2024 Provost's Office Message Archive

TO:                             Current Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   Announcing the winners of the 2024-2025 Graduate College Outstanding Mentor and Master’s Thesis Awards

It is my distinct pleasure to inform you that we have selected the recipients of the 2024–2025 Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award and the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Awards. 

Dr. Melissa A. Martinez, Professor in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education and School Psychology, is the recipient of The Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award. This award recognizes a faculty member who has had extraordinary success in mentoring graduate students. Congratulations to Dr. Martinez for her excellent work! I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Martinez’s colleagues and former students, who submitted very thoughtfully written letters which described in detail the tremendous positive impact of Dr. Martinez’s mentorship on her students’ careers.  

Garrett Douglas, who earned a Master of Music with a Major in Music, is the recipient of the Graduate College’s Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in the Humanities and Fine Arts. His thesis, “Rediscovering Three Texas Women Composers and Their Music: Zulema Garcia (1870-1907), Stella Kaiser (1873-1953), And Julia D. Owen (1868-1964)”, was directed by Dr. Nico Schüler, University Distinguished Professor in the School of Music. Congratulations to Garrett for his outstanding research.

Adrian Fernandez, who earned a Master of Science with a Major in Biochemistry, is the recipient of the Graduate College’s Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in Math, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. His thesis, “Temperature-Dependent Supramolecular Remodeling of Polyether Perylene Diimides”, was directed by Dr. Sean M. Kerwin, Regents’ Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Congratulations to Adrian for his outstanding research.

As the winners of these competitions, Dr. Martinez will receive $2,500 to be paid into her research account, while Garrett and Adrian will each receive $500. All three will be recognized at The Graduate College’s award ceremony next April. The Graduate College has also entered them into the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools’ respective competitions.

I would also like to acknowledge the following members of the graduate community: Dr. Schüler and Dr. Kerwin for their exemplary mentorship and commitment to their students; and the faculty members, graduate students, and Graduate College deans who served on the award committees. It was indeed inspiring to read about the excellent research and mentoring which is happening on our campus. And to the entire graduate faculty, I thank you all for your steadfast commitment to graduate education on our campus.  

If you have questions about this award, feel free to contact me via email at agolato@txstate.edu. 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Spring and Summer 2025 Commencement Schedules

The Spring and Summer Commencement schedules have been finalized and can be found on the commencement website. 

If you have any commencement-related questions or concerns or would like additional information about commencement, please contact Ms. Kristin McDaniel, Commencement Coordinator, at commencement@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Vedaraman Sriraman

                                    Senior Vice Provost

SUBJECT:                   Academic Administrative Unit Name Change

The Department of Theatre and Dance will be renamed the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film (unit code THDF), effective November 15, 2024. Please join me in extending best wishes to the school's faculty, staff, and students.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   “Translators on Translation”

The Department of World Languages and Literatures and the Translational Health Center at Texas State University cordially invite all interested faculty and students to our roundtable discussion titled "Translators on Translation" on Wednesday November 20 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Centennial Hall G02.

The three guest speakers include: 

      Susanna Bunzel-Harris – a professional translator who works on Financial, Legal, Medical and Community translation

      Cecilia McMahon – who works on Engineering, Technical, Legal, and Pharmaceutical translation

      Dr. Allison Yakel – who works on Conversational System design, Language Technology Healthcare, and Mental Health and Translation

We think the conversation will be informative for the broad TXST community. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, please contact Cathy Jaffe at cj10@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Current Undergraduate Students

                                    Faculty

                                    Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Heather Galloway

                                    Dean, Honors College

SUBJECT:                   Fall 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference

The Honors College and the IDEA Center are pleased to present the 2024 Fall Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) on Friday, November 22, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., in THH 305, 308, and 310. 

Honors College Capstone and Bobcat IDEA research projects will be showcased in student panel sessions led by faculty moderators across diverse disciplines. 

All are welcome to attend. 

Questions should be directed to ugresearch@txstate.edu or (512) 245-2266.

