[Plsgs] School Leadership

[Mark A Beilstein]

Hi All,

I'm writing to hopefully provide some clarification regarding the selection
of the next Interim Director of the School. I first want to acknowledge the
concern graduate student representatives communicated about changes in
leadership during our School retreat last month. Changes in leadership can
be stressful for all of us and I want to help reduce the stress you may all
be feeling. Here are a couple things you should know as we begin the
process of evaluating candidates over the next week.

1. Many students and faculty have voiced concern that graduate students
were not explicitly included in the evaluation process for the next
director. Several faculty and students are actively working to ensure you
all have the opportunity to hear each candidate detail their plans for
the School and to ask candidates questions that help you better understand
their values. I will send you updates about the process and how you all can
participate. If any of you have suggestions, please do not hesitate to
reach out to me and/or Keenia.

2. I plan to remain in my role as DGS and to continue to advocate for our
graduate programs, regardless of who is selected as next Interim Director.

3. I want to reassure you all that the graduate programs, in particular,
remain financially sound. Your compensation is not in jeopardy and will not
be placed in jeopardy by the next director, whomever that may be.

I will continue to work to address your concerns about our programs and I
want to encourage you all to communicate concerns to your representatives,
Keenia, and me. I understand that some distrust developed during the
previous DGS's tenure. I remain hopeful that I can regain your trust and
that together we can work toward changes that improve our programs. As soon
as I know more about the selection process for the new Interim Director, I
will pass it along to you all, even if you are included in official emails
from Dr. Burgess or others.

More soon,
Mark (and Keenia)


___________________
Mark Beilstein, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director of Graduate Studies
Bart Cardon Fellow
School of Plant Sciences
P.O. Box 210036
Forbes Building, Room 303
Tucson, AZ 85721-0036
____________________
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