on his appointment as Faculty Director of the Service-Learning Excellence Program.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Information to Include in Fall 2023 Course Syllabi

 

As we quickly approach the fall 2023 semester and prepare for an exciting array of classes, activities, and events, the following message provides guidance on course syllabi and implementation. This message also provides information about emergency management and the reporting responsibility of faculty and staff who learn of sexual misconduct. Extensive information on course syllabi and classroom procedures is found in AA/PPS 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses. Please pass this message along to new faculty and teaching assistants, as new hire transactions occur daily.

Health and Wellbeing 

The Dean of Students Office manages Here to Help to assist students experiencing crises or emergencies or displaying concerning behaviors. Submissions are received directly by the Dean of Students Office’s CARE Center. This process takes an individualized and holistic approach to assessing submissions and determining an appropriate course of action or referral based on the information provided in the submission.

The Counseling Center provides counseling, telemental health, and educational workshops and videos for students. For students, the Student Health Center provides evaluation and medical management of these common mental health issues and others.

Bobcat Balance serves the legal, financial, and mental health needs of faculty and staff.  LinkedIn Learning is available to all faculty, staff, and students and includes resources on well-being, career development, time management, and other skills and knowledge. 

Student Absences and Absence Notification

Faculty have discretion in managing student absences, including those due to illness. Faculty members determine appropriate arrangements for students who miss class. Please refer to UPPS 02.06.03 and UPPS 02.06.01 for absences related to student participation in university-sponsored events and religious holy days. 

For faculty who ask students requesting excused absences to contact the Dean of Students Office, students should be directed to the information available on the Dean of Students’ Absence Notifications webpage. Students should only be referred to the Dean of Students Office if they are unable to complete the on-line request due to access limitations or emergencies/crises.For questions, contact the Dean of Students Office at (512) 245-2124.

Syllabus Content Reminders (see section 13 of AA/PPS 02.03.01 for all syllabus requirements)

1. Required class materials, access to materials, use of Canvas, and/or instructional strategies.
2. Technology or software needed for the class, including getting support from ITAC.
3. Exams, assignments, grading rubrics, assessment and testing, and due dates.
4. Office hours. 
5. Attendance policy and record-keeping procedures.
6. Assessment and testing strategies to enhance academic integrity.

Class Instruction Modes and Substantive Interaction

Classes will be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the fall 2023 Schedule of Classes in Catsweb. In all courses, faculty members provide regular and substantive interaction with students. This interaction is instructor-driven, content-oriented, frequent, and consistent throughout the semester.

Statement on Civility in the Classroom and Instructional Settings

Civility in instructional settings is fundamental to an effective educational process and is everyone’s responsibility. The university’s shared values, sense of community, and collective commitment to respect, civil dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas are the cornerstones of successful teaching and learning. If students have questions about appropriate behavior in a particular class, they should address them with their instructor first. Although rare, disciplinary procedures may be implemented for refusing to follow an instructor’s directive, disrupting classroom activities, posting offensive comments on class discussion boards, or disregarding university policies. For more information regarding conduct in the classroom, please review policies at AA/PPS 02.03.02, Section 03: Courteous and Civil Learning Environment, and Code of Student Conduct, number II, Responsibilities of Students, Section 2.02: Conduct Prohibited.  

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

1. Code of Student Conduct 
2. The Honor Code  

Instructor Absences

Faculty who are absent from class coordinate with their department chairs/school directors to ensure continuity of instruction. In some cases, a faculty member teaching face-to-face may transition to remote learning for a brief period by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools. For extended absences, another faculty member may be asked to assume responsibility for the class. Deans and chairs/directors may contact the Office of the Provost for support or guidance. Provisions for faculty sick leave are found in UPPS 04.04.30, Section 03, Sick Leave Procedures. 

Emergency Management 

In the event of an emergency, students, faculty, and staff should monitor the Safety and Emergency Communications web page. This page will be updated with the latest information available to the university, in addition to providing links to information concerning safety resources and emergency procedures. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to sign up for the TXState Alert system.

Sexual Misconduct Reporting (SB 212)

Effective January 2, 2020, state law (SB 212) requires all university employees, acting in the course and scope of employment, who witness or receive information concerning an incident of sexual misconduct involving an enrolled student or employee to report all relevant information known about the incident to the university's Title IX office. According to SB 212, employees who knowingly fail to report or knowingly file a false report shall be terminated in accordance with university policy and The Texas State University System Rules and Regulations. Please access the webpage of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX for more information. 

Thank you. I greatly appreciate your ongoing dedication to student success and look forward to seeing you soon.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of World Languages and Literatures

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Yasmine Beale-Rivaya as Chair of the Department of World Languages and Literatures, effective August 1, 2023.

Dr. Beale-Rivaya earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), including a Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics. She joined Texas State University in 2006 and was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2013 and promoted to professor in 2018. She currently holds the NEH Distinguished Professor of Teaching Professorship at Texas State. 

Dr. Beale-Rivaya analyzes linguistic practices, especially language contact and exchange between Romance and Semitic languages of ´hybrid´ communities such as the Mozarabs (Arabized-Christians), Mudejars (Christianized-Muslims), and Moriscos (Muslim Converts) who lived along borderland areas in Medieval Iberia. She draws parallels between the linguistic experiences of these multilingual communities in the Mediterranean to those of Spanish-speaking or people of Spanish linguistic heritage along borderland communities between the United States and Mexico. Her interest in the linguistic challenges of multi-cultural communities has led her examine how patterns of minorization and linguistic segregation are repeated in contemporary contexts. Her current project, Minority and Minoritized Languages and Cultures, explores these issues.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Yasmine Beale-Rivaya on her appointment as Chair of the Department of World Languages and Literatures.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Director, School of Family and Consumer Sciences

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Amy Weimer as the Director of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, effective September 1, 2023. 

Dr. Weimer began her career at Texas State University in 2018 as Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences.  She holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Arizona State University, a Master of Science in Experimental Psychology from Idaho State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northern Arizona University. 

Dr. Weimer served as the Program Co-Coordinator for the Human Development and Family Sciences graduate program and Assistant Director of the School of Family and Consumer Sciences at Texas State for several years.  She previously held administrative positions at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, including Associate Dean of Student Academic Development in Student Academic Success in which she directed the Office of Engaged Scholarship and Learning (the institutional home of undergraduate research and service-learning).  She also co-founded the Center for Bilingual Studies: Engaging Learners, Families and Community and served as its Associate Director.

Dr. Weimer has expertise, grants, and publications focused on understanding and serving diverse and understudied samples of the population.  She has numerous scholarly works focused on identifying relations among social, family, and cultural factors that promote positive developmental outcomes.  

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Weimer on her appointment as Director, School of Family and Consumer Sciences. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Director, School of Social Work

 

I am pleased to announce Dr. Katherine Selber has been appointed as Interim Director of the School of Social Work, effective August 8, 2023. 

Dr. Selber earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.

She has 30 years of experience in higher education and was a Visiting Professor in the School of Psychology at the National University of Mexico in Mexico City, where she had a joint appointment with the National Institute of Psychiatry to develop behavioral health programs at the federal level and to conduct a national needs assessment of health care facilities for the country.  At the University of Texas at Austin, she developed field education collaborations and served as a clinical faculty member and the Field Education Coordinator for the School of Social Work.  During her 27-year tenure at Texas State University’s School of Social Work, she was the Research Center Coordinator, functioned as an Assistant Field Education Coordinator, and chaired the school’s Personnel Committee for 10 years.

Her research interests include veteran transitions from the military, veteran well-being, and building the capacity and collaborations of community veteran service organizations.  Dr. Selber has played a leadership role on campus as one of the founders of the Veteran Advisory Council and has served on the campus-wide group for the past 15 years.  During this time she developed a unique model of services for Texas State student veterans that has been recognized in Texas and nationally.  Dr. Selber was appointed by the Chancellor of the Texas State University System as a Research Fellow in 2017-2018 to help universities in the system respond to veteran needs.  She has received numerous federal grants, published articles and chapters, and presented at state and national conferences on veteran-related topics.  She received the state-wide Patriot Award from the Texas Veterans Commission for her long-standing work with the veteran community and was recently appointed to the George W. Bush Institute -Veterans in Higher Education Task Force. 

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Selber as she begins responsibilities as the Interim Director of the School of Social Work.

 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Dean, College of Applied Arts

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Angela Ausbrooks as Interim Dean of the College of Applied Arts effective August 8, 2023.  

Dr. Ausbrooks earned a Ph.D. in Social Work and a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Texas.

Dr. Ausbrooks has 23 years of experience in higher education.  Since 2019, she has served as Professor/Director of the School of Social Work here at Texas State University.  She recently led the School of Social Work through a successful reaffirmation process with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  During her tenure at Texas State, Dr. Ausbrooks has held other leadership positions including dual appointments as the Assistant Director and MSW Program Director in the School of Social Work from 2016 to 2019. 

Dr. Ausbrooks’ research interests, publications, and international/national conference presentations have focused on resilience in the areas of child welfare, children and youth in schools, trauma, cultural competence, and social justice.  She has received several College of Applied Arts teaching awards and has engaged in service activities at the community, professional, and university levels.  Dr. Ausbrooks’ university service has included being a member of several university-level teams at Texas State.  During the 2022-2023 academic year, Dr. Ausbrooks served as a member of the President’s Student Health and Well-Being Task Force, the Student Success Advisory Council, and the Center for Diversity and Gender Studies Advisory Council.  Previously, Dr. Ausbrooks chaired the Faculty and Staff Morale Workgroup and the Student Affairs Mental Health Advisory Council; participated as a member of several university search committees; and served on academic program review teams for the School of Art and Design and the Counseling Center.   

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Angela Ausbrooks on her appointment as Interim Dean of the College of Applied Arts.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Commencement Schedule for Academic Year 2023-2024

 

The fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 commencement schedules have been finalized and can be found on the commencement website.

If you have any commencement related questions or concerns, or would like additional information about commencement, please contact Ms. Kristin McDaniel, Commencement Coordinator, at (512) 245-8313 or via email at commencement@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Summer 2023 Commencement

 

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 1,300 candidates in 3 commencement ceremonies to be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023.  The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus.  As graduates, families, and the university community prepare to celebrate, please note the following announcements and recommendations.

Parking at Commencement

Parking is available for all attendees as indicated on the Commencement Parking Map.

Recommended parking for faculty and staff, with shuttle services, include:

• Lots A and B, located by Bobcat Stadium, will have shuttle bus service.
• Lot C, located adjacent to the UEC, is restricted to those with Limited Mobility.  Golf cart shuttles will be available to assist individuals in this lot.  This lot should be accessed from Charles Austin Drive via Hopkins Street.

Recommended park and walk lots for faculty and staff include:

• Lot D, across the street from the UEC.
• Garage F, at the corner of Edward Gary Street and University Drive.
• Garage H, at the corner of Pleasant Street and LBJ Drive.

All lots and garages listed above are free to those attending commencement.

Please be aware that if you are traveling southbound on IH35 and exit Aquarena Springs Drive you are advised to turn left on to Thorpe Lane and right on to Robbie Lane in order to access Lots A and B.  Traffic inbound to campus on Aquarena Springs Drive will not be able to make a left turn into Commencement Parking Lot D.

Information on faculty parking, parking maps, the faculty processional, and other details can be found on the commencement website.

Special Instructions

It is highly recommended that vehicles avoid the Sessom Street, Aquarena Springs Drive/Loop 82, and University Drive roadways between the ceremonies on Saturday.  Every effort should be made to exit the campus and San Marcos using Edward Gary Street, Guadalupe Street, Hopkins Street/Hunter Road, and other routes heading away from the UEC.

