President Robert L. Manuel > Notes from Rob > 2022-23
Notes from Rob (2022-23)
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By Rob Manuel /
August 9, 2023 /
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Facebook
As we begin to set our sights on the start of a new academic year, I continue to uphold my full commitment to transparency and wanted to share an update about the completion of the FY24 budget process.
By Rob Manuel /
June 29, 2023 /
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Facebook
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed its decades-long precedent of allowing universities to consider race as one factor among many in admissions. I am disappointed by this ruling and reaffirm DePaul's steadfast commitment to serving the diversity... read more
By Rob Manuel /
June 16, 2023 /
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Facebook
In April, I shared an updated timeline of key milestones for the FY24 budget process. Last Thursday, June 8, was the deadline for eligible staff to submit their agreements for the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP). I write to share... read more
By Rob Manuel /
June 14, 2023 /
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Facebook
For the first time in DePaul’s history, Juneteenth will be celebrated as an official university holiday this year. In recognition of Juneteenth, the nation’s oldest celebration of the end of slavery, DePaul University will be closed this Monday, June 19.... read more
By Rob Manuel /
April 20, 2023 /
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Facebook
I am grateful to you all for working through our budget process for FY24. I have been talking with many faculty and staff groups and understand the issues and concerns this process creates for everyone in our community. I write to offer some... read more
By Rob Manuel /
April 6, 2023 /
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Facebook
Since the beginning of my presidency at DePaul, I promised to take your feedback into consideration when making major decisions that affect our community. I was sincere in my commitment, which is why I write to let you know that I am revisiting my... read more
By Rob Manuel /
April 4, 2023 /
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Facebook
A few weeks ago I shared an update about the FY24 budget and our efforts to close the gap between our revenues and expenses. In the time since then, I charged each of our schools, colleges, and administrative divisions with socializing the suggested... read more
By Rob Manuel /
March 15, 2023 /
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Facebook
It’s the last week of the winter quarter, and I know it’s a very busy time across our entire university. Thank you for all that you do every day to teach our students how to think critically, act meaningfully, and care for one another.
As you have... read more
By Rob Manuel /
March 8, 2023 /
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Facebook
In my first seven months as president, I have made it a high priority to engage in numerous conversations with members of our university community - especially Faculty Council - to better understand your needs and your ideas for designing DePaul’s... read more
By Rob Manuel /
February 27, 2023 /
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Facebook
On Friday, the death toll from the devastating earthquakes that took place in Turkey and Syria earlier this month surpassed a staggering 50,000 people. In the weeks that have followed this heartbreaking tragedy, our university community united in prayer... read more
By Rob Manuel /
February 6, 2023 /
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Facebook
Thank you very much to all the faculty, staff, and students who joined the Designing DePaul presentation and Q&A session on Jan. 26. If you couldn’t attend or want to review the presentation, the video is available here:
Watch Designing... read more
By Rob Manuel /
January 30, 2023 /
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Facebook
Among my first promises as DePaul’s president, I committed to deeply engage the questions of bias and equity that exist in our community. This engagement is particularly complex as our community is so diverse, our world’s problems are so deep, and there... read more
By Rob Manuel /
January 27, 2023 /
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Facebook
Earlier this evening, officials in Memphis released appalling video footage from the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died three days after being stopped by police officers on Jan. 7. Five Memphis police officers have been... read more
By Rob Manuel /
January 27, 2023 /
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Facebook
Today, Jan. 27, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, an annual day of commemoration to honor the six million Jewish victims and millions of other victims of Nazism lost to genocide during the Holocaust. The day marks the anniversary of the... read more
By Rob Manuel /
January 11, 2023 /
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Facebook
Last week, I invited all faculty, staff, and students to attend
Designing DePaul on Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. in the Holtschneider Performance Center. This event will serve as the official kickoff for our strategic planning process.
