Dear faculty,

Last week, it was my pleasure to attend the 2024 University Teaching Awards ceremony, where we recognized some truly special members of our faculty (about whom you can read here). These are individuals who not only create innovative curriculums and promote students’ intellectual growth, but they also serve as guiding lights for their departments and disciplines. The awardees were (shown in photo below, from left to right, with award benefactors Nancy McCormick and Ray Rasco in the center):

• Barbara Butts, Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction 
• Mei-Ling Hopgood, Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Clinical Professor
• Lilah Shapiro, Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction (a 2023 winner honored at this year's ceremony)
• Masi Asare, Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence  
• Ilya Mikhelson, Charles Deering McCormick Distinguished Professor of Instruction 
• Cynthia Nazarian, Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence 

I would also like to recognize the recipients of two Office of the Provost honors: 

• Sarah Lawsky received the Martin E. and Gertrude G. Walder Award for Research Excellence.
• Claudia Haase and Rebecca Zorach received the Dorothy Ann and Clarence L. Ver Steeg Distinguished Research Fellowship Award.

Congratulations to these outstanding colleagues. And thank you to all of our wonderful faculty. As I have often said, you are the driving force of our great University. As the academic year comes to a close, I wish you a restful and enjoyable summer recess.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Hagerty
Provost and Professor

News and notes

Deering Library renovations

After years of planning, the Deering Library renovation will begin following commencement. The work will include the renovation of select prominent public spaces and upgrades to attendant infrastructure. While there will be no public access to Deering Library for the duration of the work (which is expected to conclude in September 2025), library staff will be able to retrieve requested books and research materials.

• Circulating materials from the Art and Asian Languages collections will be available by request via NUsearch for pick-up at the University Library circulation desk or delivery to faculty offices.
• Access to the holdings of the Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives will be made available in a temporary reading room in University Library.
• Study spaces in University Library will be provided to compensate for the closure of the Martin Reading Room.

Frequently asked questions can be found on the library website. 

Updates to the University Directory

The University Person Directory, which lists Northwestern students, faculty, and staff, has transitioned to authenticated use only, providing the campus community more privacy and better protection from phishing attacks and unwanted email. This change means only members of the Northwestern community with an active NetID and multi-factor authentication can access the directory information on and off campus. Questions? Contact security@northwestern.edu.

New Workplace Mental Health Training in myHR Learn

Workplace Mental Health Training for Managers is an evidence-based program that teaches leaders supportive strategies that protect and promote positive mental health. In this one-hour online training, managers and faculty supervising staff learn tangible, work-appropriate skills to improve staff mental health and well-being.

In case you missed it

• Messages containing updates on the implementation of the graduate student union contract have been sent to students along with faculty and staff. 
• The Open Educational Resources Grant Program is supporting seven projects from across disciplines that are expected to save an estimated 530 undergraduate students $53,000 per year.
• View more news from around the University.

Faculty Support and Services

News from Searle

The Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching has several updates:

• Sign up for Searle's first annual immersive three-day Course Design Institute centered on developing a new syllabus for the upcoming academic year, driven by inclusive, evidence-based practices, iterative discussion and reflective learning communities. Partnering with Northwestern IT Teaching and Technology, the goal is for participants to leave with a Canvas-ready course. The institute runs August 27-29 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. In person and online cohorts are offered. Register today.
• Applications are open to join the 2024-25 academic year cohort of the Searle Fellows Program. This professional development initiative recognizes and supports the great promise of early career faculty members who will make significant and long-term contributions to the University. Any early career faculty member with a minimum of two years at Northwestern is eligible. Deadline to apply is June 15. 
• Searle is seeking faculty input on potential topics for Northwestern University's Practicum, an online series of sessions designed for instructors of all levels, backgrounds and teaching contexts. Please complete this two-minute survey. Questions? Email practicum@northwestern.edu. 

Mark your calendar

Featured events

• May 30, noon: Women’s Center Garden Party
• Through July 7: Actions for the Earth: Art, Care and Ecology, at the Block Museum of Art 

Key dates

• June 7-10: Graduation Weekend
• June 15: Deadline to apply for Searle Fellows Program
• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day; University closed

More resources

• Faculty Resources
  • Academic Calendars
  • Career Development and Support Programs
  • Faculty Handbook
  • Past Newsletters
• Faculty in the Media
  • May 20 edition
  • May 13 edition
  • May 6 edition
  • April 29 edition
  • April 22 edition
  • April 15 edition

Help us build future newsletters! If your school or department is working on a project that is relevant to the entire faculty, please send an email at least one month prior to the desired month of publication to faculty@northwestern.edu.