I am delighted to welcome Dr. Marie Hardin as the 10th president of Quinnipiac University! Her inauguration on Thursday, October 16 will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Dr. Hardin brings energy and vision, grounded in a commitment to collaborative relationships. As faculty and academic staff, we are uniquely positioned to partner with her in shaping the university’s future while honoring the values that define our academic community.

Looking Ahead with Purpose: I recognize that this is a complex moment for higher education. Political polarization, shifting public investment in research and student support, and growing skepticism about the value of a college degree are creating real pressures. Changing demographics and enrollment patterns add further uncertainty. Yet in the face of these challenges, our work has never been more important.

• Faculty “Book” Club: Embracing our Messy Present to Thrive in the Future: President Hardin and I solicited applications for a reading discussion group we will co-host designed to spark bold thinking, foster cross-disciplinary dialogue, and build momentum for the future we’re shaping together. Applications were due Friday, August 15 and we will select 15-20 faculty participants.

Above all, our work is grounded in a shared commitment to being a part of a community where every voice matter, new ideas are welcomed, and we care for one another as colleagues and as people. As we begin this academic year with purpose and possibility, let’s continue to cultivate an environment of curiosity, respect, and collaboration. I’m excited for all that this academic year will bring and look forward to working alongside you. I hope you will join me at the Semester Start Social on Friday, September 5 to celebrate the start of the year!

I also extend a warm welcome to our faculty and academic leaders. Their talents, experiences, and perspectives enrich our collective efforts and strengthen our shared capacity to educate, discover, and serve:

Academic Affairs & Leadership:

• Ida Carter (Executive Assistant to the Provost)

• Lisa Coplit (Interim Dean of School of Medicine)

• Trenton Honda (Dean of School of Health Sciences)

• Ken Kosior (Associate Dean for Clinical Education & Partnerships)

• Rachael Lansang (Assistant Dean for Academic Operations & Professor of Music)

• Courtney McGinnis (Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Strategic Initiatives)

• Alfy Roby (Honors Program Academic Coordinator)

• Sara Venezian (Director, Office of Student Accessibility)

College of Arts & Sciences:

• Gabriel Acevedo (Assistant Teaching Professor of Sociology)

• Christopher Blake (Instructor of Game Design and Development)

• Jenna Curren (Associate Teaching Professor of Criminal Justice)

• Aman Desai (Assistant Professor of Economics and Data Science)

• Angelisa Gillyard (Director of Theater Programming & Productions)

• Mous-Abou Hamadou (Assistant Professor of Mathematics)

• Jocelyn Hoye (Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics)

• Diane Langlan-Wortz (Instructor of Criminal Justice)

• Jeffrey Lombardo (Assistant Professor of Environmental Science)

• Ashley Marshall (Assistant Professor of Legal Studies)

• Genevieve Quinn (Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science)

• Trevor Tivey (Assistant Professor of Biology)

School of Business:

• Lisa Haylon (Assistant Professor of Accounting)

• Shizhen Jia (Assistant Professor of Business Analytics & Information Systems)

• Deokkyung Ock (Assistant Professor of Management)

• Luis SaCouto (Assistant Professor of Business Analytics & Information Systems)

• Stéphane Sévigny (Assistant Professor of Finance)

• Stanley Veliotis (Associate Professor of Accounting & Department Chair)

School of Communications:

• David Kocik (Assistant Professor of Media Studies)

• Patricia Mays (Visiting Instructor of Sports Communications)

• Michael Schmidt (Assistant Professor of Journalism)

School of Computing & Engineering:

• Talha Khan (Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering)

• Cameron LaMack (Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering)

• Rongyu Lin (Assistant Professor of Computer Science)

• Soumyashree Sahoo (Assistant Professor of Computer Science)

School of Education:

• Jacqueline Lubin (Associate Professor of Education)

School of Health Sciences:

• Nicole Bracci (Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences)

• Megan Chirby (Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy)

• Jennifer Featheringham (Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy)

• Kara Strippoli (Clinical Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies)

• Danielle Vanderharten (Clinical Instructor of Diagnostic Imaging)

• Tyler Wahl (Clinical Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences)

School of Law:

• Scott Devito (Associate Professor of Law)

• John Martin (Assistant Professor of Law)

• Danielle Stock (Assistant Professor of Law)

School of Medicine:

• Jharon Silva (Assistant Professor of Medicine)

School of Nursing:

• Natalie Cooper (Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing)

• Philip Martinez (Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing)

Whether you’re joining us for your first semester, stepping into new leadership roles or returning with renewed purpose, thank you for all you do to make Quinnipiac a vibrant academic home. At the heart of our work is a shared commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering critical inquiry, and serving the public good. These aspirations are rooted in the three pillars of academic life: teaching, scholarship and service.

