Dear colleagues,
With the start of classes this week, welcome to a new fall semester. I hope your summer was relaxing and rejuvenating.
On Friday, I met many of our newest faculty at the College’s New Faculty Orientation. We welcomed 89 new faculty who started in July. Their excitement for joining Carolina was contagious, and we enjoyed a day of panel discussions and information sessions. We’re glad to have these new faculty stars on campus, joining the rest of their esteemed Carolina colleagues.
On Sunday, we celebrated our first-year students at New Student Convocation, where I saw some of you as well. We were treated to a keynote from Erin Matson, Carolina’s field hockey coach and the most decorated player in program history. I enjoyed chatting with Erin and listening to her talk. In her first season as head coach, Matson led Tar Heels to both ACC and NCAA championships.
On FDOC, I enjoyed greeting students as they took their first sips from the Old Well for good luck. It’s always a treat to chat with them as they begin a new semester. I spoke with a senior who said she had taken a sip every semester. When I asked if it worked (a 4.0 GPA) she said no, but she will keep trying. (I love that Carolina spirit!)
Our dedicated staff members throughout the College were also busy this summer keeping operations humming smoothly. I got to catch up with our department managers when I attended their monthly meeting last week. I am grateful for all of our dedicated staff in the College and the clear value they place on their work.
For our faculty, in case you missed it: earlier this month we put out a call for course development to meet the need for Communication Beyond Carolina courses, part of our IDEAs in Action curriculum. Please consider teaching one of these rewarding and important courses.
As we kick off a new academic year, I would ask you to also join me in remembering our colleague, professor Zijie Yan. Please keep his family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts as we mark one year since his tragic death on campus.
May we all have a peaceful and productive academic year.
Best,
Jim
James W.C. White
Craver Family Dean