Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2024, Andrews University Thu, 2 May 2024 02:42:00 +0000 Thu, 2 May 2024 02:42:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu An Update on Mission & Culture Position http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/64520 The following letter was shared with our Andrews University students. A similar message on this search process has also been shared with Andrews University faculty and staff. Dec. 1, 2023 Dear students, In a number of recent conversations here on campus, I have been asked about the process and purpose behind the recently posted <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admres/jobs/3588/details#:~:text=The%20Assistant%20to%20the%20President,diversity%20vision%2C%20resources%2C%20and%20programs">position</a> of Assistant to the President for University Mission & Culture. I appreciate the honest and frank feedback and questions that have already been shared with me directly. In response to those questions and concerns, I wanted to make sure that you also had the chance to see the update on this position that I shared with our faculty and staff last evening: When the diversity position was first established at Andrews University in 2017, it was first set up as a vice president for Diversity and Inclusion. This evolved over time, and the office and position was changed to vice president for University Culture and Inclusion. With a vacancy in that position to transpire shortly before my arrival, President Luxton wrote to the campus about this transition, identifying an interim Chief Diversity Officer. Once I began my work as the president this July, I began reviewing the specific responsibilities and structure of this role as we prepared to move forward. Once that process was complete, we posted the revised position online, and have now begun a formal search process to identify a candidate to permanently fill this role. As additional context for this process, as I began my work on this campus, the Andrews University Board of Trustees have continued to affirm that the president be specifically responsible for the overall structure and staffing for the administration of the University. To fulfill that assignment as it relates to this role, I have worked to listen carefully to the voices of the many constituencies of Andrews University on this topic. In my attentive listening with our Andrews University family, I realized that there are many different perspectives on this issue, as you might expect in our University community which is characterized by remarkable diversity. Additionally, as I did that review work within our community, some perspectives that I heard, for example, held that the diversity position should be formally placed in either the areas of student experience or human resources, which admittedly is in line with some higher education practice. However, at the conclusion of this listening and review process, I arrived at the belief and conclusion that a diversity-focused position should be a senior administrative position here at Andrews University. I also concluded that we should take a renewed approach in carrying forward this important work and provide our Andrews University diversity officer with an expanded title and role as Assistant to the President for University Mission and Culture. It’s important to note that this newly structured position will report to me directly and will serve as a member of my President’s Cabinet. So, what would change with this new approach and title, and what would remain the same? First, this new title is designed to help bring consistency to how we describe administrative positions on our campus. Currently on our campus, the title vice president typically indicates that the individual is responsible for a specific sector of campus life, such as finances or student experience, with multiple units comprising the sector that each vice president is responsible for directing. On the other hand, the title and role of Assistant to the President for University Mission & Culture represents a position that is intended to reach across and throughout the broad scope of the University. As a result, this new title and job description is intended to be a more appropriate designation for this position, which will have cross-campus responsibilities and influence. I am committed to the idea that this sort of role can and will be an influential position on our University campus. As an example of the impact of “assistant to the president” roles, the new president of Southwestern Adventist University previously served as assistant to the president on that campus. This restructured position would expand to also focus on and help inspire our broader Andrews community to continue to be fully committed to encouraging and helping to coordinate a campus-wide process of living out our mission and integrating our core values into the fabric of the entire Andrews University experience—values which do and must include the values of justice and compassion. I also want to be clear that what does not change with this position is that the important and essential work of this diversity officer role will be committed to continuing to help move our University forward on issues of diversity throughout all areas of our campus. While the issues and context of diversity positions morph and the terminology used to describe those positions can and does change over time, our commitment to the blessings and strengths of Andrews University’s diversity remains steadfast. We will continue to strive to meet the needs of all our students, faculty and staff. This includes an assignment to further deepen multicultural understanding and intercultural engagement on our campus, and to also uphold an Andrews University community that must always seek to be just and fair, as God calls us to be. As we continue in this process, we ask for and welcome your prayers as we work to formally fill this position. Also, if you have further questions or comments, you are welcome to stop by my office on the third floor of our Administration Building, or you can write to me directly at <a href="mailto:president@andrews.edu">president@andrews.edu</a>. If you’d prefer to share your