Daniel P. O'Driscoll

The event celebrated the third annual campus poetry walk, showcasing poems by students and faculty. The session featured a keynote reading by Elisa Gonzalez, who discussed her work, the intersection of prose and poetry, and the creative journey of writing a poetry collection. Discussion topics included personal identity, themes of self-reflection, and reflections on living and traveling in different international locations.

The council discussed ongoing efforts to enhance student AI literacy, including the expansion of current modules and potential future integration into credit-bearing courses or first-year seminars. The council also reviewed a new technology procurement policy aimed at centralizing purchasing to improve efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness. Key points of the policy include requirements for centralized review of all technology purchases, annual reviews of software catalogs, and restrictions on the use of personal credit cards for technology acquisitions. Additionally, the group discussed strategies for reducing software redundancies and the upcoming launch of a streamlined technology procurement request form.

This document appears to be the transcript for the Roger Williams University Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2025. Key discussions included welcoming remarks from the Associate Provost and the Chair of the Board of Trustees, highlighting the achievements of the graduating class in areas such as renewable energy initiatives, microplastic pollution research, real estate sustainability, global business experience for MBA students, and high national rankings for law students' public service commitment. The President's address emphasized the students' preparedness, their role as change-makers, and the enduring connection they have to the university community as 'Hawks.' Student speaker Jules Gersonner used a scientific experiment analogy to frame the college experience as a process of questioning, hypothesizing, gathering data through hard work and overcoming mistakes, and ultimately finding one's voice.

This Decadal Vision provides a comprehensive roadmap for the plant science community from 2020 to 2030, aiming to address global challenges through discovery, applications, and education. It outlines integrated strategies across key pillars: advancing research (Goals 1-4), fostering diverse scientific talent and culture (Goals 5-6), and developing revolutionary technologies (Goals 7-8). The overarching goal is to reimagine the potential of plants for a healthy and sustainable future, emphasizing innovation in research cultures, training, automation, and data utilization.

This Strategic Action Plan aims to transform higher education, positioning Roger Williams University as a national model by preparing students for a rapidly changing world. It is guided by five strategic priorities: Academic Excellence, Engaged Learning, Student Success, A Thriving Community, and Sustainable Futures. A central theme is the Equity Imperative, which focuses on ensuring equity and inclusion, fostering diversity, respect, and access to affordable education for all community members. The plan emphasizes an agile, data-informed, and inclusive planning approach to adapt to evolving needs and serve society effectively.