Thank you for your cooperation during this momentous time in our graduates’ lives.

Faculty or staff requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact commencement@txstate.edu at least one week prior to the event.

 

 

TO:                             Academic Affairs Full-Time Staff Members

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Staff Educational Development Leave – Spring 2024

 

The Staff Educational Development Leave Program provides an opportunity for one full-time staff member per semester in each division of the university to receive special support for degree work.  Applications for participation for the spring 2024 semester are now being accepted.  This is a reminder that after approval by the appropriate supervisor(s), the final date to receive applications in my office is September 1, 2023.  A decision will be made by September 29, 2023.  Applications received after the September 1 deadline will not be considered.

Please refer to UPPS 04.04.35, Professional Development and Educational Opportunities, for details regarding eligibility criteria, program requirements, and the application procedure.  The application form is attached to the UPPS.

Please contact Stacey Rodriguez, Executive Assistant, in my office at (512) 245-2791 if you have any questions.

Thank you.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Chair, Department of Communication Studies

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marian Houser as the Interim Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. 

Dr. Houser earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from The University of Missouri, a master’s degree in communication studies from Miami University (Ohio), and a Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Tennessee. 

Dr. Houser joined Texas State University in 2003, was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2009, and promoted to professor in 2013.  During her time at Texas State, Dr. Houser served as the Director of COMM 1310--the Basic Communication Course, Associate Dean of Faculty Development for the College of Fine Arts and Communication, and Editor of Communication Teacher (a National Communication Association journal).  She received the Texas State University Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activities, the Eastern Communication Association's Past President's Award for Research, and was named Research Fellow by the Eastern Communication Association.  Dr. Houser's love for teaching also garnered her the Mariel M. Muir Excellence in Mentoring Award at Texas State. 

Dr. Houser’s research examines the intersections of interpersonal relationships and instructional communication in various contexts that include organizations, training, health campaigns, and the dialogue that occurs between teachers and students in the classroom.  She was the cofounder of CoSearch, a research-collaboration organization, and Living Mental Wellness, a prevention-based organization.  Dr. Houser has published over 70 research articles in regional, national, and international journals and authored/edited two communication textbooks: Your Interpersonal Communication: Nature/Nurture Intersections (Kendall Hunt) and The Handbook of Instructional Communication (Kendall Hunt). 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Marian Houser on her appointment as Interim Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Chair, Department of Information Systems and Analytics

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sam Lee as Interim Chair of the Department of Information Systems and Analytics, effective July 17, 2023.

Dr. Lee earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Tatung Institute of Technology, a master of science in applied mathematics from National Chiao Tung University, a master of science in industrial engineering from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in industrial engineering from Arizona State University.

Dr. Lee joined Texas State University in 2004, was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2010, and was promoted to professor in 2020.  During his time at Texas State, Dr. Lee has taught 30 different courses and has contributed positively to numerous department and university objectives, including service as Program Coordinator of the Master of Science in Accounting and Information Technology program.

Dr. Lee’s current research focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the influences of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) marketing on application development.  His work has been featured in many peer-reviewed publications, including the Journal of Computer Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, and International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences. 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sam Lee on his appointment as Interim Chair of the Department of Information Systems and Analytics.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Marketing

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anna Turri as Chair of the Department of Marketing, effective July 17, 2023.

Dr. Turri earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Texas A&M University, an MBA from Sam Houston State University, and a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Arkansas. Before entering academia, Dr. Turri worked independently as a business owner in Italy.

Dr. Turri joined Texas State University in 2011 and was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2017. She has served as assistant chair of the Department of Marketing since 2019. During her time at Texas State, Dr. Turri has contributed positively to numerous department and university objectives, including the development of the Texas State Career Closet to provide students with free access to job interview attire.

Dr. Turri’s research focuses on consumer behavior, labeling, and consumer protection, including the role of technology in consumer choice. Her work has been featured in multiple peer-reviewed publications including Journal of Promotion Management, Journal of Consumer Affairs, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of Marketing Management.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Anna Turri on her appointment as Chair of the Department of Marketing.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Dean, College of Science and Engineering

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Barrett Bryant as Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, effective August 1, 2023.

Dr. Bryant earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Dr. Bryant has over 40 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and tenured Professor of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of North Texas. Prior to his appointment as Associate Dean, he served as Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Special Assistant to the Dean for Enrollment Growth, and Director of Graduate Studies for the College of Engineering. Before joining the University of North Texas, Dr. Bryant was a tenured Professor of Computer Information Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

Dr. Bryant’s published body of work includes 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, 10 book chapters, more than 100 refereed conference proceedings, and many other contributions. He has directed more than 20 doctoral dissertations and 35 master’s theses, received external grants totaling $9 million, and has served as an invited lecturer at symposia around the world. Dr. Bryant has been recognized for leadership and contributions to the computing profession, including acknowledgment as a Senior Member of the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Bryant on his appointment as Dean of the College of Science and Engineering.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Dean, College of Health Professions

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. M. Gary Sayed as Dean of the College of Health Professions, effective August 1, 2023.

Dr. Sayed earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Toledo Health Sciences in Ohio, an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Iowa, and a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Science from the University of the Incarnate Word.  He is a certified medical nuclear physicist and currently serves as vice president of the American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine. 

Dr. Sayed has over 30 years of experience in higher education.  He currently serves as a Professor of Health Science at California State University – Dominguez Hills and previously served as the Dean for the College of Health, Human Services, and Nursing.  Other notable positions he has held include Director and Professor of Radiology at Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of the Sciences (now St. Joseph’s University), and Chair and Clinical Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Thomas Jefferson University. 

Dr. Sayed is the recipient of several distinguished teaching and research awards, including the prestigious Fulbright Senior Scholar award.  His published body of work includes 33 peer-reviewed journal articles, which are widely cited and appear in some of the leading academic journals in the field, including Journal of Medical Physics, Journal of Radiologic Technology, Journal of Nuclear Medicine, and European Journal of Nuclear Medicine.  He is a member of editorial and scientific review panels and has served as a consultant and expert advisor for universities and hospitals.

 Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sayed on his appointment as Dean of the College of Health Professions.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Promotion and Tenure

 

I am pleased to announce the following promotions and elections to tenure.  Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of these individuals.

PROMOTIONS

From Associate Professor to Professor 

Dr. Tania Betancourt, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Jessica L. Bishop, Mathematics

Dr. Kristy L. Daniel, Biology

Dr. Paul C. Dawkins, Mathematics

Dr. Paul R. DeHart, Political Science

Dr. Thomas E. Doyle II, Political Science

Dr. Tahir Ekin, Information Systems and Analytics

Dr. Willard M. Fields III, Political Science

Dr. Kelly B. Haskard Zolnierek, Psychology

Dr. Luis A. Intersimone, World Languages and Literatures

Dr. Jennifer A. Irvin, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Young Ju Lee, Mathematics

Dr. Alexander J. McLeod, Jr., Information Systems and Analytics

Dr. Margaret E. Menninger, History

Dr. Nandhini Rangarajan, Political Science

Ms. Elizabeth C. Rodda, Art and Design

Dr. Shuying Sun, Mathematics

Dr. Gina M. Tarver, Art and Design

Dr. Anthony S. Torres, Engineering Technology

Dr. Carmen E. Westerberg, Psychology

Dr. Richard T. Wilson, Marketing

Ms. Maia J. Wright, Art and Design

Dr. Byoung-Hee You, Engineering Technology

From Assistant Professor to Associate Professor

Dr. Vaughn B. Baltzly, Philosophy

Mr. Dale C. Blasingame, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. Billy E. Brewster, Accounting

Dr. Daniel W. Carter, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. John M. Denis, Music

Dr. Darcy L. Downey, Health and Human Performance

Dr. Elizabeth K. Eger, Communication Studies

Dr. Carlton J. Fong, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Lisa K. Haegele, World Languages and Literatures

Dr. Shaywanna L. Harris, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Amber W. Hinsley, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. Stacy D. Hunter, Health and Human Performance

Ms. Bethany J. Johnson, Art and Design

Dr. Marcus W. Johnson, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Hwa Young Lee, Mathematics

Dr. Kristen M. Lew, Mathematics

Dr. Michael H. Martaindale, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Mr. John J. McAllister, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Ranjini Mohan, Communication Disorders

Dr. Erica E. Nason, Social Work

Dr. Prisca S. Ngondo, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. Alexandra G. Perkins, World Languages and Literatures

Dr. Ionut C. Popescu, Political Science

Dr. Sean P. Roche, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Dr. Lucas J. Rusnak, Mathematics

Ms. Jennifer M. Scharlach, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. Todd Sherron, Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies

Dr. Shailendra M. Singh, Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies

Dr. Bobbi J. Spencer, Engineering Technology

Dr. Caroline N. Steiger, Music

Dr. Rolf J. Straubhaar, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Emily K.J. Suh, Curriculum and Instruction

TENURE

Dr. Vaughn B. Baltzly, Philosophy

Dr. Billy E. Brewster, Accounting

Dr. Daniel W. Carter, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. John M. Denis, Music

Dr. Elizabeth K. Eger, Communication Studies

Dr. Carlton J. Fong, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Lisa K. Haegele, World Languages and Literatures

Dr. Shaywanna L. Harris, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Amber W. Hinsley, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. Stacy D. Hunter, Health and Human Performance

Ms. Bethany J. Johnson, Art and Design

Dr. Marcus W. Johnson, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Hwa Young Lee, Mathematics

Dr. Kristen M. Lew, Mathematics

Mr. John J. McAllister, Theatre and Dance

Dr. Ranjini Mohan, Communication Disorders

Dr. Erica E. Nason, Social Work

Dr. Prisca S. Ngondo, Journalism and Mass Communication

Dr. Alexandra G. Perkins, World Languages and Literatures

Dr. Ionut C. Popescu, Political Science

Dr. Sean P. Roche, Criminal Justice and Criminology

Dr. Lucas J. Rusnak, Mathematics

Dr. Shailendra M. Singh, Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies

Dr. Caroline N. Steiger, Music

Dr. Rolf J. Straubhaar, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology

Dr. Emily K.J. Suh, Curriculum and Instruction

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Chair, Department of Curriculum and Instruction

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Glenna Billingsley as Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, effective June 1, 2023.

Dr. Billingsley most recently served as Interim Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She joined Texas State University in 2012 as an Assistant Professor of Special Education and was subsequently promoted to Associate Professor. Dr. Billingsley served as program coordinator and graduate advisor for the special education program from 2018-2022 and as the department’s Associate Chair. Dr. Billingsley earned a Ph.D. in Education - School Improvement and a M.Ed. in Special Education from Texas State University and a B.S.E. from Emporia State University in Kansas.

Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Billingsley was a special education teacher and behavior specialist in the Austin Independent School District and the Hays Consolidated Independent School District for 26 years. Her research addresses schoolwide and individual application of positive behavior interventions and supports as well as academic and behavioral interventions for students with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs. She has published in a variety of leading journals in the field of exceptional learners including Behavioral Disorders, Exceptionality, Behavior Modification, and the Journal of Disability Policy Studies.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Glenna Billingsley on her appointment as Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

SUBJECT:                   New Student Orientation welcomes new students to campus

 

Starting Tuesday, May 30, the first New Student Orientation (NSO) session will welcome new students and their families to the Texas State University campus.

NSO will take place throughout the summer and will provide students and families an opportunity to engage with other Texas State students, faculty, and staff, meet their orientation leaders, learn more about the Texas State community, and discover campus resources.

This summer brings some new changes. The process for signing up for and having an academic advising appointment will occur separately from NSO. Students will receive an email with details about how to schedule their First-Year Advising Experience. An advising experience can be completed before or after a student attends NSO. Students will be able to register for classes once they have completed an advising experience and met all advising-ready requirements.

