Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the 2025–26 academic year!
As President Kaler wrote last Monday, we begin this academic year at a pivotal moment—not only as we prepare for Case Western Reserve’s bicentennial, but also as the partnership between research institutions and the federal government is being reset. In the Office of the Provost, our focus on faculty is clear: ensuring that you have the support, resources, and time needed to continue advancing the university’s mission.
Last fall, I outlined five strategic pillars to successfully implement the president’s priorities. Our initiatives range from programming that enhances intellectual engagement across different disciplines, to supports that span the full lifecycle of a faculty career, to exciting opportunities to advance innovation in the classroom. We also work to provide procedures and tools to save you valuable time. This approach is designed to allow you to concentrate on what matters most—engaging students, advancing research and scholarship, and solving real-world challenges to improve the human condition.
These initiatives highlight key programs and opportunities to support your work and engagement this year.
Advancing Student Success
Student success is always a top priority. This year, we welcomed a record-breaking class of 1,650 students from 39,000 applications—a testament to the quality of our faculty and your commitment to helping us in our recruiting efforts. Our Unified General Education Requirements are equipping students with the skills and confidence to tackle real-world challenges and are preparing them to thrive across disciplines. Our newly approved Humanity and Technology major is also driving collaborative approaches between STEM and humanities faculty, equipping our students with real-world skills and strong ethical approaches.
For graduate students, in partnership with the School of Graduate Studies and the Corporate Engagement Center, the Find Tomorrow’s Talent Today: Graduate Student Showcase scheduled for this fall will connect late-stage PhD students with industry leaders, highlighting CWRU’s innovative research and emerging talent for Cleveland-based companies.
Collaborating Across Boundaries
The Provost’s Forum for Breaking Boundaries is designed to enhance intellectual engagement across the faculty and build on synergies that span the College and schools. Each forum features a keynote speaker, cross-campus research spotlights, and a reception to build on collaborations. We encourage you to join us and showcase your research. Sign up today at the links below.
- Social Determinants of Cancer (Oct. 13, 2–5 p.m.) – Exploring how social, economic, and environmental factors shape cancer outcomes and how interdisciplinary research can drive new solutions.
- AI & Biology (Nov. 6, 2–5 p.m.) – Examining how artificial intelligence is transforming biological research, discovery, and application.
Hiring Faculty
Through the Faculty 100 Initiative, CWRU is working to hire 100 net new tenure-track faculty to strengthen research and foster collaboration. As of September 1, we have hired 58 faculty members through this initiative across a range of disciplines. In addition, our development team has raised more than $30 million in philanthropic support for this initiative to increase the number of endowed professorships.
Driving Innovation
At CWRU, innovation is a cornerstone of our mission, driving groundbreaking research and transformative ideas that address global challenges. We are driving a number of initiatives to support faculty in this realm:
- AI in Education – We are integrating AI into curriculum, research, and operations to prepare students for an AI-driven world—always with ethics and societal impact at the forefront. We currently host more than 100 courses spanning 40 departments that integrate AI. In addition, the list of AI-integrated courses and degree offerings is growing!
- Sears think[box] – With facility upgrades and new curricular partnerships, think[box] is enhancing tools and spaces while helping faculty integrate hands-on learning and bringing classroom concepts to life.
- Interactive Commons – The IC is expanding its reach with new locations across campus, providing spaces where faculty can self-design innovative lessons and courses that engage students in active learning.
Supporting Faculty at Every Stage
The Office of Faculty Advancement and Postdoctoral Affairs applies a career lifecycle approach to support faculty from the moment they arrive on campus through emeriti status. This office is expanding opportunities to engage with faculty at all career stages, ensuring mentorship, growth, and connection throughout the entire journey at CWRU. The office’s Faculty Advancement Series offers targeted professional development opportunities designed to help faculty excel at each stage of their careers.
Elevating CWRU’s Global Reputation
As you prepare publications or public-facing work, I have an ongoing request in order to continue advancing our outstanding academic reputation. Please use the appropriate primary affiliation exactly as it appears on this webpage. This unified approach helps elevate our global profile and ensures collective credit for your published work.
Enhancing Civility & Connection
Our community strives to be an exemplar of open-mindedness, active listening, and critical thinking. Our monthly Critical Conversations bring together expert panelists to explore complex and often controversial topics across disciplinary lenses. This semester, we will examine timely issues including tariffs, the impacts of polarization, and AI and learning. These events also support our 10 Skills for Engaging in Civil Discourse, and you are welcome to use this list in any way helpful for your courses, as these were developed by your fellow faculty through the Civil Discourse Advisory Group.
In closing, I am constantly inspired by your dedication to supporting our students, advancing knowledge, and fostering community. I look forward to a year where your collective impact continues to propel our institution forward for the greater good.
Warm regards,
Joy K. Ward
Provost and Executive Vice President
Case Western Reserve University