You will have the... read more
By Rob Manuel /
January 4, 2023 /
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Facebook
Happy New Year! I hope the first week of the winter quarter is going smoothly as you ease back into classes. Our campus was very quiet these last several weeks, and I’m happy to see our students back in Brownstones, the Ray, the DePaul Center – and all... read more
By Rob Manuel /
December 30, 2022 /
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Facebook
I hope everyone is having a restful winter break and has enjoyed many hours of quality time with friends and family. A new year is right around the corner, as is the start of DePaul's winter term classes on Monday, Jan. 2. I'm looking forward to... read more
By Rob Manuel /
December 16, 2022 /
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Facebook
Yesterday's issue of The Wall Street Journal included an article about rising antisemitism on college campuses. I wanted to make you aware that DePaul is mentioned in the article, which you can read here.When I first stepped into my role as... read more
By Rob Manuel /
December 13, 2022 /
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Facebook
Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in my very first Christmas at DePaul performance. From the lighting to the orchestra to the chorus, it was a truly spectacular event and one that made me very proud to be part of the DePaul community.For the... read more
By Rob Manuel /
December 1, 2022 /
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Facebook
In October, Joint Council shared an update regarding the Fall Census, which indicated fewer graduate and transfer students enrolled for classes than we had projected, resulting in an unexpected operating deficit for the current fiscal year. In... read more
By Rob Manuel /
November 16, 2022 /
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Facebook
As we reach the end of the fall quarter, I know how much we all need time to unwind and relax. To help kickstart our Thanksgiving break, I’m happy to announce the university will close early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23.Whether you’re traveling... read more
By Rob Manuel /
November 14, 2022 /
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Facebook
Last week, our university community came together in celebration of who we are and all that we aspire to be. While the memories of inauguration week are still fresh in our minds, I would like to reiterate how grateful I am to everyone in the DePaul... read more
By Rob Manuel /
November 11, 2022 /
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Facebook
I am so grateful to stand here in this space - at this moment - and share it with you all.Seeing this full room, and knowing many more are joining us virtually, tells me you believe in higher education – in tradition - and the impact we can collectively... read more
By Rob Manuel and Salma Ghanem /
October 19, 2022 /
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Facebook
In these times of unrest in Iran, DePaul supports the brave and courageous fight for human rights taking place in a country that many of our community members call home. In the Vincentian spirit in which DePaul is grounded, we stand by the victims of injustice and violence. We stand against the perpetrators of violence and systemic injustice that inhibit the expression of individual freedom and extinguish lives.
By Rob Manuel /
September 27, 2022 /
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Facebook
In my short time at DePaul, the warm welcome you have shown me and my family is nothing short of overwhelming. You have demonstrated openness to new ideas, availability to help, care for each other, and a willingness to begin anew—all qualities that... read more
By Rob Manuel /
September 26, 2022 /
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Facebook
As we begin our annual Vincentian Heritage Week celebration, I’m reflecting on several of the Vincentian charisms that define our work – hospitality, human dignity, and our collective community. Together, we are developing our vision for the future of... read more
By Rob Manuel /
September 14, 2022 /
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Facebook
I hope you are having an excellent start to the fall quarter. The beginning of a new academic year coincides with some of the world’s major religions observing holy days. As we return to campus, I ask our university community to honor our values by... read more
By Rob Manuel /
September 13, 2022 /
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Facebook
On Aug. 30, when I shared the 2022 climate survey results, because of an unfortunate oversight, I did not include adjunct faculty data. As I explained in my follow-up communication, this omission intended no slight to our valued adjunct... read more
By Rob Manuel /
September 7, 2022 /
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Facebook
Welcome to the 2022-23 academic year! Today marks the first day of fall classes and the official beginning of DePaul’s 125th anniversary celebration. As we celebrate the impact we have had on generations of students, we also look ahead to designing our future. I welcome the opportunity to honor DePaul’s 125 years with you at events throughout the next year.
By Rob Manuel /
September 1, 2022 /
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Facebook
Good morning. Today marks exactly one month since I officially started as DePaul’s president. With every new day, I become more energized to be part of this diverse, creative, and dedicated community. I feel so fortunate to have the... read more
By Rob Manuel /
August 31, 2022 /
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Facebook
On Aug. 30, I shared the 2022 climate survey results with all of you. In the responses I received, there was a question about why the survey summary did not include adjunct faculty data. I’m grateful for this request and happy to provide some context.All... read more
By Rob Manuel /
August 30, 2022 /
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Facebook
As the excitement of a new academic year grows around us, I want to thank you for the opportunity to join our community. The conversations of hope and renewal I continue to hear as I listen to our faculty, staff, and students inspire me. We have many challenges in front of us — both internal and external — and I feel there is a new energy amongst us to address them all.
By Rob Manuel /
August 1, 2022 /
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Facebook
I am thrilled to share with you my first university message as DePaul's president. I feel fortunate to be a part of this outstanding university, and I'm excited about all we will accomplish together.
I spent a lot of time in Chicago these past... read more