JANUARY NEWSLETTER

A Message from the Acting Vice Provost

New Year – New Opportunities
 

I don’t know about you, but I love a fresh start – whether that’s the promise of a new day, the weekend, a new week – or a brand new YEAR! Each brings a promise of possibilities – of opportunities, with a call for us to define our vision and how we’ll make the most of all the moments to fulfill our dreams and potential and contribute in positive ways to those around us and to the world. Making the most of opportunities requires a) vision b) planning c) determination. Whether you believe in New Year's resolutions or not – I hope the start of a new year and semester gives you an opportunity to pause to establish your vision (goals), develop a plan of action, and initiate habits and steps that support that direction – whatever it is!

 
As I wish you all the very best that 2024 can offer – I share lyrics from one of my favorite songs by Jason Mraz:
 
Have It All
May you have auspiciousness and causes of success
May you have the confidence to always do your best
May you take no effort in your being generous
Sharing what you can, nothing more nothing less
May you know the meaning of the word happiness
May you always lead from the beating in your chest
May you be treated like an esteemed guest
May you get to rest, may you catch your breath
And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows
And may the road less paved be the road that you follow
Well here's to the hearts that you're gonna break
Here's to the lives that you're gonna change
Here's to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it
Here's to the good times we're gonna have
You don't need money, you got a free pass
Here's to the fact that I'll be sad without you
I want you to have it all
Oh! I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all
May you be as fascinating as a slap bracelet
May you keep the chaos and the clutter off your desk
May you have unquestionable health and less stress
Having no possessions though immeasurable wealth
May you get a gold star on your next test
May your educated guesses always be correct
And may you win prizes shining like diamonds
May you really own it each moment to the next
And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows
And may the road less paved be the road that you follow
Well here's to the hearts that you're gonna break
Here's to the lives that you're gonna change
Here's to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it
Here's to the good times we're gonna have
You don't need money, you got a free pass
Here's to the fact that I'll be sad without you
I want you to have it all
Oh, I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all
Oh, I want you to have it all
All you can imagine
All, no matter what your path is
If you believe it then anything can happen
Go, go, go raise your glasses
Go, go, go you can have it all
I toast you
Here's to the hearts that you're gonna break
Here's to the lives that you're gonna change
Here's to the infinite possible ways to love you
I want you to have it
Here's to the good times we're gonna have
You don't need money, you got a free pass
Here's to the fact that I'll be sad without you
I want you to have it all
Oh, I want you to have it all
I want you to have it
I want you to have it all
Here's to the good times we're gonna have
Here's to you always making me laugh
Here's to the fact that I'll be sad without you
I want you to have it all

VPSL search
While I very much look forward to spending the spring semester with you and making the most of those moments, I am also very committed to shepherding a successful search for the next Vice Provost for Student Life, in that I have been asked to Chair the search committee for this position.  The search is supported by Isaacson Miller searh firm and a committee representing a diversity of campus stakeholders.
 
To prepare the leadership profile for the search which defines the scope of responsibilities, the context of Creighton University, and unique challenges, opportunities and leadership needs for the role, Isaacson Miller will lead “scoping meetings” with vital campus stakeholders to gain your insights and perspective.  
 
Below is the Zoom session information for Student Life staff; we look forward to your participation if you’re available.
 
Student Life Staff: CU Vice Provost for Student Life Scoping Meeting
Friday, January 12, 2024: 9:05 – 9:50 am CT
https://creighton.zoom.us/j/94420971869

Gathering Together
While we are not meeting as a division this month, I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our next Staff Development meeting on Thursday, January 25 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Central Time in Harper 4067 or on Zoom. We'll gather with our campus partners for our quarterly Staff Development and GO! Program. 

Leanna Fenneberg

A Message From Cocoa

Actionable by Employee

Wareham Court Reopens Jan. 9

Faculty/Staff Book Club: The Ministry for the Future
Submitted by Dr. Leanna Fenneberg

As Student Life has been actively supporting Creighton strategic efforts related to sustainability – we are sharing information about a related campus-wide faculty/staff book club. Please consider joining if you’re interested and the engagement works with your schedule and priorities.

**

Join fellow colleagues invested in caring for our common home as we read The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson.
 
The novel begins in 2025 with a massive heatwave that kills millions of people in India. It documents the various responses—scientific, political, economic, activist, and others—to the emerging crisis. The story shows how change and effective human agency are possible even in the face of dire circumstances.
 
Over 4 sessions, we will read and discuss the book together. In addition, we will learn about trauma, forced migration, political economy, and technology in the context of building a hope-filled future for our campus and our world. Optional opportunities to build community and take action will also be provided.
 
The group will meet on select Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in the spring. Book scholarships are available. Register today and you will be sent more details as soon as they are available. This is a great way to gain points toward a Sustainable Creighton Office Certificate!

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Attend a 3-Day Retreat in 2024

If you have been on retreats before and looking for a more personal retreat experience, consider one of the dates below. These retreats start with check-in between 4-5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. supper and conclude at 3 p.m. the final day. You would be assigned a spiritual director whom you would meet with each day. Directors are guided with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. 

Retreats are offered on these dates: 
January 18-21, 2024
March 21-24, 2024
May 2-5, 2024
July 14-17, 2024

Register here.

Departing Staff