Campus Colleagues,

During the September Board of Trustees meetings, I was able to speak on the incredible work that UK’s faculty community conducts that helps advance both our institution and Kentucky. I am continually grateful to work alongside a faculty body that does so much in service to our community, and I am proud to offer my support to those endeavors where possible. 

Part of that support has come through the IMPACT (Institutional Multidisciplinary Paradigm to Accelerate Collaboration and Transformation) Award initiative, launched a year ago with our eight Program Year 1 awardees. 

The initiative was designed to emphasize and bolster the transdisciplinary and innovative projects that you conduct on our campus, helping to inspire greater ingenuity in our community. Through the IMPACT initiative, the inaugural cohort of IMPACT Award recipients are working to address the current and future challenges that Kentucky faces. I want to thank the Program Year 1 awardees for their tireless work to advance our state.

I am equally excited for our Program Year 2 awardees — together, they are helping transform what research and innovation at the University of Kentucky look like. Their projects are bridging various fields and areas of expertise through transdisciplinary collaboration. In the spirit of teamwork and collaboration, we are holding the IMPACT Awards Reception, where Program Year 1 teams will be able to present their work and discuss challenges, opportunities and successes they have encountered during the first phases of their projects. The Program Year 2 teams can use this knowledge to guide their own approaches to their work. 

By coming together to share knowledge and collective experiences, the IMPACT Award recipients will leverage their combined expertise to strengthen their own projects. In that same vein, UK must come together as one community to confront the challenges that Kentucky and our communities face — by pooling our considerable resources and working collaboratively, we can do more and achieve more than we could alone. 

Our second cohort of IMPACT Award recipients will each be featured in a UKNow article this spring semester that will detail more of their innovative projects. 

Please join me in congratulating each of our IMPACT award recipients for their accomplishments. I am excited to see the impact their projects make on our UK community.

Thank you for bolstering our efforts to inspire ingenuity at UK and beyond. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost

Campus Colleagues, 

I am writing to inform you that the search for a permanent dean of the J. David Rosenberg College of Law (Rosenberg College of Law) will resume soon with a comprehensive, national search process. The goal is that the college’s next dean will join us by July 1, 2025, or sooner. 

The Rosenberg College of Law prepares graduates to excel as responsible members and leaders of the legal profession, Commonwealth and nation who are dedicated to the highest standards of ethics, excellence and professionalism. The college serves the community and the profession by enhancing public understanding of law, engaging in law reform, delivering continuing legal education and providing legal services to the indigent. This commitment is made possible through the hard work and passion of the Rosenberg College of Law community and its supporters. 

The first step in this process is to form a search advisory committee comprising faculty, staff, students and alumni. As part of our efforts to enhance communication, transparency, inclusion and shared governance, the Office of the Provost is seeking nominations for the search advisory committee. All recommendations are confidential. 

To nominate yourself or someone else to serve on the search advisory committee, please click here. Nominations are due by noon on Wednesday, Sept. 25. 

If you have any questions about the process, please contact Shavonna Ross, director of operations (shav.ross@uky.edu). 

Thank you in advance for your valuable input. We appreciate all that you do to advance Kentucky. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D.  
Provost 

Campus Colleagues,

The new academic year is underway and in full swing. In these first few weeks of the fall semester, I have experienced a renewed sense of community and camaraderie. Watching our students enjoy their first football games, participate in group study sessions in our libraries and discover new interests across campus, I can see for myself the powerful community we have built here at UK.  

This community is united in our mission to advance Kentucky in all that we do, and to do so, we must prepare students to lead, innovate and drive our state into the future. As faculty, your role is vital to that mission — you guide our students on their educational journeys, and in doing so, you ignite their passions. As faculty, you help lead this new generation of thinkers, creators and leaders both inside and outside your classrooms. 

With our focus on preparing our students to realize their full potential, I want to ensure each of you is equipped with the resources to support them. The first rounds of exams are beginning soon, and as you help your students prepare, I encourage you to communicate with them about the Office for Student Success and their programs and services that can assist in multiple ways. Students can utilize those services for support in their academics as well as their overall well-being. If you would like more information on how to connect your students to these resources, please click here. 

