More than 1,400 staff members from across the University gathered to hear updates and announcements at the Fall Staff Town Hall meetings Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Following a welcome from Heather Christophersen, vice president for human resources, University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., expressed his gratitude to staff across the University. Referencing the summer-long regilding project to restore the iconic Golden Dome to its original shine, Father Jenkins said, “That is symbolic of the work you do at Notre Dame. The work you do makes us shine brightly.”
Father Jenkins also highlighted the University’s recent admission into the Association of American Universities (AAU), new University leaders and resources for reporting concerns.
Charles and Jill Fischer Provost John McGreevy shared an overview of the University’s Strategic Framework, which will guide Notre Dame over the next decade. The framework is the result of more than two years of planning involving contributions from more than 700 faculty, staff and leaders from across the University.
McGreevy stated that investing in Notre Dame’s people is a key tenet of the framework. He emphasized that thinking as an institution and working collaboratively across units will be instrumental to achieving the University’s ambitious goals.
Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan shared updates regarding the the Douglas Road project to be completed this fall; a new pedestrian trail linking the Notre Dame campus to downtown South Bend, which will be ready by fall 2024; and the development of 28 acres for residential and commercial use at the corner of State Road 933 and Douglas Road, with the first phase slated for completion in March 2026.
As part of the University’s commitment to renewable energy, Cullinan shared updates on the geothermal well project and the 46,000-square-foot solar array to be installed near Carroll Hall.
Cullinan also announced the University’s significant new investments in child care and family support. The University will break ground next year on a new on-site facility to provide child care for faculty, staff and students with children between 6 weeks and 3 years old. The facility, to open in summer 2025, will be operated by KinderCare, the nation’s largest child care and early education provider. The center will be located on the north edge of campus near White Field, adjacent to Beichner Hall and The Landings at Notre Dame apartments.
The Early Childhood Development Centers (ECDC) at Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College will continue to offer early childhood programs for children age 2 through kindergarten and will work in collaboration with KinderCare.
Finally, Christophersen shared updates on the upcoming open enrollment for benefits (more information forthcoming); the flu blitz planned for Tuesday, Sept. 26, and Wednesday, Sept. 27; and recent staff appreciation, including events at the South Bend Cubs Four Winds Field this summer and complimentary dining hall passes for staff.
A video recording of the full Fall Staff Town Hall is available on the executive vice president’s website.