Message From The Dean

Updated: Monday, March 22, 2021, 9:00 p.m. CT
Fall 2021 Classes and Registration … and a couple of add-on topics

Howdy!  Four items to cover:

1. I know today’s note from the Provost probably leaves you with more questions than answers about the plan for the Fall Semester.   Provost Weichold has his team putting together some specific guidance that we hope to see relatively soon.  In the meantime, if you would like to submit a question or comment to me that I can forward to the Provost staff as they do their work, please send it to me and I’ll do so.  It will also allow me to know the concerns/suggestions you have as we do our college-level planning after receiving the anticipated Provost guidance.  Once we have that guidance in hand, I’ll schedule a Zoom session for any interested faculty and staff to discuss our proposed college way ahead.  We’ll also work with SGA to set up a Zoom session for students as well to explain the game plan.   Hopefully, we will be able to answer any additional questions you have at that time. 
2. While international travel still requires TAMU President approval, Deans can now approve travel within CONUS.  The intent is to keep travel for the remainder of the semester to only those trips that are considered essential.  If you have a travel request, please route it via email through your Department or Unit Head to me for approval. Please copy Dr. Ashley and Joe Dillard on the request.  The request must include your plan for COVID risk mitigation, as appropriate for the type travel and your destination event/venue.  I don’t need a bunch of details, something that addresses the “COVID common sense” questions is fine.  If the travel involves students, I will be looking for any additional risk mitigation that may be required to keep them as safe as possible.
3. Internal, face-to-face “academic” meetings/events can also now be approved by the Dean.  Again, I’ll need an outline of the risk mitigation plan.  Please route the request through the appropriate DH, Center or Institute Director, or Dr. Upton if it is student organization event, and copy Dr. Ashley, along with Sarah Chrastecky if your proposed event is in the PCC. 
4. Finally, there continue to be instances around the university of faculty and staff not reporting required items.   If you become aware of any prohibited behavior (as defined by TAMUS and TAMU policy — examples would be sexual harassment or assault, any type of discrimination, etc.) you are required to report it to the Office of Risk, Ethics and Compliance (Kevin McGinness).   Matt Upton is working on a “reminder” card that we can keep close at hand reminding us of the categories of prohibited behavior, as well as the proper reporting process.  

Thanks for everything you’re doing … I hope your week is off to a good start.   

r/mark