We must also ensure that you, as faculty, are supported with the resources you need to continue building UK as a leader in teaching, research and care. To that end, the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) and the Office for Faculty Advancement (OFA) provide services and guidance for faculty at all stages of their careers. Both CELT and OFA regularly hold workshops and informational sessions to help faculty grow in their fields as both researchers and instructors. You can see some of those and find more information in The Provost’s Academic Pulse. I also encourage you to prioritize your own well-being and health with UK Human Resources Work-Life and Well-Being. 

By putting our students first, we can ensure they encounter the support they need to build lives of meaning and purpose — and by prioritizing your own well-being, you can ensure that you continue pursuing that meaning and purpose at UK. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to building UK’s role as a leader in education, research and care. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost

Campus Colleagues,

As we enter the new academic year, I hope the first week of classes has been invigorating. Seeing students on campus again — creating new connections and meeting one another — I am reminded of the power UK holds as an institution of learning, discovery and innovation. As faculty, the role you play in nurturing the natural inquisitiveness our students hold is what allows us to continue growing in those realms of learning, discovery and innovation. 

Recently, I was honored to speak at our New Faculty Orientation and help them begin their journeys as members of UK’s esteemed faculty body working toward a shared mission. I spoke of our UK-PURPOSE and how it guides us in all we do. At the core of it all, we put students first — they are why we are here at UK, and your role in our students’ learning and development is a vital component of our mission.

Because of this fundamental role faculty play in our mission, UK takes care of our people — we invest in you because we care deeply about you. Your professional growth is bolstered by efforts from the Office for Faculty Advancement; your personal growth is supported by our UK Human Resources team. 

By taking care of our people, we are able to inspire ingenuity throughout the state. Our capacity for research and creativity directly impacts Kentucky and the challenges our communities face.

As a university, we hold a leading role in advancing Kentucky, and to do so, we must continue ensuring greater trust, transparency and accountability in everything we do. Transparency in how our processes and university evolves instills greater trust in each other, uniting us in our mission of advancing Kentucky. 

And as a university, we are bringing together many people into one community. You are part of a powerful community of faculty that is continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in your respective fields. 

Each year, I am consistently grateful to work with faculty who are so dedicated to our university’s mission of advancing Kentucky through education, service and care. If you would like to hear more about the great work you do as our faculty body, you can listen to the “Behind the Blue” podcast where I was invited as a guest. 

Your work and care for our students — for our entire community — is one of the greatest strengths of UK. I am eager to see how far we will advance our university and our Commonwealth this year. 

Thank you for championing UK as an institution of learning, discovery and innovation. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost

Campus Colleagues,

As we prepare for the first day of classes on Monday, I want to remind you of our responsibilities related to the federal Title IV regulation. 

In addition to verifying class attendance, engagement and/or participation to satisfy Title IV federal reporting requirements, all faculty and instructors are required to indicate if students who dropped a class prior to the W grade deadline (the last day a student can drop without a course appearing on a transcript) attended, engaged in and/or participated in the class ON or BEFORE the date student dropped. This semester, the deadline is Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.

To comply with Title IV federal financial aid regulations, the UK Office of Student Financial Aid must identify all students who attended, engaged in and/or participated in classes during this period (even if the student dropped) and earned aid, for which the student is due.     

Students who drop a class between the first day of classes (Monday, Aug. 26, 2024) and the W grade deadline (Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024) will be displayed on the class roster in myUK for attendance verification. The drop date for each student is shown, and “YES” or “NO” inputs are required, with no default selection. Faculty and instructors will be required to indicate if a student attended, engaged in and/or participated in the class ON or BEFORE the drop date shown by responding “YES” or “NO.”    

Like Title IV attendance verification, reporting is required for all students, all courses and at all levels. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Office of the University Registrar at titleiv@uky.edu.

Thank you for all your efforts to support our students. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost

Campus Colleagues,

I hope that your summer has been one of rejuvenation and rest for your mind, body and spirit. Though our dedication to our mission at UK does not waver, it is vital that we are rested and recharged to put forth our best efforts during the academic year. 