TO:                             Faculty

                                    Staff

                                    Graduate Teaching Assistants/Doctoral Teaching Assistants

                                    Graduate Instructional Assistants/Doctoral Instructional Assistants

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Honor Code Policy and Submission Updates

To streamline the university’s honor code submission process, the Honor Code policy (UPPS 07.10.01) and procedures have been updated. Instructors will no longer be required to obtain a signature on the honor code review form from the alleged individual. Instead, a case resolution form will be sent to the student from the Assistant Vice Provost for Experiential and Academic Initiatives (AVPEAI) office after an online report is filed by the faculty member. The new process is outlined in more detail below and can also be found on the Honor Code Council’s Faculty Resources page. 

Honor Code Procedures: Faculty Member Responsibilities 

This is a best practices list of basic steps to assist faculty members who suspect that a student has violated the Honor Code Policy. The faculty member may consult with their department chair or school director to determine an appropriate academic penalty.

In compliance with the Honor Code policy (UPPS 07.10.01), the faculty member will:

1. Contact the student verbally or in writing (i.e., in person, virtually, via phone, or email) to discuss the alleged violation, supporting evidence, and academic penalty to be imposed as defined in Section 02.02 of the Honor Code policy.

2. Clearly communicate your observations and the prescribed penalty to the student and consider their evidence/explanation. If the student fails to respond regarding the violation within three business days, move forward with the Honor Code Review Form. A hold will be placed on the student's academic record until the matter is resolved.  
3. After conferring with the student, if it is still suspected the student violated the Honor Code, advise the student that a report will be filed, and they will be contacted by the AVPEAI office and given the option to accept or not accept the decision. 
4. Complete the Honor Code Review Form, attaching supporting documentation and/or evidence. Texas State NetID and login credentials will be required. 

5. The student will be sent an email and asked to 1) accept the faculty member's determination and waive their right to a hearing, or 2) not accept the determination and request a hearing with the Honor Code Council to review the case. If a student does not respond to the email within three business days, a hold will be placed on their academic record until the matter is resolved. 
6. If the student accepts, the case is closed. If a hearing is requested, a Hearing Officer will be in touch with the next steps.

Reference UPPS 07.10.01 for descriptions and details of violations and other honor code policy information. 

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Bordertown Mind Liberator – Screening & Discussion w/ Dr. Arvind Singhal

The College of Fine Arts and Communication invites you to a special event on Wednesday, November 13, 2024: “Bordertown Mind Liberator – Screening & Discussion w/ Dr. Arvind Singhal” at 5:30 p.m. in Centennial Hall G01. This event features the premiere of Bordertown Mind Liberator, a short documentary highlighting Dr. Singhal’s influential work in Entertainment-Education and social change. Known for his global efforts to use storytelling to address pressing social issues, Dr. Singhal will join us in person to lead an interactive discussion after the screening.

Event Highlights:

• Premiere of Bordertown Mind Liberator: Gain an exclusive look at this new short film, which captures Dr. Singhal’s groundbreaking approaches to communication and education.
• Culture Circle Discussion: Following the film, Dr. Singhal will lead a Culture Circle discussion—an open, collaborative format inspired by Paulo Freire. This Culture Circle will invite all participants to engage with the central question, “How should the future of education be?” Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts, making this a unique opportunity for dialogue and co-creation of ideas.

This event is part of the Education is Boring initiative, a collaborative project developed by Texas State University students, faculty, and alumni. This initiative seeks to reimagine education by challenging traditional models and exploring new, inclusive ways to make learning relevant, inspiring, and impactful.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Location: Centennial Hall G01

Please RSVP via Eventbrite to secure your spot and add the event to your calendar. 

We welcome all Texas State students, faculty, and staff to attend.

For questions, please contact Sergio Carvajal in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication via email at sec71@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Parking and Traffic Plan for Fall 2024 Commencement

Texas State University is pleased to honor over 3,000 candidates in 6 commencement ceremonies to be held on Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14, 2024.  The ceremonies will be held in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center (UEC) on our San Marcos Campus.  We are especially pleased to honor Texas State alumni from the Class of 2020, who will have the opportunity to walk at their college’s commencement ceremony this fall.  As graduates, families, and the university community prepare to celebrate, please note the following announcements and recommendations.

