Published September 8, 2023
Welcome Back
With the first two weeks of classes in the books, I want to thank everyone who helped make the start of the new academic year such a success. I especially want to extend my gratitude to everyone involved with welcoming our newest students and their families. Every box moved, every connection made, and every event offered made a difference.
While we have a long and storied history at Wittenberg, the headwinds facing us and many in higher education are strong and undeniable. We will continue to make changes to address and adapt to new realities. Seeing our community in action, helping and supporting each other these last two weeks, serves as a valuable reminder of what we can do when we all work together.
Our theme this year is "Tigers Thrive Together: Explore. Engage. Connect." With that in mind, I encourage each of us to find ways to do all three wherever we learn, work, or serve on our beautiful campus during the 2023-24 academic year. By exploring, engaging and connecting, we will strengthen our ties to each other and demonstrate to our community what an amazing place Wittenberg is and why they want to be a part of our family and our future.
Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work. Below please find some additional updates.
Michael Frandsen, Ph.D.
President
Strategic Plan Implementation
As I shared with campus earlier, our strategic plan implementation efforts and Move the Needle student success and retention initiative are ongoing. There is now a website to capture the scope of work underway and highlight some of the accomplishments from our efforts to date. I encourage you to spend some time on the site. Should you have any questions, please email me.
Supporting Students' Health & Wellness
We are providing even greater access to mental and medical healthcare for our students this year through a new partnership with TimelyCare, a 24/7 student-centered virtual care platform. Additionally, our students will benefit from an enhanced partnership with Bon Secours Mercy Health. More on these partnerships and benefits can be found here.
New Success Advisors
Starting this year, incoming students were paired with one of six new success advisors, all of whom will personally help students navigate their Wittenberg experience and further their career development. We are hearing positive feedback about this new initiative. See the news release on this effort, and learn more about our Success Advisors here.
News from PCDEI
As was communicated recently, the President's Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been in conversations to determine the best DEI training and continuing education opportunities in partnership with the Office of the Provost. Listening sessions to learn directly from our students about their experiences on campus will also be held this semester. Please look for more information from the PCDEI as the year unfolds. For more on the PCDEI, visit the Council's website.
2023-24 Season Kicks Off
For those new to our campus, the Wittenberg Series is a selection of cultural activities, which are free and open to the public. This year marks our 39th season, which began with our Opening Convocation on August 25. The Wittenberg Series' committee is excited to bring several more guest lectures and performances throughout the 2023-24 academic year. These events are wonderful opportunities to engage with our broader community and one another, so I encourage you to attend.
View Album: Welcome Week in Photos
or on image below.