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This Issue: November 23, 2025
Honors Readings Courses for 2026-2027—Now Accepting Proposals (Dec. 1)
The Honors Program is looking for faculty-led readings courses to be offered next year (fall 2026 and spring 2027). This is a fun opportunity to teach a 1-credit, pass/no pass course to a group of no more than 15 curious and academically engaged juniors and/or seniors. You can try a topic that doesn’t quite fit into your regular curriculum, needs a test drive, or is something you want to learn more about yourself, as long as it would appeal to an interdisciplinary group of students.
Reading Hour—Reading break with holiday cookies and cocoa (Dec. 3)
Are you living under the tyranny of the “to do” list? Reclaim your relationship to the radical act of reading with this low-key, no-tech event. DB Lounge, Wed. 12/3, 12:15pm. You bring a book, we’ll provide holiday cookies and cocoa. All are welcome!
Thirst Friday Holiday Sip and Social (Dec. 5)
A no agenda social for all UP faculty and staff to enjoy, sponsored by the Garaventa Center.
Shiley Winter Showcase (Dec. 5)
Shiley School of Engineering is proud to showcase our students’ hard work from Fall 2025! Join us for an open house on Friday, December 5, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. in Shiley Hall. Refreshments will be provided.
Advent Visio Divina (Dec. 10)
Join us for a 30 minute guided prayer practice using an image from the beautiful “Saint John’s Bible”.
Pick up your copy of “Braiding Sweetgrass”
It’s time to pick up your reserved copy of this year’s ReadUP selection, “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” by botanist, professor, and author Robin Wall Kimmerer. Missed the reservation window? No worries. The library has a limited number of extra copies available on a first-come, first-served basis, and ebook copies too.
Faculty Teaching and Scholarship Awards Announcement
The Committee on Teaching and Scholarship (TAS) is excited to announce the 2026 Teaching Award and Scholarship Award. These awards are an opportunity for the University community to recognize and celebrate two faculty members for outstanding achievements in teaching and scholarship. Any full-time faculty member is eligible to apply or to be nominated by a colleague.
Civic Humanities mini-grants for faculty—apply by 12/1!
Faculty: the deadline to apply for Civic Humanities Mini-grants is approaching. Consider an application to support ideas, partnerships, and projects that mobilize the practices of the humanities to create connections with our neighborhood, city, and broader public.
2025 Butine Awardees
The Committee on Teaching and Scholarship is pleased to announce the Fall 2025 Butine Faculty Development Fund Awards. Congratulations!
PortLog: The Bells of UP
Follow PortLog from the UP Archives and Museum for articles about UP history. Our most recent post “The Bells of UP” tells the story of how our landmark Bell Tower fulfills a century long dream, a faith-filled aspiration measuring and blessing our campus community. Click to read more of the story.
A Thanksgiving Gift from University Relations
University Relations extends heartfelt thanks to all UP faculty and staff for your dedication to our students and community. Please visit the Pilot House on November 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to receive a purple leather MagSafe wallet. If you can’t make it, stop by the 5th floor of Waldschmidt Hall anytime afterward. Happy Thanksgiving!
Faculty and Staff Spring 2026 Cohort: Effective Dialogue Across Difference
Interested in learning more about effective dialogue across difference? Wondering how the brain processes information? Join Tshombé Brown and Anne Santiago in a Spring cohort of faculty and staff exploring the Constructive Dialogue Institute’s Perspectives program (six modules, three discussions).
Santa’s Workshop (Dec. 6)
Santa’s Workshop Returns to The Bluff!
Mark your calendar for a joyful afternoon of crafts, cocoa, photos with Santa, and community spirit – all in celebration of Advent.
Undergraduate Research Awards: Nominate Now!
The Provost’s Office and the Office of Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement are requesting nominations for two awards to be given on Founders’ Day: the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor Award and Outstanding Graduating Senior in Undergraduate Research Award. Faculty members can be nominated by other faculty members, administrators, students, or by self-nomination. Students can be nominated by faculty members or by self-nomination.
Stryker Chair Training for UP Community (TBD)
EHS will host a Stryker chair training in November for those interested in learning how to use the chair. This training allows you to assist individuals who might need help evacuating from a building in an emergency. A course date will be scheduled pending input from interested participants.