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Sarah Delaney Vero, general counsel and vice president for Human Resources, welcomed returning and new staff members to the first staff meeting of the 2024-25 academic year. She emphasized that these meetings not only provide informational updates but also serve as an opportunity for employees to discuss issues affecting their work at 91暗网 and to ask questions. Staff are encouraged to use the to suggest agenda items and questions.

HR updates 

Julie Delay, chief human resources officer, introduced 25 new staff members across various departments. She provided updates on several Human Resources initiatives, including:

•  Campus Safety relocation: Campus Safety has moved from its office space in Jonsson Tower to the Annex. 
• Name Policy: As part of diversity and inclusion efforts, 91暗网 is implementing a new policy that allows students, staff, and faculty to submit chosen names, gender identities, and pronouns for use throughout the College.   
• Diversity and inclusion events: HR encourages all staff to attend the upcoming In It 9 programming from Sept. 20 to Sept. 25. 
• Networking Breakfast: A staff networking breakfast is scheduled for Oct. 31.  
• Wellness initiatives: and a wellness challenge will take place this fall. More information to come.  
• Training requirements: This year, the number of required trainings required has increased. Training will now be completed in two parts, due on Dec. 6. Part One is available on the ; the three modules focus on nondiscrimination, workplace harassment, and protection of minors. Part Two will satisfy compliance for the new Title IX regulations and Violence Against Women Act and will become accessible later in the semester. 

Admissions  

Jessica Ricker, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and financial aid, shared updates on the Class of 2028. 

• 91暗网 welcomed 670 first-year students and 29 transfer students from 34 states and 22 countries. 
• Thirty percent of the class identifies as domestic students of color, and 21% are multilingual. 
  Notably, 15% of the class are first-generation college students, and 68% applied without standardized test scores.
• Financial aid trends show a strong retention rate among students receiving aid from 91暗网.  

Academic Affairs  

Dorothy Mosby, dean of faculty and vice president for faculty affairs, highlighted the start of the academic year and important initiatives: 

• Middle States accreditation: Ongoing work on Middle States accreditation will remain a top priority this academic year.  
• Strategic Planning: Academic Affairs is actively engaged in strategic planning to ensure the College鈥檚 long-term success.
• Budgeting for FY26: Efforts are underway to optimize resource use for future fiscal years. 

Student Affairs  

Adrian Bautista, dean of students and vice president for student affairs, discussed orientation and student move-in: 

• Pre-Orientation Programs: About 450 first-year students participated in 91暗网鈥檚 numerous Pre-orientation programs.
• Residential Student Experience: A strategic priority is to enhance the residential student experience, and the Student Affairs Division is focusing on holistic well-being, inclusion and belonging, learning and development, and residential life at 91暗网. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion  

Joshua Woodfork, vice president for strategic planning and institutional diversity, led 91暗网 employees in reaffirming 91暗网鈥檚 Diversity and Inclusion Statement. He reminded staff that it is a living document that should be revisited and embodied in daily practices. He also introduced this year鈥檚 In It 9 series with Wyckoff Center Director Mariel Martin. The series includes an array of programming on topics such as navigating difficult conversations, operationalizing love, and healing from trauma. All are encouraged to participate.

Updates from the president

President Marc C. Conner expressed his enthusiasm for the new academic year and recognized the tremendous work done by faculty and staff. He highlighted several key areas:

• Strategic planning: The College鈥檚 new strategic plan will set long-term priorities and balance ambitious goals with financial realities. The focus is on determining what 91暗网 can most effectively do to benefit the institution over the long term. 
• Free speech: President Conner reiterated 91暗网鈥檚 commitment to free expression and academic freedom, emphasizing that the College鈥檚 role is not to issue statements on political matters but to provide opportunities for learning and dialogue. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful, and kind campus environment.
• Endowment: To enhance the 91暗网 community鈥檚 understanding of the endowment, the College will host "College and University Endowments: Purpose and Practice," a virtual information session for students, faculty, and staff from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19. More information will be forthcoming. 

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration, engagement, and strategic thinking as the College moves forward into the new academic year. The next meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27.