Dear Colleague,

I’m writing to you as the faculty member on the UO Board of Trustees. At previous board meetings, the trustees have met in small groups with faculty to talk about opportunities and challenges the university faces and ways the faculty can be involved in improving and strengthening the university (and, of course, ways the faculty already works to strengthen the university). The trustees have been enthusiastic about these discussions, and we are planning another one for the March board meeting – and you’re invited.

Each meeting will include 2-3 trustees and 8-12 faculty members depending on how many people sign up. These discussion sessions are planned for 12:00 – 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 2. Lunch will be provided. If you cannot attend this time, there will be future opportunities.

These will not be public meetings (there will not be a quorum present), so faculty members and trustees should feel able to share their thoughts and concerns about the university more directly.

If you are interested in participating in the March 2 discussions, email Amanda Hatch in the board’s office (ahatch@uoregon.edu) no later than February 17. Please include your name, phone number, department or program, and years of service. My goal is to create groups representing a wide array of experience and fields of study, and consisting of faculty who have perhaps not yet been exposed to the board. Amanda will compile RSVPs for me, and we will follow up directly with individuals about participation and logistics. If we get more than we can accommodate this time, we’ll keep all names for future opportunities.    

Thanks so much. I have been impressed with the enthusiasm of all of the trustees and their desire to help strengthen the university. I think these discussions will continue to be a great way for the trustees and faculty members to learn more about each other and share ideas about the university.

Sincerely,

Susan Gary

Trustee