A Letter from Dr. Karen Riley

Colleagues, 

I hope this note finds you well. As we move through these remarkably busy weeks with all the activities and tasks associated with wrapping up a successful semester, I want to share some thoughts about reflection and optimizing the gift of time.  During the past several months many of you have shared your thoughts and feelings about the future of the university as well as the trials of the past.  Some shared thoughts of anticipation and expectation, while others shared feelings of fatigue and distress. Not surprisingly, many have shared a complex mix of both hope and resignation. Through these multiple discussions one thing was clear; we need to acknowledge that the past few years have been more than challenging, more than difficult; they have been a drain on our minds and bodies that persists and interferes with our individual and collective abilities to move forward.  

Naming the challenges, acknowledging the struggles, and addressing the concerns are aspects of healing. The end of a calendar year provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the events of the past, to acknowledge our feelings, and to engage in activities that promote healing.   I hope that you can use the gift of time to reflect, relax, and recharge. Remember to unplug during this holiday and enjoy your time away from work. Allow yourselves to engage in activities that replenish you as a person.  Take this time to step away from email and focus on yourself as well as on your family and friends, you have earned it.     

Thank you to those of you who have participated in the Open Office Hours during the past couple of weeks.  Your questions, suggestions and concerns reflect a deep commitment and genuine care for the University and our community.  As I have shared with many of you, I am grateful for everything that Fr. Fitzgibbons has done for Regis, and I am excited about our future. I have had several conversations with our new Interim President Cody Teets and am looking forward to working with her.  The Board is engaged and listening, and they are approaching the process with intentionality. I am grateful for that.  

During times of transition, I think it is important to over-communicate. I am here to answer your questions and address any concerns. I do have one remaining listening session, but the time needs to be rescheduled. My office will send out a communication with the day and time in early January.  

Follow-up from the Feedback Survey 

Strategic Planning 

There were a few questions about strategic and long-term planning. Initial data gathering for a strategic planning process has begun, and more about the process will be shared in the New Year. Financial planning is a significant part of that process. I hear and understand the need for transparency around the university’s finances and budget. I will continue to raise this with the Cabinet and look for ways to keep the community informed.  

Special Projects Fund 

Another request was related to the provost’s “special projects” fund—asking if that fund might be replenished by targeted fundraising. This is one of many fundraising priorities for me. I am meeting with potential donors on a regular basis to talk about this as well as other projects. I look forward to letting folks know when money for special projects becomes available.  

Roles and Responsibilities 

There was also a request for greater understanding of roles and who is responsible for certain tasks. One suggestion that people may not be familiar with is utilizing Workday to locate our organizational chart. When logged into Workday, you can search for someone by name to find out who reports to them, as well as their physical location and phone number. You can also visualize the reporting structure for an entire division using the name of the vice-president.  

I also wanted to confirm that the retirement match will be returning at the beginning of 2022.  This is a question that has come up in the listening sessions.  

A couple of additional thoughts 

Many thanks to Dr. Nicki Gonzales, Stephanie Colunga Montoya and Fredricka Brown from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence for providing great content for this week’s Provost Digest. There is so much great work happening in this area. Once again, do not forget to click on the headings so you get all the useful information contained there.  

Please stop by the Provost’s Office as you are able—there is a bound book for people to write messages to Fr. Fitzgibbons. I would like to present it to him at the Christmas party on December 17- so come by today if you can. You can also sign it at the party. 

Blessings for a restful break for each of you. As 2021 comes to a close, know that I am grateful for each of you and the ways you continue to make Regis University a special place. I am eager for all that 2022 has in store for our community.  

Sincerely, 

Karen Riley, Provost