Dear colleagues,

In our 10-year strategic plan, our answer to “What Starts Here?” is clear and unwavering … Change Starts Here. It is by design that the first pillar of our plan is “People” – if we ask how change starts, the answer is Change Starts With Us. This idea is the core of a new campaign that will harness our efforts to become the best place to work for our faculty and staff by providing an environment where everyone is inspired, develops and grows, and feels supported and valued.

To achieve these goals, we need to hear from you and understand your unique experiences. While our University leaders are accountable for positive change, it will take our entire community to realize our future together.

The Change Starts With Us campaign provides an opportunity to see the collective impact we can all have when we unite under a common purpose. It also provides an opportunity for you to share your experiences and elevate your voices in hope that everyone feels seen and valued.

To that end, we will launch the first Change Starts With Us survey, a short survey that will help the University and your colleges, schools and units collect critically important data and insights into both where we are currently and where we need to go. This is more than just a collection of data. Each college, school and unit will come out of this exercise with action plans they will use throughout the next academic year and beyond, all based on your input. Going forward, data and insights will become a valuable and normal part of how we plan and influence our workplace and community.

Starting Feb. 20, you will receive invitations from Internal Communications at UTHRSurveys@qualtrics-surveys.com. Please participate in the survey to help us become the best place to work and shape a workforce culture that is engaging, enabling and supportive of our educational and research missions. Your input is needed and appreciated.

Thank you for all you do, and Hook ’em!

Jay Hartzell
President