August 9, 2021

It’s about time to start welcoming students back to campus. Although we were all hoping this was going to be the “back to normal” fall semester, COVID-19 and the Delta variant are making this a challenge.

I strongly encourage everyone to get a vaccine if you have not already and I strongly encourage all of us to model good behavior by continuing to wear masks in all public spaces on campus regardless of your vaccine status.

The most up-to-date information about UGA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response can be found here: https://coronavirus.uga.edu/. We will continue to receive emails in the days leading up to the start of school, such as today’s update in UGA Columns. I urge you to read these closely as the situation is fluid and guidance is constantly being updated.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Over the next year, FACS will develop a diversity and inclusion strategic plan to align with UGA’s goals and priorities in the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Plan. The committee is looking for new members – faculty, staff, students, and alumni - to help shape the future of diversity and inclusion within the college. 

Committee member responsibilities include:

  • 1 academic year commitment
  • Participate in brainstorming and pre-planning sessions 
  • Attend large committee meetings every 4-6 weeks or as needed
  • Work in subcommittees that align with UGA priorities and goals. Most work and meetings will occur in subcommittees in between large committee meetings. 

If you’re interested in joining or have questions about the time commitment, email Dr. Cara Simmons at caraj@uga.edu.

Mental Health/Wellness

The FACS Student Support Page contains resources for faculty and staff to support students.

The Employee Assistance Program is offered by UGA to help our faculty and staff with free legal, financial, health, emotional, and other issues.

Innovation Technology

Apporto Virtual Desktop is a cloud desktop platform that students and faculty can access from the web browser on any computer. There are tools for accessing files (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox), screen sharing, and collaboration. Faculty can view the desktops of all students in their class simultaneously and offer assistance, respond to questions in the chat, share files with the class, and more. Take a look at the videos below to see how you can use Apporto in your courses.

Many Thanks!

The numbers are in for FY21, and it was a banner year for faculty-staff giving. Your generosity resulted in a 9.8% increase in faculty-staff giving, and an over 25% rise in the number of faculty and staff donors. This increase represents one of the largest faculty-staff giving increases across the university this year. This funding has enhanced opportunities for students, faculty and staff, but it also signals the commitment and enthusiasm of the FACS community at UGA. Thank you so much for your generosity, and for everything you do to make FACS the college of excellence that it is.

Sincerely,

Sheri Lokken Worthy, Ph.D.

Samuel A. and Sharon Y. Nickols Professor

Interim Dean

Tags: dean's update