I recently had the privilege to speak at the Earle C. Clements Innovation in Education Award ceremony, where we honored four exemplary educators from across Kentucky for their dedication to education. Earle C. Clements led a prolific political career and was a staunch advocate for education in our state — he often led the charge to advance education initiatives, supporting acts to provide low-cost and free meals for students at school and increasing salaries for public school teachers.

His dedication to education through service is the same dedication I see in each of you every day — your dedication to our students and to our university continues to awe and inspire me. To maintain this level of dedication requires a great deal of effort on your part. And so, we look to the summer season for rest and recharging, in whatever form that may be for you. 

As we prepare to welcome our students back to campus, I offer a welcome to you as we ramp up to the beginning of a new academic year. 

I also want to welcome Dr. Jana Jasinski, the newest member of the Office of the Provost, as she moves into the role of vice provost. Today is her first day in the role, and I know that her extensive expertise in collaborating with and coordinating faculty efforts will serve as a great help in guiding you and your college’s efforts. Please join me in welcoming her.

Dr. Jennifer Greer served as acting vice provost since September of last year, and I am deeply thankful for her leadership and guidance during that time.

As we transition from the summer into the fall semester, I want to bring to your attention several planned changes that will occur regarding communications to faculty from the Office of the Provost. Previously, my weekly messages were included in the Faculty Focus, which highlighted your achievements and accomplishments. This year, my messages will be anchored in The Provost’s Academic Pulse, a biweekly newsletter that will bring important news, updates and messages from the Office of the Provost, the work of the Provisional Faculty Senate Executive Committee as well as communications from the Faculty Senate.

The Faculty Focus will remain as it was, minus my message — a way to further spotlight the incredible work faculty perform at UK. That remains a top priority. The Provost’s Academic Pulse is a new way to even further enhance consistent and open communication with the faculty body. As we go through the academic year, I will also be seeking continual input in scheduled town halls. 

While we continue preparing for the upcoming semester, I am confident that — working collectively and collaboratively — we can continue leading the charge to advance Kentucky.

Thank you, and welcome back. I look forward to another fantastic year.

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost

Campus Colleagues,

I am writing to inform you that we will begin the search process for a permanent dean to lead the College of Education and its community as they continue expanding their impact on the education and lives of Kentuckians and people across the world. Dr. Danelle Stevens-Watkins has served as acting dean since January 2023, and we thank her for her service in this key leadership role for the University of Kentucky.

The College of Education celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. It began as a Normal School for the preparation of teachers, and it has grown to offer more than 90 degrees and programs. As Kentucky has grown through the past century, so too has the College of Education grown to meet the state’s needs — the Fall 2023 first-year cohort was the largest ever in the history of the college. Faculty, staff and students in the College of Education are committed to helping advance Kentucky through collaborative scholarship and research, as well as innovation in learning and teaching. This commitment is made possible through the hard work and passion of the College of Education community and its partners.

The search process will begin soon with the goal of the college’s next dean joining us by July 1, 2025. The first step in the search process is to form a search advisory committee comprising of faculty, staff, students and alumni. As part of our efforts to enhance communication, transparency, inclusion and shared governance, the Office of the Provost is seeking nominations for the search advisory committee. All recommendations are confidential.

To nominate yourself or someone else to serve on the search advisory committee, please click here. Nominations are due by noon on Friday, Aug. 30.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact Shavonna Ross, director of operations (shav.ross@uky.edu).

Thank you in advance for your valuable input. We appreciate all that you do to advance Kentucky. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost

As required by federal law, the University of Kentucky is issuing a new policy concerning participation in foreign talent recruitment programs (FTRPs).  

The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022 (the Chips and Science Act) required federal research funding agencies, e.g., the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Energy (DOE), to establish policies that require “covered individuals” to (a) disclose all participation in foreign talent recruitment programs and (b) certify that they are not a party to a malign foreign talent recruitment program (MFTRP) at the time of project proposal submission and annually thereafter for the life of an award issued by those agencies. Further, as a recipient of federal research funding, the university must certify that such individuals have been made aware of the requirement.  

As part of the policy, the university prohibits covered individuals from participating in MFTRPs.

The new university policy is effective Aug. 9, 2024. 