Parking at Commencement

Parking is available for all attendees as indicated on the Commencement Parking Map.

Recommended parking for faculty and staff, with shuttle services, include:

• Lots A and B, located by UFCU Stadium, will have shuttle bus service.
• Lot C, located adjacent to the UEC, is restricted to those with Limited Mobility.  Golf cart shuttles will be available to assist individuals in this lot.  This lot should be accessed from Charles Austin Drive via Hopkins Street.

Recommended park and walk lots for faculty and staff include:

• Lot D, across the street from the UEC.
• Garage F, at the corner of Edward Gary Street and University Drive.
• Garage H, at the corner of Pleasant Street and LBJ Drive.

All lots and garages listed above are free to those attending commencement.

Please be aware that if you are traveling southbound on IH35 and exit Aquarena Springs Drive you are advised to turn left on to Thorpe Lane and right on to Robbie Lane in order to access Lots A and B.  Traffic inbound to campus on Aquarena Springs Drive will not be able to make a left turn into Commencement Parking Lot D.

Information on faculty parking, parking maps, the faculty processional, and other details can be found on the commencement website.  

Sights and Sounds of Christmas Festival

The City of San Marcos will host a modified Sights and Sounds of Christmas festival on Saturday, December 14, coinciding with commencement weekend.  The Jingle Bell Run is scheduled for the morning of December 14, followed by Sights and Sounds activities and music from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. that evening.  The university community should be aware of potential traffic and parking disruptions due to these overlapping events.

Faculty and staff should expect traffic and parking delays during these time periods and are encouraged to follow the special instructions listed below.

Special Instructions

Faculty and staff who attend commencement should adhere to the Clear Bag Policy and also see the prohibited and allowable items list for more information. 

To alleviate the traffic, wait time, and congestion that is anticipated between the conclusion of the 2:00 p.m. ceremony and the start of the 6:00 p.m. ceremony, the following procedures are in place for employees:

Early Release – Friday, December 13, 2024

To ease traffic congestion, supervisors may elect to release selected staff at 3:00 p.m.  However, all university offices must remain open until 5:00 p.m. or the normal closing time.  Staff members who leave early are expected to use vacation, compensatory, or flex time arrangements approved by supervisors.

Vehicles in the JCK Area

The rear gate at the back of the JCK parking lot will be barricaded from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Vehicles that normally exit on to Sessom Drive will be directed back to the one-way service drive and should exit the back parking lot going the wrong way towards Woods Street or Moon Street.  No vehicles will be allowed to access the back parking area starting at 3:00 p.m.  A parking guard will be stationed at the service drive at the front parking lot to restrict vehicles from entering the back parking lot.

Vehicles in Other Campus Areas

It is highly recommended that vehicles avoid the Sessom Street, Aquarena Springs Drive/Loop 82, and University Drive roadways between the ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.  Every effort should be made to exit the campus and San Marcos using Edward Gary Street, Guadalupe Street, Hopkins Street/Hunter Road, and other routes heading away from the UEC.

Thank you for your cooperation during this momentous time in our graduates’ lives.

Faculty or staff requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact commencement@txstate.edu at least one week prior to the event.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Antoinette Sol as the Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success, effective October 15, 2024.

Dr. Sol holds a bachelor’s degree in French literature from Marymount University, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in French from the University of California, Los Angeles. She brings extensive experience in supporting faculty across all academic roles. She joins us from the University of Texas Arlington, where she served as department chair, chair of the faculty senate, and most recently, vice provost for faculty affairs. A professor of French, her research encompasses both Eighteenth-Century and Contemporary Francophone Literature, with a focus on gender, women’s writing, colonial/postcolonial studies, and cultural studies.

Dr. Sol and her co-author Christopher Conway received the 2023 Ray and Pat Browne Award for Best Edited Collection in Popular and American Culture from the National Popular Culture Association for their book The Comic Book Western: New Perspectives on a Global Genre (University of Nebraska Press, 2022). She recently published an edition of Elizabeth Guénard’s Blanche de Ransi (Harmattan, 2024) with co-author Sarah Davies Cordova.

