Dear Colleagues,
This is one of my favorite times of year. The return of faculty and students is rejuvenating, causing a familiar buzz of energy and excitement on campus. There is no place I would rather be than UNO.
We are starting the 2023-24 academic year in good standing. Fall 2023 census data show that UNO is largely holding steady with undergraduate enrollments down slightly (-1.4%) and graduate enrollments up by 4%, resulting in an overall change from last year of -0.3%. Several factors have contributed positively to our enrollment landscape including initiatives led by the Maverick Advising Center (such as engagement with Metropolitan Community College students on their campus), transfer student initiatives, and the dedicated efforts of academic advising and student services and support staff in the colleges. Much of the surge in graduate enrollments is driven by an influx of international students as well as program partnerships in our community.
I am grateful to everyone who has played a role in our enrollment success, but I am especially grateful for UNO’s faculty. Our current year-to-year retention rate is 76%, up significantly from where it was during the pandemic (69%). Your dedication and steadfast commitment to student success and retention is deeply appreciated, and indeed, makes a real difference. By connecting with students both in and out of the classroom, you empower them to pursue their goals and instill a sense of belonging. Though we have come a long way, we can do even better – an 85% year-to-year retention rate is attainable, and I ask for your help in achieving this goal for our students.
In addition to a continued commitment to student success and retention, it is also critical that faculty actively engage in assessing the relevance, vitality, and sustainability of our academic programs. Not only is there a crisis in higher education with broad-ranging concerns about the value of a college degree, UNO also stands at the crossroads of financial challenges in terms of the current budget situation facing the University of Nebraska system. In the face of uncertainty, we must embrace the task of evaluating the vitality and sustainability of our academic programs. I call upon faculty to ask the difficult questions:
- How do we fortify the strength of our academic programs?
- How do we ensure our programs nurture the workforce of tomorrow while continuing to educate an engaged, well-rounded, and thoughtful citizenry critical to our state and the future of our nation?
- In a rapidly evolving global society, how do we ensure the continual relevance and competitiveness of our academic programs?
Addressing these questions requires full engagement by faculty through established department-level processes for assessing program curricula and student learning. It also requires us to think bigger and to consider innovative opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary programming that better prepares our students for the future. I have asked the deans to lead these efforts within their colleges along with their academic leadership teams. Together, we can transform adversity into opportunity. The journey is urgent, the road is challenging, and as we forge ahead, remember that through these challenges, we can find the power to sculpt a brighter and more prosperous future.
I am committed to honoring shared governance and am actively working with Faculty Senate on a number of initiatives including the development of a faculty handbook and the reform of UNO’s general education curriculum to provide a unique, common learning experience that promotes a well-rounded graduate while addressing students’ needs to reduce the overall costs of higher education and streamline the steps to graduation. Additionally, we are striving to provide better support to our academic chairs and directors through training and professional development. As we look to the future, I need your guidance on how we can better serve and support faculty during this challenging time.
UNO shines brightest when we engage one another with kindness, value, and confidence. Equally vital is the nurturing of our own well-being. I want to urge each of you to invest in yourself to enhance both your physical well-being and professional growth.
- Faculty Wellness Coaching – The Center for Faculty Excellence offers wellness coaching for full-time faculty.
- Campus Recreation – Try a group fitness class, massage therapy, or use the individual exercise equipment.
- Employee Assistance Program – If you need support, please consider using the confidential counseling opportunities available to employees and immediate family members at no charge.
- Employee Scholarship Program – Use your Nebraska tuition benefits to take a class either for professional development or to explore a topic of interest that boosts your well-being.
As Chancellor Li reminded us in her message earlier this semester, find something that inspires you, get out of your comfort zone, build new friendships, and inspire others to be their very best self.
Warmly,
Phil He
Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