However, beginning on May 20, 2024, the university began its compliance with the NSF’s requirements for senior/key personnel submitting proposals to disclose and certify they are not a party to an MFTRP on their biographical sketch (biosketch) and current/pending documents, and this policy further outlines the university’s commitment to that expectation and the additional requirements of other agencies.

 For questions concerning the new policy, contact the Research Security Administrator in the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration, or Research Legal Counsel in the Office of Legal Counsel.

Campus Colleagues, 

Following the decision by the Board of Trustees in June to reconstitute the University Senate to a Faculty Senate, I want to share an important update with you. As of July 1, I am leading a Provisional Faculty Senate Executive Committee (Provisional FSEC) until a new Faculty Senate is seated. 

The Provisional FSEC consists of 22 members: 19 faculty members, the two elected faculty Trustees and myself. Following the Board’s decision in June, I asked each of the deans to nominate faculty members from their colleges and areas — the faculty chosen to serve on the Provisional FSEC are an integral part of creating the future Faculty Senate at UK. 

The Provisional FSEC will establish the rules and procedures of the Faculty Senate with elections for Faculty Senators to be held no later than Oct. 31, 2024. Those elected will take office no later than Nov. 30, 2024, and a new FSEC shall be elected no later than Dec. 31, 2024. 

In this period before the Faculty Senate is seated, we are continuing the important work shaping the new shared governance structure at the University. Information on Curriculog, proposals and syllabi has moved to the Office of the Provost website, while the former University Senate website continues to house relevant information important to the continuation of duties through the transition. You may also contact facultysenatetransition@uky.edu if you have any questions regarding this transition. 

The 19 faculty members and two faculty Trustees who will serve as part of the Provisional FSEC are as follows:

• Erin Abner, College of Public Health
• Becky Alley, College of Fine Arts
• Hubie Ballard, Faculty Trustee
• Emily Bergeron, College of Design
• Martha Biddle, College of Nursing
• Benjamin Commerford, Gatton College of Business and Economics
• Patricia Freeman, College of Pharmacy
• Sarah Hall, College of Medicine
• Stephanie Henderson, Libraries
• Melissa Henke, College of Law
• Vanessa Jackson, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
• Aubrey Jones, College of Social Work
• Joneen Lowman, College of Health Sciences
• Kathleen Montgomery, Graduate School
• Justin Nichols, College of Education
• Kelly Pennell, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
• Nazmus Sakib, Lewis Honors College
• Hollie Swanson, Faculty Trustee
• Jessalyn Vallade, College of Communication and Information
• D. Stephen Voss, College of Arts and Sciences
• Alfred Wiemann, College of Dentistry

I extend my deepest gratitude to each of the faculty members for choosing to use their voices to help guide the formation of the Faculty Senate. 

And thank you for continuing your work to advance our University and Commonwealth.

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost

Campus Community, 

I am pleased to inform you that Jana Jasinski has agreed to serve as the vice provost at the University of Kentucky, effective August 15, 2024. This announcement is the result of feedback from faculty, staff and students and the search advisory committee.

Last fall, I announced that this new leadership role was being developed in the Office of the Provost. The vice provost will partner with colleges, their leaders and other senior leadership on campus — providing strategic leadership of resources, compliance and service excellence — to continue our mission to advance Kentucky.

Dr. Jasinski brings with her the experience and skills necessary to excel in this new role. She has served as the vice provost for Faculty Excellence at the University of Central Florida (UCF) since July 2018. In this role, she led faculty recruitment, retention, development and inclusion efforts among many other initiatives to support and strengthen their faculty body.

In 1999, Dr. Jasinski joined UCF as an assistant professor of sociology and has since served in multiple faculty and administrative roles, including chair of the Department of Sociology, associate dean in the College of Graduate Studies and associate dean in the College of Sciences. Over the past 25 years, Dr. Jasinski has earned many awards and honors for her dedication and service to the University of Central Florida.

Dr. Jasinski is a three-time graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where she earned her doctoral degree in sociology. Her research primarily focuses on the areas of interpersonal violence, substance use and institutional responses to violence. She has received multiple grants from the National Institute of Justice and served as a co-lead of UCF’s interdisciplinary Violence Against Women faculty research group.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Jasinski. I know she is eager to join our campus community in this new role.

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D. 
Provost