We will also be welcoming Transfer students to campus with in-person sessions. All NSO dates for freshmen and non-freshmen sessions can be found below.

As students and their families navigate campus, please assist and welcome them as they prepare for the fall. If you have any questions, please contact the NSO office at (512) 245-2364 or via email at nso@txstate.edu. For more information on NSO, visit www.admissions.txst.edu/nso.

 FALL 2023 FRESHMAN NSO DATES

May 30-31	June 1-2	June 6-7	June 8-9	June 13-14	June 15-16
June 20-21	June 22-23	June 26-27	June 28-29	July 5-6	July 7
July 10-11	July 12-13	July 18-19	July 20-21	July 25-26	July 27-28

 FALL 2023 NON-FRESHMAN NSO DATES

May 5

June 30

July 14

August 11

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   Spring 2023 Undergraduate Research Conference Poster Awards

 

The Honors College, the IDEA Center and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs are pleased to announce the 2023 Undergraduate Research Conference general poster prize winners:

Justice Corbett, 1^st Place, Changes in Alcohol Consumption and Attitudes in Freshman Females: A Pilot Study, Advisor, Dr. Reiko Graham, Department of Psychology

Sophia Kottke, 2^nd place, Party Size and Composition in Spider Monkeys Relative to Time of Day and Feeding Behavior Patterns, Advisor, Dr. Jill Pruetz, Department of

Anthropology

Ashlee Saxon and Kaitlyn Warren, Tied for 3^rd place, Intersections Among Latinx Adolescents’ Skin Color Perceptions, Grit, Growth Mindset and Educational Attitudes, Advisor,

Dr. Yishen Shen, School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Liliana Rojo, Tied for 3^rd place, How Communication Quality and Frequency Affect Adolescent Parental Stress from Pre- to Post- Pandemic, Advisor, Dr. Norma Perez-Brena,

School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Marisol Pulido and Roxana Perez, Honorable Mention, Social Support as a Moderator for Depression, Self-Esteem, and Substance Use in Adolescent Parents, Advisor, Dr. Norma

Perez-Brena, School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Jaden Moreno, Honorable Mention, Cultural and Family Factors in Teen Latino Fathers and Their Impact on Parental Involvement, Advisor, Dr. Norma Perez-Brena, School of

Family and Consumer Sciences 

We also wish to congratulate this year’s Scott Emerson Health Innovation Award winner:

Jadyn Smith, Identification of Potential Anti-Cancerous Activity in Neuroblastoma from a Heterocyclic Compound Library, Advisors, Dr. Liqin Du and Dr. Alexander Kornienko,

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   University Humanities Research Excellence Award

 

We are pleased to introduce the University Humanities Research Excellence Award. The award will acknowledge humanities research and scholarly activities as defined by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Humanities Alliance, and the National Humanities Center. 

The purpose of the award is to highlight and recognize exceptional humanities research, scholarship, and creative activities undertaken by Texas State University faculty members. The University Humanities Research Excellence Award consists of a $5,000 stipend.

For more information including application details, please visit our website or contact Dr. Aimee Roundtree (akr@txstate.edu) or Dr. Mary Brennan (mb18@txstate.edu).

 

 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

                                    Chair, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Search Committee

SUBJECT:                   Public Presentation - Dean, College of Science and Engineering – Jagodzinski

 

Dr. Paul Jagodzinski, a finalist for the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, will be on campus Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27, 2023.  You are invited to attend his public presentation, followed by an Open Forum to speak with the candidate.

Dr. Jagodzinski’s vita and the leadership profile/posting are attached.

Public Presentation

April 26, 2023

9:30 to 10:45

Flowers Hall 230

Zoom

This link will allow you to submit your thoughts concerning Dr. Jagodzinski.  This survey will close Monday, May 1, 2023 at 11:00 p.m. CT.

TO:                              Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

                                    Chair, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Search Committee

SUBJECT:                   Public Presentation - Dean, College of Science and Engineering - Bryant

 

Dr. Barrett Bryant, a finalist for the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, will be on campus Monday, April 24 and Tuesday, April 25, 2023.  You are invited to attend his public presentation, followed by an Open Forum to speak with the candidate.

Dr. Bryant’s vita and the leadership profile/posting are attached.

Public Presentation

April 24, 2023

9:30 to 10:45

Flowers Hall 230

Zoom

This link will allow you to submit your thoughts concerning Dr. Bryant.  This survey will close Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 11:00 p.m. CT.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

                                    Chair, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Search Committee

SUBJECT:                   Public Presentation - Dean, College of Science and Engineering - Hope-Weeks

 

Dr. Louisa Hope-Weeks, a finalist for the Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, will be on campus Wednesday, April 19 and Thursday, April 20, 2023.  You are invited to attend her public presentation.

Dr. Hope-Weeks’ vita and the leadership profile/posting are attached.

Public Presentation

April 19, 2023

9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Flowers Hall 230

Zoom

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Dean Ruth Welborn's Retirement Reception

 

Retirement Reception

Dr. Ruth B. Welborn, Dean
College of Health Professions

Join us as we honor

Dr. Ruth B. Welborn

Dean, College of Health Professions

for 48 years of dedicated service

to the College of Health Professions

and Texas State University

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

LBJSC, Room 3-9.1

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (come and go reception)

brief program at 11:15 a.m.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Chair, Department of Physical Therapy

 

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Karen Gibbs as Interim Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, effective April 10, 2023.

Dr. Gibbs began her career at Texas State University in 2005. She was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2012 and promoted to Professor in 2018. She holds a Ph.D. in Adult, Professional, and Community Education from Texas State University, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of the Pacific, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from East Tennessee State University. She is also a Certified Wound Specialist through the American Board of Wound Management. Before entering higher education, she practiced extensively at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Los Gatos Community Hospital, and University Medical Center at Brackenridge.

Dr. Gibbs has been a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy at Texas State for 18 years. She has also taught at the University of the Pacific and East Tennessee State University. Dr. Gibbs has served as Chair of the College of Health Professions’ Curriculum Committee and as a member of the University Curriculum Committee since 2013. She is the past President of the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management, a component of the American Physical Therapy Association, and was instrumental in establishing the first national specialty certification for physical therapists in wound management through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Dr. Gibbs has numerous national and international publications and presentations related to wound management and physical therapy education. For her professional service and academic contributions, East Tennessee State University’s College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences inducted her into its “Hall of Fame” in 2021.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Karen Gibbs on her appointment as Interim Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Jaime Chahin

                                    Dean, College of Applied Arts

SUBJECT:                   ACCEYSS Faith and Community Leadership Summit

 

In honor of National Community Development Week the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS)  would like to invite faculty and staff to the ACCEYSS Faith and Community Leadership Summit:

Friday, April 14 - Saturday, April 15

Embassy Suites by Hilton and San Marcos Conference Center in San Marcos, TX

Our call to action: Activating Faith-Based Institutions to Diversify the STEM Workforce Pipeline

Keynote address by Rev. Anthony Evans, President – National Black Church Initiative

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, an advocate for justice, at an early age, while as a student in Vermont, Reverend Anthony Evans mobilized local colleges to raise over $15,000 to help fund the investigation of the Atlanta child killings in the early eighties. After which, Reverend Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in religion in 1981 from Middlebury College in Vermont. He was ordained in 1982 and went on to earn a Master's of Divinity in 1988 from Howard University School of Divinity. Shortly after earning his Masters, Reverend Evans became President of the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) in 1992 and for the past 25 years he has devoted his expertise to leading the organization, working tirelessly on social and economic justice issues facing the black faith community.

Under Reverend Evans’ leadership, NBCI has brought together a coalition of 150,000 churches from across the country, including over 15.7 million African Americans who join together to fight against health disparities, promote financial literacy, protect babies from abuse and neglect, and help preserve the environment. Reverend Evans remains a tireless advocate of the African American community and is determined to preserve the moral authority of the black church’s voice. Reverend Evans has provided expertise and guidance related to health disparities in all stages of planning and project implementation to ensure cultural sensitivity of project materials and to support participation and engagement of African American and other minority families. He serves as a liaison with the Black Churches at all four recruitment areas and helps to identify churches and facilitate recruitment of community service providers at these churches. Reverend Evans has assisted in program evaluation to improve community uptake, and manuscript preparation to disseminate research.

Attendance is free. Register here.

For more information, please visit the ACCEYSS web page. For questions, contact Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, Chair of the Department of OWLS and Associate Professor, via email at sashford@txstate.edu.  

TO:                              Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

                                    Associate Vice President, Academic Success

                                    Dean, University College

                                    Dr. Larry R. Chapa

                                    Director of the Testing, Evaluation, and Measurement Center (TEMC)

SUBJECT:                   Testing, Evaluation, and Measurement Center (TEMC) – New Location

 

The Testing, Evaluation, and Measurement Center (TEMC) has a new home and is now located on the first floor of the Nueces building. During the month of April, TEMC staff are excited to host walk-in tours every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Large groups should schedule an appointment for a tour (see below for appointment information).

The TEMC is open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. As needed, the TEMC Academic Testing for Students with Disabilities (ATSD) office is open until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings while classes are in session. Please follow the link for location, recommended driving route, and parking information.

If you have questions or wish to schedule a tour, please contact Dr. Larry Chapa, Director of TEMC, via email at lchapa@txstate.edu, or (512) 245-5576.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Jaime Chahin

                                    Dean, College of Applied Arts

SUBJECT:                   Global Agricultural Leadership Seminar:  Women and Youth in Agriculture

 

Please join us on Thursday, April 13, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, in room AG 204 (Agriculture building), for a Global Agricultural Leadership seminar where Dr. Stella Williams will speak on Women and Youths in Agriculture.

Professor Stella Williams holds a master’s degree in Ecology/Marine Biology from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture/Agricultural Economics from Auburn University in the USA. After completing her Ph.D., she returned home to Nigeria to take up a teaching/research appointment in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU).

Professor Williams is a strong advocate of gender and social equity perspectives. She has served on a stunning variety of international, regional, and national committees and agencies, where she has contributed to solutions to equity and gender problems. She served (twice) on the International Institute of Fisheries Economics & Trade’s (IIFET)  Executive Committee (1988-1992 and 1996-1998), the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program, the Nigerian Women in Agricultural Research for Development (NiWARD– www.niward.org) program (of which she was the founder), the International Potato Center (CIP), the Board of Trustees of the WorldFish Center (2001- 2009; Vice Chair from 2006-2008), and many other boards, agencies, and commissions. Professor Williams serves as the Vice President of Mundus maris asbl.

This free event is open to all students, staff, faculty, alumni, friends, and members of the business community. Questions about the event may be directed to Dr. Madan M Dey, Chair and Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences via email at mmd120@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

SUBJECT:                   Bobcat Day – April 15, 2023

 

On Saturday, April 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., future Bobcats will have the opportunity to see what life is like at Texas State University.  As a campus, we will welcome potential students and families to experience Texas State by connecting with faculty, staff and students.  Bobcat Day creates the opportunity for students to learn about academic majors, programs and services in addition to taking a campus tour and experiencing many of our residence halls, academic buildings and centers.

We have a record number of students registered for Saturday and this will be, for many admitted students, a day to solidify their plans for the fall.  Juniors will also be in attendance as they prepare for the next application cycle.  We look forward to having representatives from your areas to showcase your majors, departments, and services.  If you have any questions, please contact Kennadee Lindop via email at Kennadee@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Assistant Vice President for Curriculum and Academic Programs

 

I am pleased to announce that effective May 1, 2023, Dr. Jeff Housman will serve as Assistant Vice President for Curriculum and Academic Programs in the Office of Curriculum Services.  In this role, Dr. Housman will provide leadership in curriculum and commencement that will include developing new academic programs, performing research and data analytics, planning and implementing commencement ceremonies, and collaboratively developing a strategic plan for curriculum and commencement functions within the context of the university’s mission, values, and strategic planning process. 

