The last week or so has been busy hosting campus conversations around Becoming OneUD, with sessions in Georgetown and Lewes, and in Newark for faculty and staff. Coming up later this week is a conversation for students, and an open town hall for anyone who has not yet been able to attend. The turnout has been incredible, with more than 450 participants so far. I thank everyone for stepping out of their busy schedules to engage in conversation around who we are, how we work and what we do.

The photo above was taken at the staff town hall and is a powerful illustration of engagement. What the photo captures less well is the feel of the town hall.  There was an incredible energy that seemed to transform the gathering of colleagues from individual units into a community willing to share and to be vulnerable.  Every speaker was met with applause, and that simple act of support was a profound example of respect and a living illustration of how we can and should work.

I am going through the transcripts to identify themes within and across all the different town halls. One theme that already stands out is the meaning of OneUD. This is something that we should and will define together; however, it is definitely not intended to be an exercise in uniformity or an erasure of individual identity. Communities are defined not only by what we have in common, but also by holding up and respecting our differences. As one person wrote to me afterwards, perhaps we can think about OneUD as OurUD, which gives more room for our individuality while also recognizing that we are a community. I’d love to hear your thoughts about this idea — please feel free to send me an email.

Here's the latest from around the Beat:

I am announcing the formation of a University of Delaware Staff Advisory Council. This idea was discussed at the staff town hall, and I thank those who have written to me with an interest in being involved and providing me with some history about former councils. The purpose of the council would be to advise me on staff perspectives related to campus culture and professional growth and wellness, as well as to brainstorm ways in which we can improve the staff experience. I welcome self/peer nominations with short statements of interest for appointments for two-year staggered terms. Please see the president’s page for more information on how to indicate your interest.

The Campus Culture and Engagement Task Force has benefitted from the thoughts offered in the Becoming OneUD town halls, which is seeding key issues and ideas for further conversations. The task force has started its outreach, having met with the Student Government Association and the UD Association of Retired Faculty and has set up individual meetings, focus group conversations, and town halls in October. See the Campus Culture and Engagement website for details about how you can get involved.

Earlier this month I met with our head coaches in UD Athletics. Their commitment and support of the student-athlete model was so evident, and their care and dedication to our athletes echoes the care and dedication shown by our faculty, academic and Student Life staff. I am spending time over the next weeks attending practices and competitions for each of our men’s and women’s sports. The enthusiasm of the coaches and staff is contagious, readily felt not only during close competitions, but also in the quiet moments of practice. I am grateful to bear witness to these formative experiences for our students and am grateful to all in athletics for the work that they do.

What a turnout of more than 20 runners for the Prez Run in each of its first two weeks, with a great mix of ages and paces, and faculty, staff and students. We meet at 7 a.m. Thursdays at Mentor’s Circle, rain or shine; all paces are welcome. We run to the UD track, do a lap, and run back — all told, about a 5K. Please, no dogs or strollers. No need to sign up; just come when you can.