Dear colleagues,
As we come together at the start of this academic year, it is with a heavy heart that we reflect on the tragic loss of one of our students, Andrea Rodriguez Avila, three weeks ago. This devastating event has shaken our entire community. My thoughts continue to be with the student’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
In moments like these, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of our community. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the OF&S teams who supported our students, faculty, and staff. Thank you to our police officers and emergency response personnel for securing our safety and for timely, transparent communications. Thank you to Human Resources for mobilizing resources to help community members process and recover. Thank you to Campus Services and Sustainability for finding alternative housing for students who were displaced from their rooms. Your dedication to the well-being and safety of our community is commendable and deeply appreciated.
As we navigate this period of grief, we must also look ahead and focus on the work that continues to unite us. The tragedy we have faced reinforces the importance of our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and caring environment for all members of our university. This commitment is at the heart of our strategic goals, which focus on operational excellence, building a community of care, and enhancing the customer experience.
My request for you is that you keep these goals in mind as you plan FY25 performance goals for yourselves and your teams. I am confident that by working together, we can make meaningful progress and continue to strengthen our community.
- Operational Excellence: We will innovate and refine our service delivery, ensuring that our processes are not only efficient but also adaptable to the changing needs of our campus. Leveraging data and technology will be critical in driving these improvements, making our operations more transparent and effective.
- Community of Care: Our goal is to foster an environment where every member feels valued, included, and supported. We will champion initiatives that promote well-being, belonging, and active engagement across our diverse community. This will include enhancing programs that encourage participation and collaboration and ensuring that our physical and digital spaces are welcoming and safe for everyone.
- Customer Experience: We are committed to delivering exceptional service by being empathetic, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our community. Anticipating the evolving needs of our students, faculty, and staff, and proactively addressing potential challenges will be at the forefront of our efforts.
As a reminder, Human Resources has a number of resources and tools available. Please use them as you move through the goal-setting process.
Finally, if you haven’t already, please mark your calendars for the upcoming Lunch & Listen, Admin Forum, and Wellness Wednesday. I hope to see you there.
With sincere gratitude,
Kelly