I look forward to seeing everyone at convocation and commencement, May 8 and 9. Since it’s my first one with you, I’m especially excited to celebrate our talented graduates as they reach this important milestone.
On a related note, interpreting for commencement activities will look different. See Brittany’s note.
There are so many exciting events coming up between now and the end of the academic year. I encourage you to attend and participate in as many as possible. It’s a great opportunity to show our students that we are an active and engaged community.
As we wrap up our first academic year together, there will be changes to two of our programs. STP, known as the Summer Transition Program, will not take place this summer, but instead in a newly redesigned form this fall to support all of our incoming students–hence the name change to First Year Experience to reflect the new focus. STP faculty and staff are an important part of this redesign, as well as many other faculty and staff as retention is a community effort.
Established in 2022, the Deaf Hub, as with other NTID research centers, is required to bring in at least $500,000 a year to support operations and maintain research center status. Because it has not met the required funding threshold, the Deaf Hub is now transitioning to a faculty-led lab under the Department of Science and Math, effective June 30. Two important programs that are part of the Deaf Hub–the Mentoring Supported Shadowing Program (MSSP) and Deaf Hub Vital Signs Series–will continue and be directed by faculty member, Elizabeth Ayers. I would like to thank Dr. Tiffany Panko for her leadership of the Deaf Hub and the staff for their continuing contributions to deaf and hard-of-hearing healthcare over the years.
Your input is invaluable as we develop and refine our Strategic Journey. Please remember to complete the survey by today Friday, April 17. Current employees can find a unique link to the survey in an email from Kari Hansen, dated April 2.
As we come to the close of the academic year, I’d like to recognize our retirees and thank them for their service to our students, alums, and the community. You have made NTID the outstanding place it is today, and we all are grateful for your contributions. You will be missed!
Warmly,
Carrie