Dr. Housman holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Ph.D. degree in Health Education from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Housman joined the Texas State University faculty in 2008 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance.  He was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2014 and promoted to Professor in 2019.  During that time, Dr. Housman served as Associate Chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance and as coordinator of the graduate and undergraduate Public Health programs.  Dr. Housman is a dedicated educator who has received numerous teaching awards, including Health Educator of the Year from the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

Dr. Housman is an active scholar whose work includes many journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, conference papers, and textbooks.  He has served as a consulting editor for the Journal of American College Health and as an editorial board member for the American Journal of Health Studies.  He has also engaged in extensive institutional and professional service and is a recipient of the Robert J. Synovitz Distinguished Service Award from the Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education Honorary.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Housman as he begins his responsibilities as the Assistant Vice President for Curriculum and Academic Programs.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Free Tickets for Comedian Alonzo Bodden

 

You can see him on Amazon Prime, Comedy Central, NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, or you can see him on the Texas State University campus on April 17… and it’s FREE.

A regular panel member on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, Alonzo Bodden has been making audiences around the country laugh for more than 20 years. Alonzo’s latest (2022) comedy special Alonzo Bodden: Stupid Don’t Get Tired, was released on YouTube by Helium Comedy Studios. In 2019, he starred in his fourth stand-up special, Alonzo Bodden: Heavy Lightweight, which premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
His first big comedy break came when he was on the “New Faces of Comedy” showcase at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. However, it was as the season three winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing where Alonzo was first introduced to America.
Since then, he has starred in two comedy specials for Showtime: Historically Incorrect and Who’s Paying Attention. His television appearances include ABC’s Dr. Ken and Fresh Off the Boat, Dr. Phil, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and Californication. He’s also a reoccurring guest on The Joe Rogan Experience.
A car and motorcycle aficionado, Alonzo hosted Speed Channel’s 101 Cars You Must Drive and has joined Jay Leno for several off-road trips on his CNBC series Jay Leno’s Garage. Alonzo was a field correspondent on Animal Nation with Anthony Anderson and a contributor on the Science Channel’s How to Build Everything.
Alonzo currently hosts the podcast Who’s Paying Attention? (part of All Things Comedy) where he gives his unique take on what’s going on in the world.

Monday, April 17, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

EVANS AUDITORIUM (627 N. LBJ, 78666)

Complimentary performance. Tickets required for entry.

For more information or to download tickets please visit the Texas State Presents web page.

Clips 

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Apply Today for the 2023 Summer Institute

 

The Office of Distance and Extended Learning (ODEL) is excited to begin accepting applications for the third annual Summer Institute!

The 2023 Summer Institute is a faculty professional development for instructors interested in creating or redesigning an online or hybrid course. This summer, the reformatted institute will be a short, focused experience emphasizing this year's theme: Engaging Student Voice to Craft Learner-Centered Courses. Over five weeks, faculty will receive professional development and complete weekly activities focused on learner-centered design and high-impact course enhancements. Most weekly activities will be completed asynchronously, but there will be one weekly synchronous Live Session and Drop-in Hours with the ODEL Team (via Zoom).

Summer Institute Dates: May 22 – June 30, 2023

Application Due Date: April 21, 2023

We are actively accepting applications from instructors teaching online or hybrid courses who want to create engaging courses that result in measurable and meaningful learning outcomes for their students.

Attendees will earn a $1,200 stipend for successful completion of the Summer Institute. Stipends will be processed once deliverables are completed and reviewed by the ODEL Team.   

For more information on the award and submission process, please visit the Summer Institute website. For questions, contact Dr. Eryn Berger, Assistant Director of the Office of Distance and Extended Learning, via email at eej52@txstate.edu.  

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Jaime Chahin

                                    Dean, College of Applied Arts

SUBJECT:                   Global Agricultural Leadership Seminar: Climate Change and Agriculture: Impacts, Adaptation, and Mitigation

 

Please join us on Thursday, March 30, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., in AG 204, for a Global Agricultural Leadership seminar where Dr. Mark W. Rosegrant will speak on Climate Change and Agriculture: Impacts, Adaptation, and Mitigation.

Dr. Mark W. Rosegrant is a Research Fellow Emeritus of the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington D.C. With a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Michigan, he has extensive experience in research and policy analysis in agriculture and economic development, with an emphasis on water resources and other natural resources and agricultural policy issues as they impact food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Rosegrant is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.

This free event is open to all students, staff, faculty, alumni, friends, and members of the business community. Questions about the event may be directed to Dr. Madan M Dey, Chair and Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences via email at mmd120@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   14^th Annual Graduate Student Research Conference

 

The Graduate College at Texas State University is hosting the 14^th Annual Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) on the San Marcos Campus on April 4, 2023, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the LBJ Ballroom in the LBJ Student Center, and on the Round Rock Campus on April 5, 2023, from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. in the Atrium on the fourth floor of the Avery Building. The conference will take place in person on both campuses.

Over 80 graduate students from various disciplines at Texas State and other institutions in Texas will be presenting their research or projects in the form of a poster session.

The conference is free and open for all Texas State faculty, staff, and students, including undergraduate students.  Visit the conference webpage to see details on how to register for both conferences.

Keynote Address

The conference will open with a Graduate College Welcome at both conferences, a faculty panel on the San Marcos Campus on April 4, and a guest speaker – Dr. Ruth Welborn, Dean of the College of Health Professions – at the Round Rock Campus on April 5.

Conference Details

Attendees are encouraged to engage with presenters.  Join us for networking and enjoy some snacks while learning about innovative graduate student research.

Please visit the Graduate Student Research Conference for further details about the GSRC.  If you have questions, please direct them to Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II for Retention Initiatives, via email at gradresearchconf@txstate.edu.

The Graduate College thanks the following sponsors: the Provost, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the Common Experience.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Sanjay Ramchander

                                    Dean, McCoy College of Business

SUBJECT:                   April 20 | The State of the Economy

 

The McCoy Conversations series offers topical lunchtime webinars for the community to bridge academic and industry perspectives.  Please join us on Thursday, April 20, 12:00-1:00 p.m., as Dean Sanjay Ramchander moderates a candid conversation on “The State of the Economy.”  We’ll explore the labor market, economic growth, fiscal and monetary policy, inflation, and financial market indicators.

Zoom registration is required.  Visit the event webpage for speaker information and the registration link.

This free event is open to all students, staff, faculty, alumni, friends, and members of the business community.  Questions about the event may be directed to Dr. Alexis Stokes, McCoy College of Business Associate Dean for Faculty and Research (McCoyResearch@txstate.edu).

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Dan Roy, Co-Director

Dr. Shannon Weigum, Co-Director

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SUBJECT:                   DeepDive Entrepreneurship Workshop

 

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is now accepting applications for the DeepDive entrepreneurship workshop. 

DeepDive is a virtual, 2-day weekend, learning-by-doing workshop for students with an existing business, side hustle, or well-developed idea.  If you are ready to launch your business or have already done so, DeepDive is a great opportunity to work with experienced experts and proven entrepreneurs to strengthen your business and position it for success! 

The workshop will be held 100% online (via Zoom) and runs from Friday, March 24, 2023, through Saturday, March 25, 2023.  There is no cost to attend. 

Registration is open now!  Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 10, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.  Additional information and a link to register can be found by visiting the DeepDive web site.

Please note that students from all majors (including non-business majors) and all levels (including undergraduate and graduate) are encouraged to apply.  Space is limited, so apply today.  

Questions about the Ignite workshop may be directed to Mr. Hauke Roeschmann via email at hauke@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Alpha Chi National Honor Society Distinguished Lecture Series

 

Students, faculty and staff are invited to join us for the Alpha Chi National Honor Society Distinguished Lecture Series featuring a moderated Q&A with Texas State University President, Dr. Kelly Damphousse. The event will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 4:00 -5:00 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. 

Dr. Damphousse will answer questions about navigating systems of higher education as a new president and as a first-gen student, and how higher education systems can more equitably serve students, faculty, staff, and community members. The event will be moderated by Shelby Miranda, Texas State Graduate Student and President of the TXST Chapter of Alpha Chi. The Q&A is hosted in conjunction with the First Gen Proud initiative and the Common Experience.
Please submit any questions for Dr. Damphousse for this event using the following form.

Click here for more information 

 

 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   Our COVID Experience: Day of Reflection

 

As we approach the third anniversary of the COVID-19 lockdown, Texas State University will hold a series of events to reflect on the pandemic and consider the recovery process within our university community. Please join us for the following events on Tuesday, March 7:

9:30-11:00 a.m.      Reflections: A Student, Faculty and Staff Discussion

Join us for a panel discussion involving Texas State students, faculty and staff. The group will reflect on their own experiences with COVID-19, how the pandemic impacted the university, and the lessons learned.

12:00-2:30 p.m.     Faculty Research Showcase

Faculty from across the university will present research they conducted on COVID-19 and the pandemic writ large. Join us to learn more about this COVID-19 related scholarship! Click here for a list of faculty who will present their research.

3:00-4:00 p.m.        Recovery and Looking Forward

What does recovery look like? How can we move forward? For COVID-19 in particular, what lessons have we learned as individuals and the Texas State community and how can we use those lessons to become better?

Join us for a discussion on grief and recovery led by Pastor Sharolyn Browning and then thoughts from Texas State University President Dr. Kelly Damphousse.

All events will take place in person in the Open Theater in Alkek Library. You can also join via zoom.

 

 

Good afternoon,

The March 1 NSO Information Session has been cancelled.

The full message related to NSO dates can be viewed under "02/16/2023 - New Student Orientation Information Session Dates" below.

Thank you.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   Philosophy Dialogue Series – Spring 2023

 

Hosted by the Department of Philosophy at Texas State University, this seven-week series provides opportunities for thoughtful conversations about difficult topics. The spring 2023 dialogues will have seven weekly themes: 

• February 27 – March 3                 Exceptionalism and Exclusion  
• March 6 – 10                                   Reality Check  
• March 20 – 24                                 Reckoning with Our History  
• March 27 – 31                                 Veterans  
• April 3 – 7                                         Culture, Memes, and Social Contagion 
• April 10 – 14                                     Reasoning and Ethics  
• April 17 – 21                                    Ecophilosophy and Sustainable Systems   

The full schedule is available on the Philosophy Dialogue Series website. We invite you to join the conversation! 

All events are free and open to the public, and unless otherwise noted are held in 116 Comal Building.   

Please direct any questions regarding the Philosophy Dialogue Series to philosophy@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2285. 

The Philosophy Dialogue Series Program Endowment supports the Philosophy Dialogue Series and its outreach activities at the San Marcos Public Library. Co-sponsors of the Philosophy Dialogue Series are the American Democracy Project, College of Liberal Arts, Common Experience, Gina Weatherhead DialogueFund, Alliance, Step Up For State, Sustainability Studies, The Alkek Library, Humanities Texas, National Endowment for the Humanities, ΦΣΤ ( Phi Sigma Tau, the philosophy honor society), University Seminar, The New York Times, The Acorn: Philosophical Studies in Pacifism and Nonviolence, the Honors College, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Vice President for Student Success.

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, contact the Department of Philosophy at (512) 245-2285.  Accommodation requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance of the program start time to ensure availability. 
Stay in touch by following the Department of Philosophy’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

 

 

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Deans

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   "Our COVID Experience"

 

On Tuesday, March 7 the university will hold a series of events to reflect on the Covid-19 pandemic and the recovery process at TXST. 