thoughts and comments anonymously, you can do that through the <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/president/campus-feedback.html">Campus Feedback</a> section of the president’s website. Also, if you have specific suggestions or nominations for this position, kindly share those with with Christopher Findley (<a href="mailto:findleyc@andrews.edu">findleyc@andrews.edu</a>), AUGSA president, or Bordes Henry-Saturne (<a href="mailto:bordes@andrews.edu">bordes@andrews.edu</a>), chair, School of Leadership, who both serve as members of the search committee for this important position. Once again, we invite your prayers and we seek God’s blessings and influence as we pursue our search for this Assistant to the President for University Mission & Culture position. I pray that these notes will offer our campus community some additional and valuable context, and as I invite at the end of the statement above, I encourage our Andrews family to continue to share feedback, including any concerns, with me directly, or with either of the representatives on our search committee listed above. As we continue in our shared journeys, I also want to affirm how much I value the World Changing commitment and passion that you bring to your studies and our campus family each day as students here at Andrews University. Thank you for your continued feedback, commitment and prayers as we seek to fulfill and honor the essential and World Changing work of Andrews University. May we continue in our commitment to creating a community that successfully focuses on our urgent and shared mission to Change the World for God. God’s blessings to each one of you in the final weeks of this semester. Warm regards, John Wesley Taylor V President, Andrews University Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:57:24 +0000 Notes of Gratitude http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/62939 Dear Andrews University family, As I begin my service as your president, I would like to express gratitude. Certainly, in future messages in the weeks to come, we will have the opportunity to talk about strategic priorities, the contours of various initiatives, and progress reports. Today, however, I would like to share my heartfelt appreciation. First, thankfulness to those who have served Andrews University so well. As I have had the opportunity to connect and work with Dr. Andrea Luxton these past several weeks, I realized anew how her outstanding leadership and dedicated service as president of Andrews University for the past seven years have left a remarkable legacy, fostering a spirit of excellence, innovation and inclusivity. Her approach and personal touch have inspired faculty, staff and students alike as she guided the University to unprecedented achievements. Specifically, Dr. Luxton’s passion for Story was reflected in how she powerfully led and creatively guided Andrews University, first as its provost and then as its president. Even in the most difficult moments of challenge, Dr. Luxton used powerful and relevant stories to help inform, challenge and change. As Jesus did. Those stories were accompanied by consistent optimism, even in the most difficult circumstances. I would also especially highlight Dr. Luxton’s emphasis on fostering a diverse and inclusive community, which has created an environment where individuals from all walks of life can thrive. Under her guidance, Andrews University has continued to flourish and positively impact the lives of all. I also wish to salute Dr. Niels-Erik Andreasen, whose visionary leadership over a period of 22 years laid a strong foundation for Andrews University’s success. His commitment to the mission of Andrews University set the course for the University’s continued growth and development. Through Dr. Andreasen’s emphasis on nurturing a vibrant academic community and promoting a sense of global citizenship, he shaped the lives of countless students and instilled in them a passion for lifelong learning and service. Both Dr. Luxton and Dr. Andreasen have been and will continue to be worthy examples of integrity, compassion and wisdom, guiding our University through often uncharted waters. Their tireless efforts to enhance the University’s academic programs, to expand its research capacity and to nurture a spirit of collaboration have propelled Andrews University to new heights. On behalf of the entire Andrews University family, I wish to extend our gratitude to Dr. Luxton, and to Dr. Andreasen before her, for their exceptional leadership, tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the University. The legacy of their remarkable leadership will continue to be felt for generations to come! I would also like to take this moment to express my great appreciation for each of you who presently serves at Andrews University. As I have had the opportunity to converse with many of you over the past several months, I have noted your exceptional dedication, tireless efforts and deep commitment to the mission and values of Andrews University. It is through your work and passion that Andrews continues to thrive and each of you helps make a lasting impact on the lives of students and the broader community. Specifically, to you who serve as faculty, your commitment to academic excellence, creative teaching methods and nurturing learning environments continues to transform the lives of countless students. Your dedication to research, scholarship and creative endeavors has continued to actively expand the boundaries of knowledge and has brought recognition to Andrews University as an academic center known for its intellectual discovery and innovation. Your mentorship and encouragement have empowered our students to become future leaders and change-makers, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in the world. I also want to highlight the vital role that our staff and leadership team play in ensuring the smooth operation of the University. Your tireless efforts behind the scenes, whether in administrative roles, student support services, facilities management or any other area, are also the backbone of Andrews University’s success. Your dedication, professionalism and commitment to service enable the entire