The University Theme Selection Committee is announcing a new, streamlined process for selecting the 2009-10 University Theme. We invite all members of the Susquehanna University community to submit proposals, particularly for themes that lend themselves to collaboration among individuals or across groups and disciplines. Joint proposals are also encouraged.

The year-long theme links the University's curricular and co-curricular components, including classes, activities, events, discussions, and travel. This idea is consistent with the following Susquehanna goals: 1) developing the common experience of students; 2) fostering a culture of intellectual engagement; 3) creating a diverse community; and 4) supporting communication, collaboration and creativity across campus.

Proposals for the 2009-10 year are now being accepted, with the following guidelines:

1. Required. Proposals should be submitted in the form of a Word document and contain the following:

• Name(s) of submitter(s) and contact information (telephone and email)
• Theme title
• A description of the theme (250 word maximum)

Important Change: If your theme is selected, the committee will contact you for further input and development of the public announcement.

2. Optional. The committee would also be interested in any or all of these optional elements if you have additional information to share:

• Possible connections across the academic schools or other parts of the university
• Possible collaborators (who have expressed interest or might find particular interest in your theme)
• Related texts that could serve as the University Common Reading, or related speakers for university events

3. Send submissions electronically to Valerie Martin (vmartin@susqu.edu), dean of the School of Arts , Humanities and Communications, by 5 p.m. Feb. 22. The committee members listed below will review proposals.

Please direct questions to any member of the University Theme Selection Committee:

Ron Cohen, vice president for University Relations (co-chair)
Valerie Martin, dean of Arts, Humanities and Communications (co-chair)
Heather Black, Student Representative, junior major in communications & business
Carrie Ellis, assistant director of admissions
Caroline Mercado, director of First Year Programs
Alissa Packer, assistant professor of biology
Lynn Palermo, assistant professor of French
James Pomykalski, associate professor of information systems
Jan Reichard-Brown, assistant professor of health studies and biology
María Cristina Saavedra, assistant professor of Spanish