As part of this, we are seeking faculty who conducted research/developed projects related to the pandemic to participate in a faculty showcase. The showcase will take place in the early afternoon (likely 12:00-2:00 p.m.) and involve short presentations (likely 10 minutes) and/or exhibits of things like art projects, posters, etc. There may also be options for virtual participation if the day/time conflicts with individual schedules.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Dr. Emily Brunson via email at ebrunson@txstate.edu by March 1.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

SUBJECT:                   New Student Orientation Information Session Dates

 

We hope you are having a fantastic start to the New Year. Now that the semester is underway and New Student Orientation (NSO) planning is moving quickly, we invite you to one of our NSO Information Sessions. This overview will provide all campus partners with updates for the 2023 NSO season. We have made structural and programmatic changes to enhance the student and guest experience. In addition, these presentations will cover the updated 2023 NSO program and how you can potentially be involved during the summer. We look forward to the campus community engaging with our incoming Bobcats this summer and attending the NSO Information Sessions will provide those details.

All NSO Information Sessions will occur in the LBJ Student Center. Please choose one of the following days that works best with your schedule:

Wednesday, March 1, at 10 a.m. in room 3-9.1

Wednesday, March 8, at 2 p.m. in room 3-14.1

Thursday, March 9, at 1 p.m. in room 3-9.1

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shelton Lewis via email at s.lewis@txstate.edu. We look forward to seeing you there.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

Associate Vice President for Academic Success

Dean, University College

SUBJECT:                   The Common Experience Presents Naturally You

 

You are invited to attend Naturally You on Tuesday, February 21 in the LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom at Texas State University. This event will connect Bobcats with resources, products, and community that support and celebrate their unique hair journey. The first 100 attendees will snag a prize bag! Can’t make it to campus? The panel portion will feature a live stream option!  
Visit the Naturally You website for more details.

Naturally You
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Resource Fair
LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom

Panel: Navigating Natural Hair in Today’s Climate 
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Live stream option OR
In-person in the LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom
 

 

For questions, accommodations, and more information, contact Common Experience at least 72 hours prior to events by phone at (512) 245-4161, email at commonexperience@txstate.edu , or by visiting our website. Special thanks to the Office of Distance and Extended Learning for sponsoring the live stream feature.

 

 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Mr. Gary Ray

                                    Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

SUBJECT:                   Bobcat Day – Saturday,  February 18, 2023

 

On Saturday, February 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., future Bobcats will have the opportunity to see what life is like at Texas State University. As a campus, we will welcome potential students and families to experience Texas State by connecting with faculty, staff, and students. Bobcat Day creates the opportunity for students to learn about academic majors, programs, and services in addition to taking a campus tour and experiencing residence halls and academic buildings.

We have a record number of students registered for Saturday and this will be, for many admitted students, a day to solidify their plans for the fall. We look forward to you showcasing your majors, departments, and services. If you have any questions, please contact Kennadee Lindop via email at Kennadee@txstate.edu.

Also, please mark your calendar for the next Bobcat Day, which will be on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

TO:                              Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Presidential Seminar Invitation – Dr. Hiro Tanaka

 

Presidential Seminar (2022)

Dr. Hiro Tanaka, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

3:30 p.m. with reception following

McCoy Hall 233

“The (homotopical) algebra of the world around us”

Hiro Lee Tanaka is an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics. After receiving his Ph.D. from Northwestern University and completing postdoctoral work at Harvard University, he conducted research at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley, California, and at the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge, England. His research aims to fuse the higher structures in modern algebra with geometries emerging from both classical mechanics and supersymmetric field theories. Beyond research, Tanaka engages in efforts to create more equitable and supportive environments throughout the mathematics community.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   Spring 2023 Undergraduate Research Conference

 

The Honors College is pleased to announce the 17^th annual Undergraduate Research Conference—a showcase event for achievements in undergraduate research and creative activity at Texas State University. This year, the conference will be held on Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 21, 2023.   

Undergraduate students from all academic areas are encouraged to submit proposals by Thursday, March 2, 2023. Students may request to present their work orally or as a poster. Poster presentations are eligible to win prizes, including the $2,000 Scott Emerson Health Innovation Award.   

Applications to present at the URC are now available through the Symposium platform. Please note you will be asked to create an account before you can access the submission form.   

If you have questions, please email ugresearch@txstate.edu or contact us by phone at (512) 245-2266.

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Shannon Weigum and Mr. Dan Roy

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SUBJECT:                   Announcing the 5^th Annual TXST New Ventures Competition and Accelerator Program

 

Do you have a unique business idea or technology with commercial potential?

TXST New Ventures is a competitive accelerator program that supports early-stage business ventures from faculty, student, or alumni ideas and innovations.

The competition offers participants both personal and professional growth through:

• mentorship and training from TXST Entrepreneurs-in-Residence,
• access to TXST network of faculty, industry experts, and fellow innovators,
• and a chance to compete for more than $100,000 in start-up funding, services, in-kind contributions, space at STAR Park and other vital resources for accelerating your idea or business.

Who Should Apply?

Individuals or teams with a unique, early-stage business concept in need of product prototyping and testing, validation of product-market fit, evaluation of market potential, or early-stage customer development.

Applicants, or at least one contributing member of a team, must be a current faculty, student, staff member or alumni of Texas State University. Applicants should have a passion for engaging students and an interest in sharing their journey for the benefit and knowledge of the TXST entrepreneurial community.

Key Dates:

April 11:        Application Deadline

            May 10:        Prelim (Round 1) Selection

            June 8-9:       Semi-Finals (Round 2)

            June 17:        Competition Finals

For more information, please visit the TXST New Ventures web page or apply now.

TXST New Ventures is a joint initiative with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), Materials Applications Research Center (MARC), Texas State NSF I-CORPS Site, and STAR Park.

If you require an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship via email at cie@txstate.edu or (512) 245-1774.

TO:                              Faculty Teaching General Education/Core Curriculum, Developmental Education, and Lower-Level Business Courses

                                    Deans

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Initial Academic Feedback (IAF)

 

Last fall, Texas State University piloted new approaches to support all students in reaching their academic goals, including early grade entry by faculty (Initial Academic Feedback, or IAF). Faculty representing a total of 557 sections of Gen Ed/Core, developmental mathematics, lower-division business, and University Seminar courses submitted early grades.

By submitting early grades, faculty enabled a university-wide team of responders to contact and support students proactively. Interventions varied based on individual student needs and ranged from nudges to return to class; emails, texts, or calls connecting students to additional tutoring and supplemental instruction options; and targeted academic advising and success coaching.

To continue and expand the effort to enable our academic services staff to connect with students who need their assistance, we again are requesting that you submit an early grade for your students via the Initial Academic Feedback (IAF) tool in Canvas between February 9 and 24.

Reminder emails will be sent with instructions when the system opens on February 9. Submitting IAF grades is quick and easy using your Canvas Gradebook.

Thank you for playing a part in student success and helping students recognize the need to seek additional support early in the semester. As we assess the data on the success of interventions, we will provide information to faculty.

*Note: IAF is an academic early alert notification that will allow us to provide academic intervention through our academic services units and is different than behavioral alerts submitted to the Dean of Students. If you have a student behavioral issue, submit a Here to Help form.

 

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Online Teaching Award Virtual Showcase

 

You are invited to a Virtual Award Showcase on Thursday, February 9, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., as we congratulate the recipients of Texas State University’s tenth annual Award for Excellence in Online Teaching.

The showcase will feature a keynote address by President Kelly Damphousse and recipient presentations on the elements that contribute to the effectiveness of each winning course.

The award recipients are:

- Dr. Debarun Majumdar, Department of Sociology;

- Ms. Daris Hale, School of Music; and

- Dr. Vince Bagnulo, Department of Political Science.

Registration is required and free of charge. Please register here.

This event is hosted by the Office of Distance and Extended Learning. For more information, or if you require accommodations to this virtual event, please contact Ms. Dana Ortiz, Administrative Assistant III, at (512) 245-7965, or via email at do15@txstate.edu. 

More information about the award is available on the Award for Excellence in Online Teaching website.

 

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Free Tickets: Jackie Venson Concert

 

Been working hard? Need a break? Don’t want to drive to Austin (where her gig at Antone’s is already sold out). You’re in luck. We have FREE tickets to one of the hottest rising stars in music. As part of the Supple Music Series, blues/soul/pop sensation Jackie Venson is performing here in the newly renovated Evans Auditorium.

Faculty / Staff Perk

Complimentary tickets to this VERY special event.

• Login with your TXST ID at www.txstatepresents.com.
• Use the “Faculty / Staff” price type for all of your tickets to receive the discount.

 

 

JACKIE VENSON is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter known far and wide for her complexly beautiful music and blazing guitar skills. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Jackie has traveled the world playing to massive crowds both as a headliner and as support for major acts such as Gary Clark Jr, Melissa Etheridge, Aloe Blacc, and Citizen Cope to name a few. Playing blues, soul, and pop, Jackie has released four studio albums and four live albums. She recently made her national TV debut when she performed on Austin City Limits. Forbes recently wrote: “Jackie Venson is truly an Austin legend in the making.”

 

 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2023 at 8:00 P.M.

Evans Auditorium (627 N LBJ in the Quad)

To download tickets: www.txstatepresents.com

 

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Shreek Mandayam

                                    Chief Research Officer

SUBJECT:                   2023 Health Scholar Showcase – March 3, 2023

 

JOIN US FOR THE 2023 HEALTH SCHOLAR SHOWCASE: IMPACTFUL. INNOVATIVE. INCLUSIVE.

MARCH 3, 2023

2:00 – 5:00 P.M.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PERF)

Join us at the 2023 Health Scholar Showcase for an afternoon of research and discovery as we share some of the best examples of faculty health research and sponsored programs at Texas State University.  The Health Scholar Showcase is part of Texas State’s Translational Health Research Center, which seeks to improve health by fostering faculty research with public and private partners.  An increasing number of Texas State faculty representing at least 30 departments, schools, and centers, and at least eight colleges, are currently engaged in health research and sponsored programs. 

Schedule of Events:

1:30 – 2:00 p.m.     Poster presenter check-in and arrival at the PERF 

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.     Interactive poster session

3:00 – 4:20 p.m.     Opening remarks and keynote speaker

4:20 – 5:00 p.m.     Networking reception

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Potter, Vice President for Research & Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at UT Health San Antonio.

 

 

Poster competition: At least five posters presented at the showcase will be awarded up to $5,000 each to extend, expand, or seek external funding for the research.  Posters are accepted until February 17, 2023.

Faculty poster submission details

RSVP for the 2023 Health Scholar Showcase         

Health Scholar Showcase Event Website
2022 Health Scholar Showcase Poster Awards

If you have questions, please contact the Translational Health Research Center via email at healthresearch@txstate.edu.

 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

Associate Vice President for Academic Success

Dean, University College

SUBJECT:                   Systems Thinking: Black Male Student Success

 

The Common Experience, University College, Success Coaching, Inclusive Excellence – Student Connections and Belonging, African American Studies, and the Department of History will host “Systems Thinking: Black Male Student Success” on Thursday, February 2. This event will foster student success and bolster retention efforts with connections to resources and community. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on higher education systems that impact Black male student retention and how these systems can be changed to better serve all students. The event will feature Berks American Historical Association Grant featured speaker Mr. Lasana Hotep, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at the University of California, Berkeley, and Texas State University alumnus.
Please encourage students to register to attend this exclusive event. Visit the Systems Thinking: Black Male Student Success site for more details.

Systems Thinking: Black Male Student Success
Thursday, February 2, 2023 | 11 AM - 1 PM
LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom
For questions, accommodations, and more information, contact Dr. Terrance McClain at least 72 hours prior to events by phone at (512) 245-5102 or via email at tjm80@txstate.edu.