Teaching & Academic Excellence are at the heart or our mission. Across classrooms, labs, studios, and virtual spaces, we empower students not just with knowledge but with the tools to think critically, create boldly, and lead confidently. This fall, we’re excited to highlight two major initiatives that reflect our commitment to academic excellence:

• South Quad Opening: We welcome faculty and staff from the School of Business, College of Arts & Sciences, School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing into our new, state-of-the-art South Quad. Join us for the South Quad Showcase on Tuesday, August 26, 12:30-3 p.m. to explore this space designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, featuring:

  • The School of Business building, including the Business Innovation Hub, FinTech Center, and M&T Bank Centers for Women & Business and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

  • The SITE (Science, Innovation, Technology, & Exploration) building, with cutting-edge spaces for AR/VR, gaming, computing, 16 science labs, a greenhouse, a 700-seat auditorium and over 30,000 square feet of research space.

• Common Hour Launch:  Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-1:45 p.m., we’re creating time for shared engagement.  Visit the events calendar to see all activities, including Career Engagement Fairs, Advising Week, Spirit Week, storytelling, panels, performances and faculty brown-bag discussions (Thursday, September 25 in SB-350; Thursday, October 30 in CCE-250; Thursday, November 20 in EC-202).

Supporting Teaching & Innovation remain a priority in this era of challenge and change. Our role in shaping students’ intellectual growth and well-being is more vital than ever. By using innovative pedagogies and building a sense of belonging in the classroom, we help students thrive and affirm the transformative power of higher education. This semester, we’re offering new opportunities to support your teaching and foster student success. You can find additional information on resources at provost.qu.edu:

• QILT Resources & Activities:

  • Teaching Circles:  Join a small group to observe and discuss teaching practices.

  • Guest Speaker Directory: Share your expertise or invite a colleague to enrich your class.

  • Communities of Practice: Connect with peers around shared interests.

  • QILT Canvas Site: Access teaching resources, discussion boards and information on institutional memberships, including AAC&U, NCFDD and NEFDC. Consider giving a shout-out for innovative teaching.

  • Events: Register for virtual lounges, brown-bag lunches and more.  Request a workshop topic here.

• Learning Management System (LMS) Updates:

  • Canvas Transition: Over 45% of Fall 2025 courses are now on Canvas, with 7,150+ students and 450+ faculty. You can check your course locations in both Canvas and Blackboard. All courses are expected to move to Canvas for Fall 2026.

  • Preview Week started Monday, August 18. Publish your course and send an announcement to students to let them know where they’ll be learning. Check out key course information and important dates.

  • Need help? Watch for an email from your assigned learning designer, or visit QILT.qu.edu to explore resources and connect.

• One Book One University Initiative:

  • This year’s book is The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI by Tricia Bertram Gallant and David Rettinger (2025).

  • Pick up a copy at the Arnold Bernhard Library or Netter Library, or access the e-book.

  • Join a discussion session:

    • Monday, September 15, 9-10 a.m. –SLE-150A (North Haven), register here

    • Thursday, October 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. – SB-350 (Mount Carmel), register here

    • Monday, November 17, 9-10 a.m. – MNH-165 (North Haven), register here

    • Thursday, December 4, 12:30-1:30 p.m. – SB-350 (Mount Carmel), register here

• Academic Integrity & Accountability: Reporting a suspected academic integrity violation is necessary to maintain fairness as well as standards of integrity on campus. Learn more about the updated Academic Integrity & Accountability Policy and attend an information session.  Questions? Contact Dr. Chris Voth at integrity@qu.edu or x7258.

• Early Alert Reporting: Faculty are often the first to notice when a student is struggling. You are encouraged to connect students directly with the Learning Commons via the Submit Academic Alert card available within QU Experience.

  • Additional resources on recognizing signs of academic challenges and best practices are available on MyQ.

  • With Canvas adoption expanding, we’re leveraging automated alerts in partnership with academic programs to enhance early intervention efforts.

• Learning Strategies Seminar: QU 105 is a one-credit course, offered by The Learning Commons, that equips students with evidence-based strategies to improve academic performance.

• Academic Recovery Support: Our Academic Recovery program provides structured support for students throughout the semester.  Faculty advisors are key partners and are encouraged to engage their advisees in a coursework review before the start of the semester to help them start strong.

• Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) continues to enhance services through technology and collaboration:

  • Faculty Resources: Explore new tutorial videos on OSA’s YouTube channel.

  • New Testing Center: Coming soon to Mount Carmel as part of our capital development.

  • University Design for Learning: OSA and QILT are launching a workshop series to support inclusive teaching practices and neurodiverse learners.

• EAB Rising Higher Ed Leaders Fellowship: Congratulations to Dr. Lauren Sardi (CAS) on her selection for this prestigious fellowship focused on leadership, community building, and professional development.

Scholarship & Creative Work remain powerful engines of innovation, progress, and understanding. In a time of shifting political landscapes and funding challenges, Quinnipiac reaffirms its commitment to supporting faculty research and creative endeavors across disciplines from traditional scholarship to the arts, performance, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. This semester, we’re excited to offer several opportunities to support and celebrate your work:

• FY25 Highlights: Quinnipiac submitted 50 grant proposals totaling over $11.5 million through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP):

  • 19 (38%) were for $100k+

  • 3 exceeded $1 million

  • 30 were funded, securing $2.7 million in new support for research, programs, and scholarships.