University to function seamlessly and create an environment conducive to learning, growth and achievement. Across this Andrews University community, each one of you contributes in your own unique and very special way, and together you form a strong, cohesive team that upholds the values and spirit of Andrews University. Your steadfast dedication to our mission, even in the face of challenges, is a testament to your resilience, passion and loyalty to “our dear AU.” To each one, I ultimately want to express my deepest gratitude for your contribution and exceptional service. Your hard work, compassion and commitment make a profound difference in the lives of students and shape the future of Andrews University. I look forward to working closely with each of you in the days ahead, and I will conclude these notes today with the words that Paul wrote: “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you [are] my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:3–6). With gratitude, John Wesley Taylor V President Mon, 03 Jul 2023 17:17:08 +0000 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/61273 Friends, I hope that you all are having an amazing Change Day! I am writing to let you know about another exciting celebration we are starting today on our campus for you to get involved with. For more than three decades, beginning in 1988, Americans have observed National Hispanic Heritage Month during the 30-day period of Sept. 15–Oct. 15. In particular, Sept. 15 holds a special level of significance in the Hispanic community because it commemorates the anniversary of the independence of the countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. We also think of our Brazilian community during this time of the year, as they commemorated their independence on Sept. 7. As this month of recognition begins, I would like to invite you all to join our campus community as Andrews University celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month under this year's theme: “Vibrante.” I would like to give a special thanks to four campus organizations for their efforts in picking this theme and planning these events: the Andrews University Latino Association (AULA), Genesis Fellowship, the Center for Faith Engagement and Makarios. “Vibrante,” or “vibrant” in English, means pulsating with life, vigor or activity. The imagery of these words reflects not just what this month’s celebration will bring but also what the members of our diverse and beautiful Hispanic community bring to our campus all throughout the year. We look forward to the ways in which we can all be inspired to live a more vibrant life as we enter into this campus-wide celebration and practice of “Vibrante.” Here is a schedule of events planned for Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 6: Suenos Latinos Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Buller Hall Sept. 15: Change Day: Neighbor 2 Neighbor Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: Berrien Springs (meet at the PMC Flag Mall) Sept. 17: Genesis Fellowship Time: 11:45 a.m. Location: University Towers Auditorium Sept. 20: Mosaico: Colorism & Racism Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Buller Hall Sept. 24: Genesis Fellowship Time: 11:45 a.m. Location: University Towers Auditorium Sept. 24: Fiesta Night Time: 8 p.m. Location: Andreasen Center for Wellness Sept. 27: Servicio: Missionaries Abroad Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Buller Hall Sept. 29: University Chapel—Hispanic Heritage Celebration featuring Angelo Grasso Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Pioneer Memorial Church Oct. 1: Genesis Fellowship Time: 11:45 a.m. Location: University Towers Auditorium Oct. 3: Latino Dance Night Time: 7 p.m. Location: Andreasen Center for Wellness Oct. 3–8: Spirit Week Oct. 4: Cultura: Cultural Appropriation Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Buller Hall Oct. 11: Valores: Cultural Appreciation Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Buller Hall Oct. 14: Proximity Vespers Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Pioneer Memorial Church Oct. 15: Genesis Fellowship Time: 11:45 a.m. Location: University Towers Auditorium Oct. 15: Noche Latina Time: 8 p.m. Location: TBA I look forward to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with all of you as we take the opportunity as a campus to affirm and appreciate the contributions of Hispanics to our campus, our country and our world. Grace and peace, Michael Nixon Vice President for University Culture & Inclusion Thu, 29 Sep 2022 23:25:42 +0000 Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/61206 Aug. 29, 2022 Dear Andrews students, Here we are—on the first day of a promising, brand new school year. Over this past week, we welcomed new students and over the weekend welcomed the familiar faces of our continuing students arriving and bustling around our main Berrien Springs campus. In this letter, I wanted to highlight some important information regarding student life and various support systems for you in this new school year. I’ve also included a brief description of a new support service that is available to Andrews students both on and off our main campus. <h3> Key Student Resources</h3> Student Handbook Access Your Andrews University Student Handbook is a comprehensive guidebook that is updated annually. When you review it, you’ll find it includes a directory of student services and resources, as well as a description of your a) rights as a student and b) responsibilities to uphold the Code of Student Conduct. Our new students received a hard copy of the Handbook during orientation. All students can find the electronic Student Handbook for the 2022–2023 school year <a href="https://bulletin.andrews.edu/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=4594">here</a>. Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy & Resources The University is committed to maintaining a respectful learning and living environment that is free from Sexual Harassment (misconduct of a sexual or gender-based nature). The University's policy and how a student can consult or make a report can be accessed <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/life/health-safety/title-ix/index.html">here</a>. <h3> A Growing Umbrella of Wellness & Health Support Services</h3> Our Counseling & Testing Center (CTC), located in Bell Hall, continues to provide mental health support to our main campus students. At the Center, you’ll find psychologists, professional counselors and graduate clinical interns available by appointment or on a walk-in basis when necessary. The CTC offers up to eight (8) in-person counseling sessions per semester as part of your General Fee assessed to main-campus students registered for five or more credits. Andrews Telehealth All students, including main-campus students enrolled with fewer than five credits and online distance students, will now have access to our new Andrews Telehealth services from AcademicLiveCare at no added cost to you. Andrews Telehealth will complement the on-campus services offered by the CTC and University Medical Specialties. Through Andrews Telehealth, all students will have 24/7 access to licensed professionals, including mental health counselors, psychiatrists, primary care physicians and nutritionists. These resources are especially helpful for online students or when main campus students are physically away from campus. These telehealth services are also accessible for emergency medical or mental healthcare, after office hours, or when because of scheduling challenges students are not able to access on-campus services. Students may access, and find out more, about AcademicLiveCare Telehealth <a href="https://andrews.myahpcare.com/telehealth">here</a>. Here’s how to use this important new service: <ul> <li> When signing up for an account use Service Key – ALC</li> <li> Before visiting with a telehealth advisor, use your access Coupon Code – ALCANDU22 when prompted for payment.</li> <li> This Service Key and Coupon Code are confidential and for you ONLY.</li> <li> Please use your Andrews email address for the contact email.</li> <li> Direct questions regarding telehealth services to the CTC at <a href="mailto:ctcenter@andrews.edu">ctcenter@andrews.edu</a>.</li> <li> Direct questions related to technical support with AcademicLiveCare to 866-882-0343.</li> </ul> University Student Intervention Team (USIT) The wellbeing and safety of every student is of utmost importance. Our USIT team meets regularly to identify and respond to students who may pose a risk to self or others and may need a wellbeing check, assessment and/or additional support. <ul> <li> If you have a concern about your own or another student’s wellbeing and/or about a potential risk to the safety of the campus, please reach out to the resources listed above, call Campus Safety at 269-471-3321, or you can share a concern directly <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/feedback/">here</a>.</li> </ul> Andreasen Center for Wellness (ACW) When the Andreasen Center for Wellness opened in 2019, an overarching priority was to offer Andrews students a spectacular fitness environment to foster their health and wellbeing. Here are some details on membership and access for our students: <ul> <li> Students registered for five or more credits have an ACW semester membership ($77) that is already packaged as a portion of the established General Fees that are assessed. No additional out-of-pocket expense is required to use the Andreasen Center.</li> <li> Students taking less than five (5) credits, who are not charged the Student General Fee, may instead receive a membership by paying the same $77/semester fee as students taking five (5) or more credits. There are also monthly memberships available at a discounted rate. For more information on what memberships the Andreasen Center has to offer, including family memberships, please go <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/wellnesscenter/membership/index.html">here</a>.</li> </ul> Reduce Risk and Spread of COVID-19 In early August I shared with you our current plan to continue to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 infection by caring for our own and others’ health and safety at all times. As you join in that commitment, please continue to carefully review the regularly updated information on our Andrews University COVID-19 <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/worldchangers/changingworld/index.html">website</a>. In particular, I invite you to carefully review the <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/worldchangers/changingworld/covenant-of-care/index.html">2022–2023 Community Covenant of Care</a>. Please keep in mind that our mitigation protocols may change if direct COVID-19 risks increase in our community. <h3> Other Key Information & Updates</h3> Undergraduate Co-Curricular Questions Undergraduate co-curricular questions will continue to be directed to Steve Yeagley. This year, Steve has a new role as an associate vice president with the Office of University Culture & Inclusion and will be working out of a new physical location on the north end of the Campus Center lobby near Vice President Michael Nixon. Rather than using <a href="mailto:slife@andrews.edu">slife@andrews.edu</a>, please communicate directly with Steve Yeagley at his <a href="mailto:yeagley@andrews.edu">email address</a>. Key Events One of the highlights of each new school year is our University Convocation, which will be Thursday, Sept. 1, at 10:30 a.m. in Pioneer Memorial Church. Andy’s Welcome Back Weekend (hosted by our University mascot, Andy the Cardinal!) will be Friday, Sept. 2 through Monday, Sept. 5. You’ll receive an email with details for that weekend and a full schedule including RSVP details for the events from Philip DeLeon, associate dean for Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities. In Closing Each one of you is extraordinary, as you are created in the very image of God. Just imagine what a whole community of extraordinary students, called to reflect God’s Kingdom here at Andrews University, can be together and do together to Change the World! May God bless you and Andrews University as together we seek to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” With care, Frances Faehner Vice President for Campus & Student Life Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:19:56 +0000