 

 

 

TO:                             Currents Students

Faculty

Deans

FROM:                       Mr. Dan Roy and Dr. Shannon Weigum

Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SUBJECT:                   ignite Entrepreneurship Workshop

 

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is now accepting applications for the ignite entrepreneurship workshop. ignite is a fun-packed, virtual, 3-day weekend, learning-by-doing workshop for Bobcats interested in learning about entrepreneurship. 

Whether you have an idea for a business or are simply curious about the fascinating world of entrepreneurship, ignite is the perfect place to begin your journey! 

Over the weekend, you will learn how to transform an idea into a business and position it for success! As part of the workshop, participants work in diverse teams with peers from across campus and receive guidance from experienced faculty, entrepreneurs, and mentors (many of whom have started and sold their own businesses).

This workshop is 100% online (via Zoom) and runs from Friday, February 24, through Sunday, February 26. There is no cost to attend. 

Registration is open now! Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 8, at 5:00 p.m. You may find additional information and a link to register by visiting the ignite web page. 

Please note that students from all majors (including non-business majors) and all levels (including undergraduate and graduate) are encouraged to apply. Space is limited, so apply today. 

Questions about the ignite workshop may be directed to Mr. Hauke Roeschmann via email at hauke@txstate.edu. 

 

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   TEDx Tickets Final Sale

 

The Department of Communication Studies and its TEDxTexasStateUniversity Planning Committee invite you to our in-person TEDx event on Saturday, February 11 at the Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. This is event runs from 12:30-4:30 p.m. We are in our final stretch of ticket sales and they are going fast. You can purchase tickets at the Texas State Presents website. ASL interpreters will be provided for every speaker.

TEDxTexasStateUniversity is hosting seven speakers who will be speaking on various subjects surrounding the theme compleXity. Here is the list of TEDx speakers:

• Jennifer Dahlgren – TXST student, advocate for the Deaf and LGBTQ communities, and faculty in the Sign Language and Interpreter Preparation Program at El Paso Community College
• Dr. Elizabeth Ekren – TXST staff researcher at the Texas School Safety Center with a background in Development Studies
• Madeline English – TXST student and founder and creator of the Queer Agenda, a Texas-based queer education station
• Ethan Ramirez – TXST student, designer, artist, and craftsman who tells stories through the layering of different materials and use of space
• Dr. Philip Salem – TXST Distinguished Professor Emeritus and communication researcher and author
• Broderick Turner – TXST alumnus and Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State and boardgame extraordinaire  
• Dr. Intisar Ameen Tyne – TXST Assistant Professor who researches architecture as it relates to contemporary mental healthcare issues   

The event will also include audience activations, snacks during breaks, and entertainment by local artists. Here is the list of this year’s performers:

• Texas State Mariachi Ensemble – an award-winning group who performs all genres of mariachi music
• “Young, Gifted, and Black” – a preview performance of a Black History Month celebration that will feature Black artists representing the Department of Theatre and Dance
• Texas State Western Swing – a new group dedicated to bringing the genre of Texas to our university
• Grupo Folklorico Ocotochtli – a prestigious group dedicated to preserving and showcasing Mexican folkloric ballet ensembles and dances

What is TEDx?
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. This year our speakers will explore ideas related to complexity. Our world is made up of complex systems and processes that have allowed our species to flourish. Operating in the background, these structures impact our everyday experiences and are often taken for granted. Our talks will focus on identifying and navigating these complex systems and will explore and advocate for solutions to complex problems and challenges we face. We invite you to join us for a day of inspiration and conversation as we discover what it means to be a citizen in this complex, global world.

We hope you will join us at TEDxTexasStateUniversity. For more information or questions email us at TEDxTXST@txstate.edu or visit the TEDxTexasStateUniversity webpage.

 

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Honor Code Council

Dr. Cristian Lieneck, Chair

Dr. Rachel Davenport, Vice Chair

SUBJECT:                   Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT) and the University Honor Code Policy

 

As we begin the second week of the spring 2023 semester, we would like to briefly mention the developing topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and potential Honor Code implications that may arise if used by students in preparation of course deliverables submitted for academic credit.  Our institution, teaching and evaluation methods, and follow-on industry rely on the use of computers to assist with common work tasks every day.  However, when used in lieu of individual thought, creation, and synthesis of knowledge by falsely submitting a paper written (all or in part) as one’s own original work, an academic integrity violation results.

The Texas State University Honor Code addresses academic integrity violations related to the false submission of academic work for credit, including cheating and plagiarism (UPPS 07.10.01, Section 02.03).  Faculty are encouraged to develop expectations regarding the resources students may or may not use in completing assignments and communicate those expectations explicitly, and to address Honor Code policy violations with students if the potential for the use of AI-produced assignments exists.

As more information becomes available surrounding the use of AI in higher education (to include potential teaching methods to incorporate it as a learning tool and/or screening tools to identify AI-produced text) our team will continue to communicate how it relates to our institution’s Honor Code policy and expectations for upholding academic integrity in our courses.  In the meantime, we have identified a few resources to help faculty learn more about ChatGPT and related AI tools available via the internet:

• “Will ChatGPT change the way you teach?”
• “What will ChatGPT mean for teaching”
• “A college student created an app that can tell whether AI wrote an essay”
• Detection tool for AI-generated text

In coordination with Faculty Development,  Honor Code Council members will continue to assist faculty with questions by providing additional updates, workshops/seminars, and other initiatives.  Faculty with concerns can always contact the Honor Code Council leadership by emailing honorcode@txstate.edu. 

 

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary C. Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   Our COVID Experience

 

The College of Liberal Arts, the Vice President for Student Affairs, and University Libraries present “Our COVID Experience,” a series of panels reflecting the experiences of Texas State University community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On display on the second floor of Alkek Library, the exhibit includes a video presentation as well as opportunities to contribute to conversations about the effects the pandemic and resulting lockdown had on current students, faculty, and staff; and community perceptions about where we can and should go from here. The panels will be on display in the library’s 2^nd floor until mid-March and in other places on campus throughout the semester.

For questions about the event, please contact Dr. Mary Brennan via email at mb18@txstate.edu. 

 

 TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students

                                    Faculty

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   Undergraduate Research Fellowship Applications are Open

 

The Honors College and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Spring 2023 Undergraduate Research Fellowship program at Texas State University. This initiative, known as URF, may award funding to any enrolled undergraduate student involved in research. Students may apply for funding up to $1,000. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 13, 2023. 

We are offering online application information workshops on January 20 at 12:00 p.m., January 24 at 5:00 p.m., and February 1 at 5:00 p.m. Interested students are invited to sign up to attend one of these workshops to receive the Zoom link. Further information about these research fellowships and the online application is found on the Undergraduate Research Fellowship website.

The URF committee encourages undergraduates from all colleges and majors to apply. Please note that URF recipients must expend funds by August 31, 2023 and present their projects on campus within one academic year of receiving the award. In addition, recipients must be enrolled as undergraduates for the duration of the project. Please direct any questions to Melanie Liddle via email at ugresearch@txstate.edu. 

This program is supported by contributions from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, private foundations, and colleges within the university. 

 

​ TO:                             Deans

                                    Department Chairs/School Directors

                                    Faculty

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Nominations for Distinguished Professor Emeritus due March 31, 2023

 

In accordance with the provisions of AA PPS 02.04.10 regarding nominations for Distinguished Professor Emeritus/Emerita, I am writing to invite nominations of individuals to be recognized with this special rank. The policy describes the mechanism whereby Texas State University may recommend extraordinary retired or retiring faculty members be awarded the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus/Emerita by the President. 

Criteria

In addition to meeting the basic requirements of having held the rank of Professor and serving the university, with distinction, at least 10 years, and being in the last full year of teaching prior to retirement or in the first seven years following retirement, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus/Emerita must meet Criteria 1 and 2 and must meet three of the additional five criteria below. As identified in the list below, faculty already holding the Professor Emeritus/Emerita title are eligible. Faculty holding the University Distinguished Professor and/or Regents’ Professor title automatically receive Emeritus status upon retirement and do not need to go through this process.

Criteria 1       Outstanding record of teaching excellence;

Criteria 2       Regional or national recognition resulting from sustained scholarly or creative work;

Criteria 3       Regional or national service/recognition in professional organizations;

Criteria 4       Regional or national recognition resulting from program development at Texas State;

Criteria 5       Outstanding record of community service;

Criteria 6       Outstanding record of university service; and

Criteria 7       Outstanding record of generating public and/or private monetary support for the university through grants, contracts, endowments, contributions, etc.

For the criteria, please consider the following interpretive guidance:

• International recognition meets criteria 2, 3, 4, as regional or national service/recognition is often a precursor to international recognition.
• Criteria 1, 2, 3,5, 6, and 7 may rely on activities and contributions at Texas State and/or other institutions.
• Criterion 4 is not limited to academic/curricular program development.
• Nomination narratives may be contextualized by disciplinary norms for extraordinary faculty contributions. 
• Nominations should be fully substantiated and documented in the narrative portion of the form linked below.

Nomination Process, Form, and Due Date

We are presently inviting nominations for Distinguished Professor Emeritus/Emerita. A list of eligible faculty is below. The master list of all faculty previously honored as Distinguished Professor Emeritus/Emerita is available on Faculty page of the University Catalog. 

Please email each nominee’s current vita and completed Distinguished Professor Emeritus Nomination Form, via the department chair/school director and the college dean, to Ms. Lyndi Wittekiend in the Office of Faculty and Academic Resources (FacultyResources@txstate.edu) no later than Friday, March 31, 2023. Questions may also be addressed to Ms. Wittekiend.

Eligible Faculty

Retired faculty eligible for nomination as Distinguished Professor Emeriti (who meet years of service at Texas State requirement)

2017 Retirees

Richard L. Archer, Professor Emeritus, Psychology (9/1/82-7/15/17)

Carroll L. Bandy, Professor Emeritus, Mathematics (1/16/78-5/31/17)

James D. Bell, Professor Emeritus, Management (9/1/85-1/15/17)

John J. Edgell, Jr., Professor Emeritus, Mathematics (9/1/66-5/31/17)

Charles P. Garofalo, Professor Emeritus, Political Science (9/1/82-5/31/17)

Dean J. Geuras, Professor Emeritus, Philosophy (9/1/71-5/31/17)

Karen S. Knox, Professor Emerita, Social Work (9/1/95-12/31/17)

Robert B. Pankey, Professor Emeritus, Health and Human Performance (8/1/00-5/31/17)

Richard P. Sodders, Professor Emeritus, Theatre and Dance (9/1/85-5/31/17)

2018 Retirees

Miriam B. Echeverria, Professor Emerita, Modern Languages (9/1/87-5/31/18)

Paul R. Gowens, Professor Emeritus, Finance and Economics (9/1/80-5/31/18)  

Gary A. Hartman, Professor Emeritus, History (9/1/95-8/31/18)  

Jack C. Laumer, Professor Emeritus, Music (9/1/77-5/31/18)  

Sandra Mayo, Professor Emeritus, Theatre and Dance (6/1/01-1/15/18)  

Tinker D. Murray, Professor Emeritus, Health and Human Performance (9/1/84-1/15/18)  

Ricardo M. Torrejon, Professor Emeritus, Mathematics (9/1/81-5/31/18)    

2019 Retirees                    

Elizabeth A. Allison, Professor Emerita, English (9/1/99-2/13/19)

Janet B. Butler, Professor Emeritus, Accounting (8/25/03-8/31/19)

James F. Garber, Professor Emeritus, Anthropology (1/16/82-8/31/19)

Erik A. Nielsen, Professor Emeritus, Art and Design (9/1/71-5/31/19)

