New Faculty Welcome Dinner – 2020

July 16, 2020

 

  • Welcome each of you, the new faculty members to Oakland University, in what we believe is the best decision of your professional careers.

  • On behalf of the OU community, I’d like to extend my gratitude to you for joining our team and playing an essential role in working to serve students and our community.

  • As new faculty, please know we believe in you… and we will do everything we can to support you.

  • Your success is OU’s success…and OU’s success is your success.

  • Let me take a moment to discuss our mission…

    • Our mission is to cultivate the full potential of a diverse and inclusive community.
    • Our arching goal is to impact the world through education, research, scholarship and creative activity.
    • You are now a resident of our world – the OU community.
    • You have come to a place where you will find a supportive administration and the most dedicated colleagues, who are committed to unlocking the potential of their students and determined to leave a lasting impact on the world through the transformative power of education and research.

  • In the days and years ahead, we will work together as we walk together along the path illuminated by our strategic plan, which is built on four pillars: student success; research; community engagement; and fostering a campus that is a model of diversity, equity and inclusion.

  • In the upcoming months, we must work efficiently and effectively as a team….a team that addresses the challenges of COVID-19 and also the pressing challenges facing all higher education institutions.

  • We must always be mindful to demonstrate our value to our students and our community.

  • We must always ask how can we improve our service to students and help them succeed.

  • We must find ways to further engage in our communities, and build partnerships that are mutually beneficial.

  • We must pursue discoveries and research that provide much-needed knowledge that supports our communities and regional industries.

  • And, we must strive always to be a community that is open, respectful and a place known for diversity, equity and inclusion.

  • So, welcome newest members to the Oakland University faculty and community.

  • Our arms and hearts are open to you.

  • We wish you the best of luck…and look forward to working with you as we face the many challenges in the days ahead.