School of SciMath Spring 2019 Welcome

Welcome back to Spring 2019!  I am thrilled to begin my second semester as the leader of our school.  I am also excited about what we will accomplish this semester and what we will plan for AY 20 and beyond!  But first, a few thoughts and info to share.

(1) Feel free to say "Let me talk/check with my dean".  I stand by the promise that I would be the only administrator you have to deal with.  So, no matter what you need, please reach out to me before losing your cool.  I may not always get you what you desire, but I do try my best. For example, let me help you when...
- You made a request but have not heard back for quite a while.
- You are not happy with something going on at the College.
- Your interaction with someone at another unit doesn't go as well as expected.
- etc.

(2) All of us should strive to better teach students of color.  This semester, 1,335 students of color are enrolled in math and science classes at our college. If we can raise the course success by 10%, 134 additional students will benefit. 

(3) Twenty courses of opportunity. The Academic Affairs (AA) and the Office of Equity and Inclusions (E&I) have identified 20 courses for closing the achievement gaps.  These courses do not necessarily have the biggest gaps, but they affect the largest numbers of students because they have a lot of students enrolled.  Our school has a few courses on this list, and improving them will be our chance to do greater good to the College.  I will follow up on this soon

(4) Student Success Day.  This spring's SSD is on Tuesday 2/26.  Our school will need both great ideas and additional help to execute them.  Maire and I will be calling for actions in the next several weeks.  I am interested in adding the following to our existing programs:
- Faculty potluck gathering
- Student poster or presentation session
- Any student interactive activity
- etc. 

(5) North Star STEM Alliance.  This is an opportunity to encourage students to enter bachelor programs in the STEM fields: everyone is welcome to the activities, and there is even stipend for particular categories of students of color.  Please refer prospective students to Haile Haile, the site coordinator.  Specific info and marketing brochures will be coming your way soon.