Understanding the challenges faculty face as teachers and researchers, Dr. Sol has maintained her teaching and publishing activities throughout her administrative career. She has also earned a higher education teaching certification from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), with the ACUE program set to launch on our campus this fall. Dr. Sol is eager to assist faculty in navigating the exciting changes associated with Texas State University’s push for R1 classification.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sol on her appointment as Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Live Oak Studios Open House

Ever wonder what is inside that new(ish) building on Sessom Drive? Ever want to be on a film sound stage? Want to step inside a TV news studio and get behind the scenes in the control room?

On Friday, November 1, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., we are hosting an open house of Live Oak Hall, a building that helps prepare students in our film program and our news media program. As you view the space, we will provide demonstrations of some of the facilities’ capabilities and what students learn in the classes conducted there. Light refreshments will be served.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff 

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming 

Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication 

SUBJECT:                   Free Tickets for Fun Event

As we hit the “dog days” of the fall semester, it may be time for a break. To show our appreciation for all the hard work of faculty and staff, we are offering free tickets to a unique event that will be fun for the whole family. Catapult, a shadow illusion performance company, was seen by millions on America’s Got Talent, and now they are here at Texas State University for one night. Check out their sizzle reel below and download your tickets before they are gone. This is a 90-minute show.

FREE FACULTY/STAFF TICKETS

Texas State University Faculty and Staff and their guests utilize the Faculty/Staff price type.

As seen on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT!

CATAPULT is a Shadow Illusion performance company. They launched into the limelight and into the homes of millions of people around the world as finalists on America’s Got Talent. Since then, they have been busy touring the world with their smash hit show – Magic Shadows. Heidi Klum and Howard Stern were two of their very first fans and now they have added many thousands around the globe. They have done music videos for rappers, played for royal families, helped non-profits such as Girl Scouts and United Way, filmed for HBO and currently tour all over the U.S., Europe and Asia. Catapult’s shows are an amalgamation of dance, theater, acrobatics, illusion and storytelling. Their stunning visuals coupled with whimsy, heart and athleticism create a spellbinding show perfect for all ages.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

EVANS AUDITORIUM – 627 N. LBJ St., San Marcos 78666

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­TXST faculty and staff AND all your guests: $FREE

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   University Operations for October 29 and November 14

I’m excited to share two upcoming events at UFCU Stadium that you won’t want to miss!

Tuesday, October 29 – Texas State vs. Louisiana

Mark your calendars for October 29 at 6:30 p.m., when our Bobcats face off against Louisiana in a nationally televised game on ESPN2. Our team is undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play, and we need YOU to help keep that momentum going! Let’s pack the stands and show the nation what Bobcat spirit is all about! 

Thursday, November 14 – 125^th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration and Concert

Homecoming Week will feature a community celebration like no other! Join us at UFCU Stadium on November 14 at 7:00 p.m. for CELEBRATE 125. The festivities include a Bobcat spirit rally, fireworks and an epic drone show, live music from Grupo Fantasma and a headlining act that will be announced soon. This is the perfect way to celebrate Texas State’s 125^th anniversary—come be a part of history!

Please note, for both events, we expect large crowds and increased traffic in San Marcos, especially around the stadium. In addition, parking will be restricted around UFCU stadium. As a result, faculty members have the discretion to move in-person classes scheduled after 3:30 p.m. on October 29 and November 14 to an online format. Faculty should inform students of any changes and ensure they know how to access their classes.

I look forward to seeing you at these unforgettable events!

Go Bobcats!

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Teresa Quinn

                                    Director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

                                    McCoy College of Business

SUBJECT:                   Ignite 2.0 Entrepreneur Workshop, November 8-10, 2024

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has revamped its Ignite entrepreneurship workshop into the new Ignite 2.0, scheduled for November 8-10, 2024. The event promises a blend of in-person workshops, demos, and keynotes held conveniently at McCoy Hall and Alkek Library.

