Important Updates Shared at Faculty & Staff Meeting
On Tuesday, June 19, 2012, GSDM held a faculty and staff meeting which provided many important updates on happenings at the School of Dental Medicine. Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter started the early evening meeting by welcoming the audience, recognizing those individuals who had joined the staff and faculty since the December 20, 2011 meeting of the faculty and staff, and presenting Student Affairs Coordinator Amy Nelson with the Boston University Henry M. Goldman Award for Distinguished Service.
“In all the years we have been acknowledging our outstanding staff members with this award I don’t think we have ever received so many nominations for one person before! Colleagues describe her as kind and endlessly positive,” said Dean Hutter. “Amy always goes above and beyond to help students and her colleagues and I know from personal experience that she is the quintessential team player.”
Assistant Dean of Development & Alumni Relations Kevin Holland presented on behalf of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee and Chair, Dr. Thomas Kilgore. He informed attendees that a yearlong international celebration was being planned for 2013. He also shared details on a commemorative video and publication and requested that any faculty planning to travel both nationally and internationally in 2013 share their plans with the Committee to expand the celebration to its greatest possible breadth.
Next, Director of Operations Support Roberta Turri Vise and Associate Director of Health, Safety & Security Mr. Joseph Finkhouse from the Boston University Office of Global Programs introduced their office, which provides leadership and support to increase the impact, success, and visibility of BU’s extensive international educational, research, and service activities. They detailed the services and support available through their office and encouraged all faculty and staff considering an international trip, project, or collaboration to contact their office for support and assistance.
Staff Forum representative Ms. Barbara Pyke updated attendees on Staff Forum progress. Since April 2012, elections have been held and the six elected representatives are currently planning a meeting for the entire staff. A Staff Forum survey is currently being conducted and a GSDM web page has been created, which includes an anonymous suggestions form. Suggestion boxes will also be placed in the 100 East Newton Computer Laboratory and at the Dental Health Center at 930 Commonwealth Avenue. Questions or concerns can be sent to: sdmforum@bu.edu.
Ms. Lori Brady and Ms. Patrice Freeman-Lau presented the results of the Staff Self-Study Survey, which was conducted in November and December 2011 in support of Applied Strategic Plan (ASP) Goal #8: Recruit, develop, and retain excellent and diverse faculty and staff. View the survey results.
Dr. Ramzi Sarkis presented an update on the Faculty Forum on behalf of current Faculty Forum Representative Dr. Russell Giordano, who was traveling internationally. He shared that upcoming meetings will consist of 30 minutes of informational presentation and 30 minutes of open discussion. Upcoming topics for presentation include the Curriculum Summit, Digital Dentistry, and “Shovel Ready” Research Opportunities.
Executive Director of Finance & Operations Tim McDonough and Associate Director for Facilities & Operations Andy Burke gave an overview of recently completed and upcoming projects. They noted that the renovation planned for the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery on the fourth floor is currently under final review with the Department of Public Health.
Assistant Dean for Admissions Ms. Catherine Sarkis provided an update on admissions data for the incoming class of the 2012—13 Academic Year. Various data points regarding applicants were shared for the DMD, AS and Post-doctoral classes.
Applied Strategic Plan Co-chairs Drs. Celeste Kong and John Guarente updated attendees on the ASP implementation to date. They also shared that Town Meetings would be held in the month of July to provide the community with a detailed review of implementation progress and next steps.
Finally, Dean Hutter shared an exciting update on the facility master planning that has been underway. BioSquare Site E, located directly behind 650 Albany Street, has been identified as the location for a future GSDM building. Dean Hutter shared his hope that the project would be placed on the list of unfunded approved building projects by President Brown and the BU Board of Trustees. He enthusiastically reviewed the architectural renderings of the proposed building and urged the entire community to become engaged and supportive of the coming fund-raising campaign in support of the new building project.
