The Calm Before the Storm?
In this Issue:
- Update from Wake Alert at 4 p.m.
- Today is the last day to drop a class
- Remind your students to attend the David Brooks Face to Face student event 2/27
- Inclusion Weekend at the School of Business
- Valentine’s Day video
We are all still playing the ‘will it or won’t it?’ guessing game with tomorrow’s potential snow. The last forecast I checked is still saying 1-3 inches and that it is probably mostly snow in our area, but some potential for freezing rain or sleet (which is just the worst).
Update from Wake Alert at 4 p.m.
“The University is monitoring weather conditions for tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 19. According to the National Weather Service, snow, possibly mixed with sleet, may occur in the afternoon.
If necessary, the University will announce any changes in operations by 6 a.m. tomorrow using Wake Alert notifications. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to download the Wake Safe app to receive safety and weather information. Here’s how emergency communications are shared and what you can do to stay informed.”
So we will know something by 6 a.m. tomorrow.
What I can tell you is that students appear to be VERY excited about the possibility of snow…as long as it leads to classes being canceled. I talked about snow with some of the students in the class I am teaching this semester, as well as some in another program. I heard everything from “I could really use a day off” [a lot of tests apparently took place last week and students are still worn out] to “make sure to flush an ice cube tomorrow night!” [which I had never heard of, but apparently it is meant to summon snow, LOL] to “I love snow! Bring it!“
Other than the potential for snow, it’s a short news day here – just a couple of items.
Today is the last day to drop a class
The Office of the University Registrar sent a message to all undergraduate students today. It read, in part:
“Today (Tuesday, February 18) is the last day to drop a full-term class with no record on your transcript. Please review your class schedule to confirm you are not registered for a class you do not wish to take. Drops must be initiated in Workday by 11:59 p.m. tonight. To drop a class, you must clear any registration holds, which includes onboarding and financial holds. For assistance in dropping a class, please see the Workday Job Aid or this video.”
While it happens rarely, occasionally there is a student who had originally signed up for a class and thought they dropped – but did not complete the process successfully for whatever reason – so it is important for students to verify their class schedule per the email they received.
Remind your students to attend the David Brooks Face to Face student event 2/27
Our next Face to Face speaker is coming at the end of the month: David Brooks, who writes some of the most fascinating New York Times opinion columns (in my humble opinion) is coming to Wake on Feb. 27.
While the public keynote event has been sold out for some time, there will be a student-only event in Wait Chapel at 5 p.m. and I hope your Deacs come out in great numbers for him. David Brooks is such an influential observer of American culture, higher education, issues of character, and more. This is a rare chance to hear from him.
In case your Deacs are not familiar with David Brooks, here is a snippet of his bio:
“David Brooks is a bestselling author, op-ed columnist at the New York Times, and recurring commentator on PBS NewsHour. He has a gift for bringing readers and audiences alike face to face with the spirit of our times with humor, insight, and quiet passion. He is a keen observer of the American way of life and a savvy analyst of present-day politics and foreign affairs whose columns are among the most read in the nation. The author of six books with many bestsellers among them, Brooks seeks to further explore and explain humanity and the way we live with every addition to his critically acclaimed body of work. With intellectual curiosity and emotional wisdom, he underscores the value of community and the importance of nourishing both the inner self and the social self in our journeys to live fulfilling lives.” Read his full bio.
Being able to hear from world-class speakers for free is a privilege that will not last after graduation, so our Deacs need to soak up all these opportunities now!
Inclusion Weekend at the School of Business
My colleagues at the School of Business asked me to share the following about an upcoming event (and upcoming application deadline):
“The WFU School of Business is strongly committed to supporting the University’s mission of creating a learning environment that fosters equity and inclusion. Inclusion Weekend (Feb 28-Mar 1) is open to all college juniors and seniors interested in learning more about careers in business and specifically how the WFU MS in Management, Accountancy, and Business Analytics programs can prepare students to succeed in a wide range of professions.
Participants have the opportunity to meet faculty members, students, and alumni from the School of Business. The goal of the event is to introduce prospective students to the programs’ curriculum and admissions processes while demonstrating the value of a business master’s degree. Participants’ expenses will be covered during this event.
Qualified Inclusion Weekend participants who apply and are admitted to one of our MS programs are eligible for a minimum $10,000 per year scholarship. Please be aware that the application closes this Friday and we can only admit a limited number of attendees. Applying early is highly recommended.
Click here to complete the application!”
Valentine’s Day video
We’ll end on a high note 🙂 In case you missed it, there is a terrific video with students being asked trivia questions about Valentine’s Day – with a special guest, the Demon Deacon!