Sharing the Podium with the Elephant in the Room

It’s that time of the year for those of us on semesters: students are returning to campus, orientation sessions are wrapping up, we’re putting the final touches on fall course schedules and closely watching fall enrollment numbers. Deans and department chairs are also preparing for the annual start-of-the-year faculty meetings at which we will introduce new colleagues, provide updates on academic and other campus initiatives, and articulate our goals for the year. It is generally an energetic, upbeat meeting at which nine-month faculty reconnect with their colleagues in a moment of optimism about the academic year ahead.