Transitioning to a new Office of Student Success
On Sept. 23, Penn State announced the launch of a coordinated, data-driven, and outcomes-focused student success ecosystem. As part of this effort, Lance Kennedy-Phillips, formerly the vice provost in the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR), has stepped into a new role as interim senior vice provost for student success, effective Friday, Sept. 25. This newly created position—for which Penn State is launching a national search supported by WittKieffer—will report to Provost Sotiropoulos and serve as the University's chief strategist for student success, responsible for advancing a comprehensive, institution-wide vision that enhances student persistence, retention, graduation, career readiness, experiential learning, and post-graduate outcomes. The office will bring together units from across Penn State to align initiatives and other efforts focused on student success, including but not limited to Educational Equity and much of Undergraduate Education.
Kathy Bieschke will continue to oversee UE over the next several months to support Lance in his transition and help establish the new office. Staff with any questions about these changes are encouraged to reach out to Kathy, the UE senior leadership team, or your unit leader. Rachel Killoren will continue to serve as Facilities Coordinator until a permanent SVPSS assumes the position.
Events and Deadlines
10/5–10/9 Commonwealth Sustainability Week – "Empowering Pennsylvania's Future" Webinars | Sustain Penn State
10/5–10/28 Starfish Mid-Semester Progress Survey period | Division of Undergraduate Studies
10/7 Truman Scholarship Open House | Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office
10/8 Communicating with Students: Building Rapport and Maintaining Boundaries | Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
10/12 AI and the Discipline: Responding to Change in Teaching and Practice | Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
10/12 Pursue Your Passion, Launch Your Legacy: Exploring the Liberal Arts | Division of Undergraduate Studies
10/12, 10/13 Low-tech Engagement: Cultivating Awe in Teaching and Learning | Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
10/12, 10/18, 10/29 Study Smarter Workshop | Penn State Learning
10/13 Sustainability Showcase Keynote: Britt Wray, Climate Grief Specialist | Sustain Penn State
10/13 Accessibility for Clear Communication | Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
10/16–10/18 F amily Weekend
10/19–10/23 National Transfer Student Week
10/20 Discover Your Major Path | Division of Undergraduate Studies
10/21 Intersections Film Series: "Ghost in the Machine" | Sustain Penn State
10/23 Celebration of Teaching, Research, Library and Clinical Faculty Promotions | Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence
10/26 All-UE Meeting, 3:45–4:45 p.m., 135 Reber Building
10/26 Across the Street to Across the Globe: Exploring the College of Education | Division of Undergraduate Studies
10/27 Sustainability Career Series: Sustainability Careers in Labor | Sustain Penn State
For additional events from the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence, visit schreyerinstitute.psu.edu .
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