November 8, 2024

Dear A&S Colleagues,

I recognize this may be a time of reflection and heightened sentiment for many. As we navigate the impact of events this week, I look forward to continuing our work together toward our shared goals.

And in support of those goals, I share the following updates:

Retirement Incentive Plans Some of you will recently have received a message inviting you to fill out an application form for a phased retirement plan. In a nutshell, if you are 60 and over and you want to retire in summer 2026, you receive a two course teaching reduction for a one-year period. If you want to retire in summer 2027, you receive a one course teaching reduction for each academic year over a two-year period. In both cases, you remain at 100% salary and benefits until the date of retirement. The application form merely expresses interest: it does not commit you to anything. Nor does it guarantee that you will be approved to participate in the plan. The expectation is that faculty take their course reductions over more than one semester, but it may be possible in some cases to bundle all the reductions into a single semester. Applications are due on December 15^th. They go to Pam Eddy in the Provost’s Office, who will then send them to me for follow-up and discussion with applicants and Chairs/Directors. A second incentive plan, which provides a cash benefit after retirement, is being reviewed at the Governor’s Office. It is hoped that he will soon approve it and it will be rolled out concurrently with the phased plan, so you can choose the plan that’s right for you. You cannot participate in both.
Adjunct salaries All 2024-25 adjuncts will receive a raise of 3%, paid retroactively for fall 2024 courses and incorporated into compensation for spring 2025 courses. Stay tuned for more information about how that will be done.
Future of A&S survey
Be sure to complete the Future of Arts & Sciences survey. The survey will close at noon next Friday, November 15. Please don’t miss the opportunity to share your thoughts and voice your opinion.
Riyaaz Qawwali Performance
Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.: Experience the spiritual tradition of Qawwali music, presented by Riyaaz Qawwali. Founded in 2006, this U.S.-based ensemble brings together South Asian cultures and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Known for their collaborations and civic engagement, Riyaaz Qawwali has performed at prestigious venues across the U.S. and internationally. Purchase tickets.
Catron Exhibition & Reception
Join the Charles Center in celebrating this year's recipients of the Catron Scholarship for Artistic Development. Scholars’ featured works will be displayed in The Hart Gallery, Sadler Center, Nov. 11-22. Reception with presentations on Thursday, Nov. 14, 5-7 p.m. Light refreshments provided. On Thursday, November 14th, 5-7pm, each of the Scholars will present their work at a reception with light refreshments. More information: Catron Scholars Exhibition & Reception.
Wellness & Resilience Empowerment Network (WREN) Program Launch
Launching in Spring 2025, WREN is a program designed to train faculty as advisors who connect W&M community members with mental health and wellness resources specific to their needs. Four monthly two-hour training sessions will be held from January to April. Interested faculty should apply here. More details at WREN Advisors. Contact Ashleigh Queen (aeeverhardt@wm.edu) for more information or with questions.
Williamsburg Poet Laureate Program
The City of Williamsburg is accepting applications for its inaugural Poet Laureate. Faculty and students are encouraged to apply or share this opportunity. More details and application at Williamsburg Poet.
Shirley Aceto Award Nominations
Nominations are open for the 2024 Shirley Aceto Award, recognizing outstanding instructional or professional faculty service. Please submit a nomination letter, up to two supporting letters, and the nominee’s CV/resume by Friday, December 6, 2024. Send combined PDF submissions to Erica MacLeod (eemacleod@wm.edu) with the subject line: NomAceto:LastName. I will endorse and forward all nominations to the Provost’s office for consideration by the Provost’s selection committee.
Faculty Innovation Fellowship
The Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) is now welcoming nominations for its 2025 Faculty Innovation Fellowship. You can find more information here. Applications are due Friday, December 6, 2024. Note that I will be the executive sponsor for applicants and will support the required course release or stipend (you have a choice) for participation.
Faculty Grant Fund applications due
The next round of applications for the Faculty Grants Fund and Teaching Faculty Grants Fund are due December 13, 2024. Review criteria for each and submit your application at the links provided.

Now, for some soothing sounds. Have a relaxing weekend, everyone.

Best wishes, Suzanne

Suzanne Raitt
Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Chancellor Professor of English
Pronouns: she/her/hers

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Below the line is a soundscape of soothing sounds, just because. You get a prize for identifying the sound. Well, not really. I googled “soothing sounds” and all these sounds were listed. Words of caution: some of these links may start with a loud annoying ad which I could not scrape off. Tell it to go away. You know how. Also, one at least of these sounds is REALLY CREEPY. And another one is REALLY ANNOYING. It appears that we are not all soothed in the same way. (PS Did you know that listening to birdsong is really good for your health, which means the ornithologists among us (you know who you are) are going to outlive us all.)