My research is in the field of spatial cognition, and I study the expectations that configurations of space set up for actions, and what those spaces show us about ourselves and what is possible. This is why this photo above is one of my favorites from the inauguration – the Green hosting our community as we all gathered on a lovely day in April. It is a living instantiation of the most important theme of the inauguration: “this is about us.”

In town halls this year I heard over and over again a yearning for opportunities for our community to gather, and that became the clarion call for planning. And did we gather! I dedicate this edition of the Prez Beat to all of you who played a role in this community event: designing, preparing, prepping, setting up, arranging, knitting, singing, reciting, playing, running & walking, attending, serving, broadcasting, talking, coordinating, parading, speaking, listening, supporting, and smiling. The part that stays with me, now a week later, and will stay for a long time, is the sight and sound of the joy, the coming together, the energy, and the connection. What a gift we gave to each other last Friday – a gift of hope. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Here is the latest from around the Beat

Next week, we will launch the Pulse Survey for faculty and staff. The purpose of the survey is to assess employee wellbeing and collect baseline data about thriving in our work at UD. We are partnering with Dr. Laurie Schreiner from the Thriving Project and will use her instrument and an additional curated set of supplemental questions, which were designed in collaboration with the UD ADVANCE team, the Staff Council, and the Campus Culture and Engagement Executive Committee. We will continue these Pulse Surveys annually. More information will be shared soon via email. Plans are also in the works for a climate survey through UD ADVANCE for the fall.

I have been spending a lot of time with students, individually and in groups. Hearing different student experiences and how those impact sense of belonging is very important to me. To be more systematic about my opportunities for listening, I have been brainstorming with students about the creation of a belonging council with broad representation across student councils, faith communities, affinities and populations. I am proud to announce here its formation. VP José will be reaching out to student groups to seek appointees. More information about the President’s Council on Belonging will be forthcoming on the President’s page.

It is almost time for I Heart UD Day, to take place Wednesday, April 29. Check out the schedule, and please take a minute to offer your support.

Wondering who our Commencement speaker will be? Check out the announcement.

Speaking of Commencement, this wonderful event is around the corner. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up. What a wonderful way to immerse yourself in joy.

Please mark May 15 on your calendar! The General Faculty meeting will be 10-11 a.m. in Gore Recital Hall, followed by a reception. Then the One Idea, One Slide Summit takes the stage in Mitchell Hall in the afternoon, with times forthcoming, depending upon the number of idea submissions. For more information and to submit your idea before the deadline of May 8, visit the One Idea, One Slide Summit page.

Yours in UD,