Caughman invites faculty to Fall Kickoff

The following letter was sent to all  Augusta University faculty by Dr. Gretchen Caughman, executive vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost.

Dear Augusta University Faculty:

The start of a new academic year is always an exciting time and, believe it or not, it’s that time again! Whether you’ve been away since mid-May or never left campus, I trust you had a productive summer and are looking forward to helping welcome our new faculty colleagues and new and returning students. In addition to the many department and college activities you’ll be involved in during the next few weeks, I’d particularly like to highlight four university events to mark on your calendar now:

• Fall Kickoff meeting-Tuesday, August 9, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Maxwell Performing Arts Theater
• Freshman Move In Day -Saturday, August 13, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Oak Hall (sign up to volunteer)
• First 2016-17 University Senate meeting – Monday, August 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Health Sciences Building, EC 1222
• Freshman Convocation -Tuesday, August 16, 11: 00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Maxwell Performing Arts Theater; faculty robe and assemble@ 10:30, Fine Arts Building lobby

As I’ll recap more in the Fall Kickoff meeting, your efforts this past year resulted in many points of pride for our university with respect to student outcomes, research productivity, scholarly activities, and community outreach and service. Knowing we have these accomplishments to build on, I am especially excited about entering the new academic year and confident we’ll enjoy another year of excellence.

As members of the higher education Academy in the year 2016, it’s no secret we face many challenges as educators, researchers, clinicians, citizens. But even as we resolve to face these challenges head-on and together, I believe it is equally important to reflect on what a privilege it is to do what we do – to create knowledge through research and scholarship, to impart knowledge through educating, molding, and motivating our students, and to utilize knowledge to provide the best possible care and service to others. Truly, a privilege to cherish and a responsibility to embrace.

Thank you for your commitment to Augusta University. I look forward to a rewarding and productive year for all as we continue our tradition of excellence.

Sincerely,

Gretchen B. Caughman, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost