Message from the Dean- Sept. 2017

September 1, 2017

“Try to remember the kind of September When life was slow and oh, so mellow…”

Try to remember, and then let’s get on with it! September is chock full of activity in the College and while a slow and mellow life might be pleasant, we are already into the swing of the Fall semester. And that’s a good thing.

The Passport to Germany programming is up and running, as well. I urge you to investigate the schedule and invite your students to take part in its rich and varied offerings – including a virtual film festival.

Many departments are involved in events for external audiences and have spent hours in preparation for their big day(s). See below for more information on the Gender and Sexuality Conference and Mass Comm Week (including the Media Ethics Conference). Please note that 25 one-day registrations are available to faculty members for the Gender and Sexuality Conference.

Our hearts go out to all of those affected by Hurricane Harvey, and many of you have been asking how to help our students and their families and the general community around Houston as it emerges from the aftermath of the storm. In partnership with the Volunteer and Service Learning Center and Leadership Central, the College is assisting in the collection of certain goods. Cleaning materials and toiletries are among the material goods needed, and they may be dropped off at the Dean’s Office in the specially-marked box. Of course, financial donations are needed, too! Please consider the United Way of Greater Houston or of the Coastal Bend.

Speaking of hearts, the Heart of UCO image is beginning to catch on as an avatar for Liberal Arts. Watch your email for an opportunity to purchase College apparel that features our special heart – a group order will lower all of our costs and provide a chance to sport our unofficial motto on a polo or other type of shirt.

Finally, I hope you will consider attending the Hour for an Hour event on Thursday, September 21st and inviting your friends (and their friends) as well! We’re holding it as an evening happy hour this time, and moving it down to the boathouse, but the mission is the same: to raise $20,000 for the Finney Fund, which provides scholarships to each department and school in the College. An hour of tuition now costs $205.35, so you can see where we are going with this effort (100 people each giving an hour’s tuition will get us to our goal!).

All my best,

Cathy Webster