Emceed by newly-appointed Vice President for Human Resources Heather Christophersen, executive officers shared key updates for the University during the Fall 2022 Staff Town Hall on Nov. 1 and 2 in Washington Hall and Carey Auditorium.
University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., began the conversation by introducing new campus leaders in key positions. He also described the strategic planning process currently underway that will guide the University's major initiatives going forward.
Father Jenkins encouraged all members of the Notre Dame community to communicate concerns or misconduct without fear of retaliation and emphasized the different options available for reporting (more details are available on the President’s website). He concluded his remarks by offering his heartfelt gratitude to all staff members for their dedication and service to Notre Dame, both during the pandemic and now.
John McGreevy, the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost, began his comments by lightheartedly answering the question “What does a provost do?” before sharing more about the structure of his team, which provides leadership to the University’s academic core. McGreevy conveyed his excitement for initiatives to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and explained the importance of expanding the University’s science and engineering research complex to support Notre Dame’s mission.
Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan thanked staff members for making a spring and summer of large campus events successful. Special events included a delayed commencement ceremony for the 2020 graduating class, the celebration of 50 years of undergraduate women, and two concerts in Notre Dame Stadium. Cullinan highlighted the status of financial markets, safety, health and wellness, and regional advancement in his remarks, and shared notable safety innovations like the new ND Safe app. He also applauded the recent expansion of the Notre Dame Wellness Center and pharmacy.
The Fall Staff Town Hall concluded with pre-submitted questions from staff members and a video “thank you” message from students to all those who work daily in service of Notre Dame.
A video recording of the full Fall Staff Town Hall is available on the executive vice president's website.