Cynthia Plotts, Professor Emerita, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology (9/1/77-12/31/18)

Cecily A. Raiborn, Professor Emeritus, Accounting (9/1/06-5/31/19)

2020 Retirees                    

Ann Brooks, Professor Emerita, Counseling Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology (9/1/04-8/31/20)

Kathleen Fite, Professor Emerita, Curriculum and Instruction (9/1/73-7/31/20)

Dickie Heaberlin, Professor Emeritus, English (9/1/67-8/31/20)

Elvin Holt, Professor Emeritus, English (9/1/83-8/31/20)

Tomas Mijares, Professor Emeritus, Criminal Justice and Criminology (9/1/90-10/31/19)

John (Jack) Mogab, Professor Emeritus, Finance and Economics (9/1/81-8/31/20)

Katherine Peirce-Burleson, Professor Emeritus, Journalism and Mass Communication (9/1/88- 8/31/20)                           

David Perkins, Professor Emeritus, Criminal Justice and Criminology (9/1/88-8/31/20)

Donald Sanders, Professor Emeritus, Finance and Economics (9/1/79-8/31/20)

Cecilia Temponi, Professor Emerita, Management (9/1/93-5/31/20)

Thomas Thickstun, Professor Emeritus, Mathematics (9/1/81-8/31/20)

2021 Retirees                    

Allan R. Chavkin, Professor Emeritus, English (9/1/79-8/31/21)

Sylvia L. Crixell, Professor Emeritus, Family and Consumer Sciences (9/1/90-7/15/21)

Robert B. Habingreither, Professor Emeritus, Engineering Technology (9/1/78-8/31/21)

Mary Esther Huerta, Professor Emerita, Curriculum and Instruction (9/1/07-1/15/21)

Kathryn Ledbetter, Professor Emeritus, English (6/1/00-5/31/21)

James LeSage, Professor Emeritus, Finance and Economics (9/1/06-5/31/21)

Wayman C. Mullins, Professor Emeritus, Criminal Justice and Criminology (9/1/84-5/31/21)

Cynthia L. Opheim, Professor Emeritus, Political Science (9/1/87-5/31/21)

Barbara L. Sanders, Professor Emeritus, Physical Therapy (1/16/89-5/21/21)

Gary J. Winek, Professor Emeritus, Engineering Technology (9/1/81-7/15/21)

2022 Retirees                    

Mary Jo Biggs, Professor Emerita, Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (09/01/04-01/31/22)

Roger B. Colombik, Professor Emeritus, Art and Design (09/01/88-05/31/22)

J. Michael Costello, Professor Emeritus, Theatre and Dance (09/01/01-05/31/22)

Susan B. Day, Professor Emerita, Sociology (09/01/79-08/1/22)

Teri E. Evans-Palmer, Associate Professor Emeritus, Art and Design (01/16/04-01/15/22)

Raymond P. Fisk, Professor Emeritus, Marketing (08/01/07-08/31/22)

Thomas Hardy, Professor Emeritus, Biology (11/12/07-08/31/22)

Paul A. Kens, Professor Emeritus, Political Science (09/01/87-05/31/22)

Vincent L. Luizzi, Professor Emeritus, Philosophy (09/01/76-05/31/22)

Kenneth H. Margerison, Jr., Professor Emeritus, History (09/01/72-08/31/22)

Karen S. Meaney, Professor Emerita, Health and Human Performance (08/01/09-07/31/22)

Beverly Penn, Professor Emerita, Art and Design (09/09/90-05/31/22)

Sandhya Rao, Professor Emeritus, Journalism and Mass Communication (09/1/92-8/31/22)

Paula L. Rechner, Professor Emerita, Management (08/15/05-8/31/22)

Brenda K. Scheuermann, Professor Emeritus, Curriculum and Instruction (09/01/88-05/31/22)

Karen H. Smith, Professor Emeritus, Marketing (09/01/93-08/31/22)

LeAnne Smith, Professor Emeritus, Theatre and Dance (09/01/83-05/31/22)

Ruth A. Taylor, Professor Emeritus, Marketing (09/01/87-01/15/22)

 

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

                                    Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Instructional Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Teaching and Instruction

 

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and information related to teaching and instructional responsibilities, student records, students with disabilities, and classroom materials.  All employees serving in instructional roles, including teaching assistants and instructional assistants, are asked to visit the websites linked below and to talk with their department chairs/school directors about specific questions regarding these policies and practices.  Please forward this message to new instructors, as hiring processes occur daily.   

Faculty-Authored Teaching Material

AA/PPS 02.03.30, Faculty-Authored Teaching and Instructional Material, requires approval before a faculty member may require any textbook, notebook, manual, or other materials written or prepared by a member of the Texas State University faculty for which a charge is required.  The policy covers materials authored or prepared by Texas State University faculty, even if the materials are used in classes taught by other instructors.  The approval process, which is described in the policy, involves the faculty member requiring the course material, department chair/school director, dean, and provost.  The deadlines for the submission of requests for materials to be used are: July 1 (fall semester), November 1 (spring semester), and April 1 (summer sessions).  Instructors may only require materials that meet instructional goals and student learning outcomes of the course.  The request form is available from Faculty and Academic Resources.

Inadvertent Release of Student Education Records: Updated with Secure Communication Instructions

This is a reminder of your obligation to guard against the inadvertent release of student education records as stipulated in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  UPPS 01.04.31, Access to Student Records Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, addresses this law and faculty and staff obligations. 

Examples of inadvertent releases of student education records include emailing student grades, grade point averages, test scores or posting grades by student ID numbers, social security numbers, or other numbers that make student identities easily traceable.  These actions violate federal law and university policy.  A list of frequently asked questions is available for additional information.

Please review File and Data Sending and Receiving information standards as well as best practices for Data Classification (confidential, sensitive, or public) from the division of Information Technology.  To securely send and receive confidential student education records per FERPA regulations, use the university’s secure File Transfer system.

Faculty and staff may login to the Bobcat Family Portal to verify a student has granted someone access to their records.

Regular and Substantive Interaction in Distance Learning

Regular and substantive instructor and student engagement in distance learning courses improves student learning outcomes and student satisfaction and aligns with Texas State’s long-held commitment to quality teaching and learning.  In addition, the university’s continued eligibility to award federal financial aid depends on the ability to provide evidence that this engagement takes place in a timely way and within certain regulatory guidelines.  Instructor-initiated actions, feedback, and oversight are expected to be timely, ongoing, focused on the course subject and assignments, and integral to the course plan and learning outcomes.  Instructors should plan to retain records of student engagement in academic activities that occur on or before each semester’s census day to document student engagement for financial aid purposes.  More information may be found in G/PPS 02.03, Distance Education Courses and Programs, on the Office of Distance and Extended Learning’s Federal Financial Aid and Distance Learning webpage, or through discussions with department chairs/school directors or instructional design staff.

Students with Disabilities

Texas State complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA).  The Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides certain students with written certification or an academic accommodation letter to share with faculty or staff members that outlines and requests appropriate accommodations specific to the student’s disability-based need.  Instructors are expected to work collaboratively with ODS and students who present written certification or accommodation letters and are asked to review Students with Disabilities, a Teaching Resource Guide for information on legal mandates, ODS procedures, types of accommodations, and best practices for ensuring access to full educational opportunity.

 

 

 

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt

                                    Associate Vice President for Academic Success

                                    Dean, University College

SUBJECT:                   The Common Experience Presents: Naturally You

 

The Common Experience, in collaboration with the Colleges of Applied Arts, Education, Liberal Arts, and The Graduate College, will host “Naturally You,” on Tuesday, February 21 in support of Texas State University's (TXST) Diversity Plan Initiatives, the 2022-2023 Common Experience theme of "Systems Thinking," and TXST’s annual celebration of Black History Month. The goal of this event is to engage and connect students, faculty, and staff with resources that support and celebrate their authentic selves. Departments and TXST organizations are invited to register to table and share information regarding your organization, resources, and community for Bobcats. This event will help foster a sense of belonging for Bobcats and challenge homogenous definitions of professionalism and beauty. Visit the Naturally You website for more details.

Naturally You
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 | 11 AM - 2 PM
LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom
Please register or let us know by January 25, 2023 if you would like to table and be a part of this event. For questions about the event please contact Camrie Pipper via email at cp1292@txstate.edu.

 

 

 TO:                             Current Students, Faculty, and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Christine E. Hailey

                                    Dean, College of Science and Engineering

SUBJECT:                   2023 TXST STEM Conference

 

Texas State University will host the inaugural annual TXST STEM Conference on Friday, March 24, 2023 in the LBJSC Grand Ballroom. The TXST STEM Conference will focus on the achievements of our students from a range of STEM fields, who will be the NEXT contributors to and leaders of the STEM workforce. The conference program will feature an underlying theme of inclusion and belonging in STEM at Texas State, building off our past Texas State Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Conference and the HSI-focused STEM Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Symposia.

The TXST STEM Conference features both student and faculty-focused sessions and workshops; undergraduate and graduate poster presentations, highlighting student research, design, and internship/co-op experiences; an exhibitor hall; networking luncheon; and a professional headshot lounge.

For more information about the 2023 TXST STEM Conference, including registration and sponsorship, visit the conference webpage.

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Information to Include in Spring 2023 Course Syllabi

 

As we quickly approach the spring 2023 semester and prepare for an exciting array of classes, activities, and events, the following message provides guidance on course syllabi and implementation. This message also provides information about the university’s mission and shared values, emergency management, and the reporting responsibility of faculty and staff who learn of sexual misconduct. Extensive information on course syllabi and classroom procedures is found in AA/PPS 02.03.01, Conduct and Planning of Courses. Please pass this message along to new faculty and teaching assistants, as new hire transactions occur daily.

Our Mission and Our Shared Values

Faculty who wish to include information about the university’s mission and shared values statements in a syllabus for spring 2023 courses should use the following statements from the 2017-2023 Texas State University Plan:   

Mission

Texas State University is a doctoral-granting, student-centered institution dedicated to excellence and innovation in teaching, research, including creative expression, and service. The university strives to create new knowledge, to embrace a diversity of people and ideas, to foster cultural and economic development, and to prepare its graduates to participate fully and freely as citizens of Texas, the nation, and the world.

Shared Values

In pursuing our mission, we, the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State University, are guided by a shared collection of values:

• Teaching and learning based on research, student involvement, and the free exchange of ideas in a supportive environment;
• Research and creative activities that encompass the full range of academic disciplines—research with relevance, from the sciences to the arts, from the theoretical to the applied;
• The cultivation of character, integrity, honesty, civility, compassion, fairness, respect, and ethical behavior in all members of our university community;
• A diversity of people and ideas, a spirit of inclusiveness, a global perspective, and a sense of community as essential conditions for campus life;
• A commitment to service and leadership for the public good;
• Responsible stewardship of our resources and environment; and
• Continued reflection and evaluation to ensure that our strengths as a community always benefit those we serve.

Health and Wellbeing

The Dean of Students Office manages Here to Help to assist students experiencing crises or emergencies or displaying concerning behaviors. Submissions are received directly by the Dean of Students Office’s CARE Center. This process takes an individualized and holistic approach to assessing submissions and determining an appropriate course of action or referral based on the information provided in the submission.

The Counseling Center provides counseling, telemental health, and educational workshops and videos for students.  For students, the Student Health Center provides evaluation and medical management of these common mental health issues and others.

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is a free online program available to faculty, staff, and students that helps build skills for dealing with anxiety, depression, and other common concerns. Bobcat Balance serves the legal, financial, and mental health needs of faculty and staff.  LinkedIn Learning is available to all faculty, staff, and students and includes resources on well-being, career development, time management, and other skills and knowledge.

