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Moving forward

It's a very important time for our college and for our university. 

Bolstered by enrollment growth and significant research and student success, we are ready to embrace immense yet important and necessary changes. A new university budget model. The Learning Management System migration from Blackboard to Canvas.  And we look ahead, working together in the future to finalize a freshly focused college level strategic plan, coupled with a possible path forward to implement a best case  from our administrative assessment.

And, a new dean. Well, based on the provost’s recent email, you’ve heard the news that we’ve already leaned into that change, and I want to thank you all for that smooth transition and for your unwavering support.

For the past 9 months, I threw myself into this leadership role as interim dean, learning much about our organization and the people and programs that make us so successful. Many of you patiently explained your areas of expertise and interests, offering up potential opportunities. I very much appreciate this time of learning and listening. It has given me great insight into our current situation and where we might best progress. As I assume the role of Dean beyond the interim status, you can expect a few things from me that I've demonstrated thus far: 

I will strive to lead by example and encourage us all to cultivate a collegewide culture true to the values of both our university and our entire organization.

I will continue to communicate important information with transparency and timeliness, asking for input and collaborative ideation as much as possible. 

I will be strongly and strategically advocating for us every step of the way.

The Coache survey is a tremendous opportunity to start this new chapter of our journey, informed by faculty input on what matters most to you. As it has been administered the past few times, anonymously through a third-party vendor, you are able to speak freely, without fear of recrimination to share our strengths and opportunities for growth and change. The survey is due Monday, April 7 and the college currently has a survey response submission rate of 43.6%; less than half of us have shared what we think. The high end of the college survey completion rate as of this past Monday is almost 64% so we've got a ways to go. Please take a moment to share your thoughts. Search for the email with the title "Collaborative on academic careers and higher education" (aka COACHE). That email provides your individualized link to ensure only one submission per person. Please take the time to do so as I really care what matters to you. Reach out to our COACHE survey faculty representative, Alexandra Masterson with any questions.

With spring in the air and our focus on new beginnings and opportunities, there's no better time than the present for a fresh start. Let's do this.

~ Cody

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.