• Looking forward: Quinnipiac has been selected for Cohort 4 of the NORDP Consultants Program, a prestigious NSF-funded initiative.  This two-year program will provide strategic consulting to strengthen our research infrastructure and competitiveness. Interested in participating? Email Maureen McCarthy with a brief overview of your research or program idea.

• Additional Funding Opportunities: ORSP launched Pivot-RP Fund Finder, designed to help you discover federal, state, and private funding opportunities.

• Funding Tools & Training: Learn proposal prep, award management, and how to use Fund Manager in Cayuse. Office hours and 1:1 meetings are also available. Find more information on trainings here.

• QUIP-RS Summer Research: Thirteen undergraduate students participated in funded summer research with faculty mentors through Quinnipiac University Interdisciplinary Program for Research & Scholarship (QUIP-RS). Thank you to co-chairs Drs. Alexandre de Lencastre and Katie Place for leading this impactful program!

• Faculty Affairs Fellows: Congratulations to Dr. Maya Doyle (SHS) and Dr. Thornton Lockwood (CAS), our newest Faculty Affairs Fellows. They’ll lead university-wide initiatives to elevate faculty research and engagement.

• Faculty Writing Retreat: Need focused time for writing? Join us for structured retreats with peer support:

  • Friday, September 5 – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in RTSC-303 & RTSC-311– register here

  • Monday, September 8 – Sunday, September 21 – NCFDD 14-Day Writing Challenge – register here

  • Monday, September 22 – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in RTSC-303 & RTSC-311– register here

• Sabbatical Applications: Planning a sabbatical for 2026/27? Submit your application by Wednesday, October 15, using this form. Attend an information session on Tuesday, September 2, in SB-350 with the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs & Development and members of the Sabbatical Leave Committee.

Service & Engagement with the university, the profession and the broader community is a vital expression of our academic mission and values.  Through mentoring, committee work, partnerships, and leadership roles, faculty and academic staff shape the culture and future of the university. As we welcome a new president and navigate a changing landscape, your engagement is more important than ever. I encourage you to get involved through Faculty Senate, university committees, or other service opportunities that foster collaboration and impact.

• Reappointment, Promotion, & Tenure Working Group: Thank you to co-chairs Julie Dwyer (SoE) and Julia Fullick-Jagiela (SoB) and members Lynn Byers (SoCE), Doug Goodman (CAS), Gina Robertiello (SoN), Tracy Wall (SHS), and Kearston Wesner (SoC) for their thoughtful work to streamline the RPT process and align it with annual reviews.  Draft edits will be shared with Faculty Senate this year. Their commitment to faculty growth is deeply appreciated.

• Pre-College Summer Programs: This summer, we welcomed a record-breaking 357 high school students across 13 academic programs.  Thank you to the faculty who inspired future scholars and showcased the exceptional opportunities at Quinnipiac!

• Continuing & Executive Education: A special thanks to faculty leading Lifelong Learning initiatives. Your expertise enriches adult learners and equips employers with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

• Fall 2025 – Provost’s office hours, register here

• Friday, August 22 – Faculty & Staff Convocation, SITE Auditorium, 2:30-3:15 p.m., all are welcome - more information

• Tuesday, August 26 – South Quad Open House & Showcase, 12:30-3 p.m.

• Tuesday, September 2 – Sabbatical Leave Information Session, SB-350, 9-10 a.m.

• Friday, September 5 – Writing Retreat, RTSC-303 & RTSC-311, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., register here

• Friday, September 5 – Semester Start Social, On the Rocks Pub, 4-6 p.m., register here

• Monday, September 8-Sunday, September 21 - NCFDD 14-Day Writing Challenge, register here

• Monday, September 15 – One Book One University Discussion, SLE-150A, 9-10 a.m., register here

• Monday, September 22 – Writing Retreat, RTSC-303 & RTSC-311, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., register here

• Wednesday, September 24 - Strategic AI for Real-World Business Challenges, 1-2 p.m., register here

• Thursday, September 25 – Faculty Brown Bag Discussion, SB-350, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

• Wednesday, October 15 – Sabbatical Applications due,  apply here

• Thursday, October 16 – President Hardin’s Inauguration, M&T Bank Arena, 10 a.m., find more information here

• Thursday, October 23 - One Book One University Discussion, SB-350, 12:30-1:30 p.m., register here

• Monday, October 27 – Mandatory faculty candidate RPT training, 9-10 a.m., zoom link will be sent to candidates eligible for 2nd year review

• Thursday, October 30 – Faculty Brown Bag Discussion, CCE-250, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

• Monday, November 17 – One Book One University Discussion, MNH-165, 9-10 a.m., register here

• Thursday, November 20 – Faculty Brown Bag Discussion, EC-202, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

• Thursday, December 4 - One Book One University Discussion, SB-350, 12:30-1:30 p.m., register here