Ignite 2.0 is designed as a comprehensive, three-day event focused on entrepreneurial learning, action, and growth. It is an open invitation to anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations or anyone in the middle of their own ongoing innovative ventures. The guiding principle is to “meet them where they are.”

The event will take place during the evening of Friday, November 8, the afternoon of November 9 (featuring a lunch session with keynote speaker), and the afternoon of November 10 (lunch included).

Event Highlights:

• Keynote address by Max Feber, the Shark Tank contestant who secured a deal with billionaire Mark Cuban.
• Access to Makerspace, including demonstrations as well as certification opportunities.
• Networking with alumni entrepreneurs, local business owners, and community members.

The event is open to all Texas State University students, faculty, and staff. 

Registration is now open.

For any questions, please contact Teresa Quinn, Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at quinnt@txstate.edu.

TO:                             Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath

                                   Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

SUBJECT:                   Coffee with the EVPs

The Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs), Provost Dr. Pranesh Aswath and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Eric Algoe, would like to extend an invitation to attend “Coffee with the EVPs.”

This event invites faculty and staff to share questions, comments, and concerns with the EVPs in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Join the conversation and learn more about what’s happening on the San Marcos and Round Rock Campuses. 

“Coffee with the EVPs” will take place on the San Marcos Campus on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in the Faculty and Staff Lounge in Jones Dining Center. A similar event will take place on the Round Rock Campus at a later date. 

You are encouraged to register and submit your questions before the event by utilizing the “Coffee with the EVPs” RSVP Form. You are welcome to submit questions from other departments or students as well, to better inform discussions and satisfy your curiosity.  

Space will be limited, so please RSVP online, and don’t forget to add “What’s on your mind.”

Kind Regards, 

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
provost@txstate.edu 
512.245.2205

The Office of the Executive Vice President for Operations and Chief Financial Officer
fss@txstate.edu
512.245.2244

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. John Fleming

                                    Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communication

SUBJECT:                   Star Stories Tickets

Tickets for this year’s Star Stories are on sale now! The University Star and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication invite you to a transformative night of storytelling that amplifies the voices of our community. The event will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on October 23 at the Performing Arts Center. We are less than two weeks away from the event, and tickets can be purchased here.

Discover powerful narratives exploring our community’s greatest challenges and opportunities, with speakers who represent the TXST and San Marcos communities. The goal is to amplify amazing stories from the community, by the community. 

Don’t miss out on this annual event!

 If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact (512) 245-3451 or ods@txstate.edu  at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Andrea Golato

                                    Dean, The Graduate College

SUBJECT:                   2024 Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

The Graduate College is excited to host the 2024 Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition and invites the entire Texas State University community to join.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a university-wide research communication competition in which graduate students present their thesis or dissertation research and its significance in under three minutes.  This competition challenges graduate students to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience and invites viewers to learn about innovative research by members of the graduate student community.  The competition will consist of a virtual Preliminary Round and an in-person University Final. 

You are invited to view the virtual 3MT® Preliminary Round presentations and vote for your favorite competitors during the People’s Choice Voting from Thursday, October 17, 2024 through Tuesday, October 22, 2024 on the 3MT® webpage.  Nine finalists selected by judges and three finalists selected by the People’s Choice Voting will advance to the University Final.

 On Friday, November 8, from 10:00 – noon, the University Final will be held in the LBJ Student Center Grand Ballroom.  All Texas State faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are invited to attend.  During the University Final, audience members will have the opportunity to vote in person for their favorite presentation to help a competitor win the final People’s Choice Winner award. 

 Snacks and refreshments will be provided. There will also be door prizes and raffle prizes.

 For questions, please contact Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean in The Graduate College, via email at pg07@txstate.edu  or at (512) 245-2581.

 If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact (512) 245-3451 or ods@txstate.edu  at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

TO:                             Current Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:                       Dr. Mary Brennan

                                    Dean, College of Liberal Arts

SUBJECT:                   Bitcoin, China, and Authoritarianism