Message from Dean Coben: Welcome to a new academic year!
I’m delighted to welcome you to the 2022-23 academic year. For those of you who are new to the School of Public Health, welcome to the family! For those of you who are returning for another year, welcome back! I hope that each of you had an enjoyable summer break and had the opportunity to reflect, reconnect and recharge.
We have much to look forward to this year. Beginning in September, we will be resuming our Dean’s Colloquium Series and, along with other events being organized by our departments and academic programs, I anticipate regular opportunities to convene as a School throughout the academic year. Additionally, a series of HSC-wide seminars and special events are being organized by the Chancellor’s office this year. And last, but certainly not least, we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary as a formally established School of Public Health with a weeklong celebration at the end of October! Additional information on all of these activities, along with calendar invitations, will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.
While our desire to gather together is strong, our administrative team also recognizes the fundamental importance of maintaining a healthy balance for all of our employees. As a result, we have agreed to implement a new initiative known as “First Friday." Simply stated, the first Friday of every month will be designated as a meeting-free zone. We request that all programs, departments, divisions and teams do their utmost to avoid scheduling any meetings during the first Friday of each month, beginning in September.
We hope this will give each of you some time back on your calendar to focus on what you consider a priority, from tackling a project that might require some extra space for creative brainstorming to prioritizing your wellbeing by taking advantage of the programs offered through Health Promotion and Wellness. Regardless of how you decide to use your meeting-free day, our hope is that it contributes to keeping you balanced and centered.
My sincere thanks to each and every one of you for all you have done in the past and for all you will do as we enter this momentous year in the history of our School.
Welcome back and Let's Go!
Jeff Coben, M.D., Dean, WVU School of Public Health