There are no requirements for face coverings, social distancing, and other COVID-19 measures at Texas State. Off-site providers of clinical courses, internships, student teaching, or other activities may have different requirements.  

Student Absences and Absence Notification

Faculty have discretion in managing student absences, including those due to illness. Faculty members determine appropriate arrangements for students who miss class. Please refer to UPPS 02.06.03 and UPPS 02.06.01 for absences related to student participation in university-sponsored events and religious holy days.

For faculty who ask students requesting excused absences to contact the Dean of Students Office, students should be directed to use the online Student Absence Notification System. Additional information is available on the Dean of Students’ Absence Notifications webpage. Students should only be referred to the Dean of Students Office if they are unable to complete the on-line request due to access limitations or emergencies/crises. For questions, contact the Dean of Students Office at (512) 245-2124.

Syllabus Content Reminders (see section 13 of AA/PPS 02.03.01 for all syllabus requirements)

• Required class materials, access to materials, use of Canvas, and/or instructional strategies.
• Technology or software needed for the class, including getting support from ITAC.
• Exams, assignments, grading rubrics, assessment and testing, and due dates.
• Office hours.
• Attendance policy and record-keeping procedures.
• Assessment and testing strategies to enhance academic integrity.

Class Instruction Modes and Substantive Interaction

Classes will be fully implemented in the instruction mode that appears on the spring 2023 Schedule of Classes in Catsweb. In all courses, faculty members provide regular and substantive interaction with students. This interaction is instructor-driven, content-oriented, frequent, and consistent throughout the semester.

Statement on Civility in the Classroom and Instructional Settings

Civility in instructional settings is fundamental to an effective educational process and is everyone’s responsibility. The university’s shared values, sense of community, and collective commitment to respect, civil dialogue, and the free exchange of ideas are the cornerstones of successful teaching and learning. If students have questions about appropriate behavior in a particular class, they should address them with their instructor first. Although rare, disciplinary procedures may be implemented for refusing to follow an instructor’s directive, disrupting classroom activities, posting offensive comments on class discussion boards, or disregarding university policies. For more information regarding conduct in the classroom, please review policies at AA/PPS 02.03.02, Section 03: Courteous and Civil Learning Environment, and Code of Student Conduct, number II, Responsibilities of Students, Section 2.02: Conduct Prohibited.  

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

• Code of Student Conduct
• The Honor Code

Instructor Absences

Faculty who are absent from class coordinate with their department chairs/school directors to ensure continuity of instruction. In some cases, a faculty member teaching face-to-face may transition to remote learning for a brief period by using Zoom, Teams, Canvas, or other tools. For extended absences, another faculty member may be asked to assume responsibility for the class. Deans and chairs/directors may contact the Office of the Provost for support or guidance. Provisions for faculty sick leave are found in UPPS 04.04.30, Section 03, Sick Leave Procedures.

Emergency Management

In the event of an emergency, students, faculty, and staff should monitor the Safety and Emergency Communications web page. This page will be updated with the latest information available to the university, in addition to providing links to information concerning safety resources and emergency procedures. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to sign up for the TXState Alert system. 

Sexual Misconduct Reporting (SB 212)

Effective January 2, 2020, state law (SB 212) requires all university employees, acting in the course and scope of employment, who witness or receive information concerning an incident of sexual misconduct involving an enrolled student or employee to report all relevant information known about the incident to the university's Title IX office. According to SB 212, employees who knowingly fail to report or knowingly file a false report shall be terminated in accordance with university policy and The Texas State University System Rules and Regulations. Please access the webpage of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX for more information.

Thank you. I greatly appreciate your ongoing dedication to the mission, vision, and goals of Texas State University and look forward to seeing you soon.

 TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Director, School of Criminal Justice and Criminology

 

I am pleased to announce Dr. Jeffrey Bumgarner as Professor and Director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, effective January 2, 2023.

Dr. Bumgarner joins the university from North Dakota State University where he has been since 2014, including five years as chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Public Administration and two years as interim chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Dr. Bumgarner earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and previously held faculty positions at Minnesota State University, Texas Christian University, and Minot State University. Dr. Bumgarner has over a decade of full-time experience in law enforcement. He has served as a small town police chief, deputy sheriff, and federal agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. General Services Administration. 

Dr. Bumgarner’s scholarly interests focus on criminal justice institutions, especially federal law enforcement and police organizational culture. He has authored, co-authored, or edited nine books, including Federal Agents: The Growth of Federal Law Enforcement in America, Immigration: Law, Politics, and Crime, Criminal Justice in America: The Encyclopedia of Crime, Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections, and Extremism in the Police (forthcoming), as well as multiple journal articles and book chapters. He regularly teaches courses on law enforcement, criminal procedure, the courts, and homeland security.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Bumgarner as he begins his responsibilities as the Director of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff in the Division of Academic Affairs

                                    Deans

                                    Associate Provost/Associate Vice Presidents in the Division of Academic Affairs

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Policies Related to Ethics and Compliance

 

In an effort to consolidate email communications from the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, this memo provides an overview of policies and other information related to ethics and compliance following university, state, and federal regulations and policies. This message addresses required ethics and compliance training, dual/outside employment, reporting of relatives working at Texas State University, and mandatory notices to employees. Specific questions regarding these policies and practices may be addressed to supervisors.

 University Ethics and Compliance Program

 Texas State is committed to ensuring that our institution maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity throughout all aspects of operations. As public servants, university faculty and staff are guardians of the resources entrusted to it and have a responsibility to students, parents, alumni, donors, and the citizens of Texas to ensure those resources are used efficiently and for their intended purpose. Several reporting tools are available that provide a confidential avenue for reporting concerns about potential waste, fraud, and abuse of resources; the lack of compliance with laws, regulations, and/or University Policy and Procedure Statements; or violations of The Texas State University System’s Code of Ethics. We encourage you to report such issues through one of the following tools:

· EthicsPoint Website

· The Texas State University System (TSUS) Toll-Free Hotline at (866) 294-0987. Para hacer un reporte en Espanol, favor de llame (866) 294-0987.

· Texas State University Office of Internal Audit Hotline at (512) 245-1707

 Please note the following training requirements:

 1. Ethics and Compliance Training: The Tools for an Ethical Workplace course is offered online via the employee learning management tool, Success Factors (SF) Learning. All employees are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by TSUS. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.     

 2. EEO and Title IX Training: The Preventing Harassment and Discrimination course is offered online via the employee learning management tool, SF Learning. All employees are required to complete the online course every two years to meet the requirement mandated by the State of Texas. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.

3. Cybersecurity Training: To combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3834 in the 2019 legislative session, which requires certain state and local government employees to complete a cybersecurity training program certified by the state’s Department of Information Resources (DIR). All employees must complete the Cybersecurity Training available within SF Learning. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.

 4. Clery Act and Campus Security Authorities: The Clery Act is a federal law that requires the institution to provide accurate and timely information about crime and campus safety to the university community as well as prospective students and their families. The act requires the identification of individuals and organizations that meet the definition of a campus security authority (CSA). While many faculty members are not designated as CSAs, based on their position, those who serve as advisors to student organizations or program trip leaders will be CSAs. Employees designated as CSAs will be notified by the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator and are required to complete the CSA Clery Training Course available within SF Learning annually. Employees will receive an email reminder when their training is due.

Dual/Outside Employment

UPPS 04.04.06, Outside Employment and Activities, defines outside employment as any compensated employment, consulting, or service performed by the employee outside of the employee’s employment relationship with Texas State for the direct or indirect benefit of the employee or the organization serviced. Outside activities that involve non-compensated services are not always reported. However, there are special provisions for holding public office. Employment or activities must not interfere or create a conflict of interest or commitment with any employee’s duties and responsibilities at Texas State.

Outside employment, financial conflict of interest (FCOI), conflict of commitment (COC), and inappropriate foreign influence may be related topics that potentially present challenges in managing overlapping dimensions. This is particularly important for faculty and staff involved in federal grant awards and sponsored programs. To encourage and support the research community, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will continue to develop and disseminate information and guidance regarding disclosures to internal and external entities, including funding agencies. Contact Sean Rubino, Director, Research Integrity and Compliance, via email at srubino@txstate.edu for questions or more information in this regard.

 Annual approval is required for 1) any outside employment or consulting prior to beginning such outside employment or consulting; 2) any employment with another state agency, community college, or school district (regardless of the faculty member’s FTE at Texas State);  3) any employee holding public office (elected or appointed to serve for a federal, state, or local government entity including school districts, cities, and towns); or 4) non-compensated activities where the employee or supervisor believes there may be a conflict of interest or interference with the employee’s university duties and responsibilities, or if the outside activities will take place during or interfere with the employee’s normally scheduled work hours.

If the outside employment is with another State of Texas entity, Texas law requires that all state employees must inform their state agencies or institutions of higher education before accepting an additional employment with another agency or institution. See section 03.02 of UPPS 04.04.06.

 Annual reporting is required. Thus, outside employment approved from a prior academic year must be reported for the current year if the employment is ongoing. The current reporting academic year is 9/1/22 – 8/31/23. Employees are also required to report any changes that may occur during the academic year (e.g., additional outside employment throughout the year or change in outside employment workload). Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal, under the “Self-Report” tab. At least one supervisor in the approval workflow, such as a department chair/school director, director, assistant vice president, dean, or associate vice president, must document there is no conflict of interest or commitment with outside employment before the request flows to the Office of the Provost.  

Note: Honorariums need not be reported. 

Online Reporting of Relatives Working at Texas State University

 An online form is available for employees to report certain relatives also working at Texas State University. With centralized records, Human Resources and Faculty and Academic Resources will be able to better manage potential conflicts and provide accurate reports as required by state law and The Texas State University System Regents’ Rules and Regulations. The governing policy is UPPS 04.04.07, Nepotism and Related Employment.

Note: If you have already reported relatives working at Texas State and there are no changes, no action is required. After your initial certification, you must report any changes as they occur. 

If needed, please take action by October 14, 2022 and provide complete information, including hours worked per week and other details that aid reviewers in decision-making. Reporting of dual and outside employment is done electronically via the SAP Portal, under the “Self-Report” tab. Instructions for Self-Reporting of Relatives at Texas State are available. The records will be reviewed by Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources against the organizational structure in SAP. If there is a potential conflict, Human Resources or Faculty and Academic Resources staff will contact the department head for resolution. Faculty-related questions may be directed to Faculty and Academic Resources at (512) 245-2786.

 Employee Notices

While a variety of policies and laws are provided to new employees at orientation sessions, employee notices are important reminders for all employees and supervisors. These notices  include information on State of Texas employee policies, sexual misconduct in the workplace, workplace accommodations, campus security, and other matters.  

Thank you for your commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Please forward this email, as appropriate, to ensure all employees in Academic Affairs are aware of these commitments and requirements.

 

 

TO:                             Academic Affairs Full-Time Staff Members

FROM:                       Dr. Gene Bourgeois

                                    Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Staff Educational Development Leave – Fall 2023

 

The Staff Educational Development Leave Program provides an opportunity for one full-time staff member per semester in each division of the university to receive special support for degree work.  Applications for participation for the fall 2023 semester are now being accepted.  This is a reminder that after approval by the appropriate supervisor(s), the final date to receive applications in my office is March 1, 2023.  A decision will be made by March 8, 2023.  Applications received after the March 1 deadline will not be considered.

Please refer to UPPS 04.04.35, Professional Development and Educational Opportunities, for details regarding eligibility criteria, program requirements, and the application procedure.  The link to the application is found in section 05.04 of this policy.

Please contact Ms. Stacey Rodriguez, Executive Assistant, in my office at (512) 245-2791 if you have any questions.

Thank you.