Do you know a student who cannot afford a computer to aid their learning journey? They may be eligible to receive a refurbished Dell XPS laptop at little to no cost from the University. Refer students to the Center for Learning at cfl@spu.edu or 206-281-2475, and they will oversee the application process. Priority for no-cost computers will be given to those with financial need as indicated on the FAFSA form. This program is a collaboration between University Advancement, Computer and Information Systems, and the Center for Learning,

On Thursday, Dec. 12, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in Eaton 112, Doug Koskela, professor of theology and associate dean of undergraduate studies; and Doug Strong, dean of the School of Theology and professor of the history of Christianity, will lead the Human Resources Professional Development Series workshop, “Knowledge and Vital Piety: The Wesleyan Roots of SPU’s University Foundations Program.” They will examine what it means to be a Wesleyan institution, including reflection on how SPU's Wesleyan identity shows up in classes such as University Foundations. Learn about the content and key questions addressed in each of the UFDN classes, and why their approach emerges from SPU's Wesleyan identity. Registration is available through Skillsoft. Bring your lunch; beverages and snacks are provided.

A message from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We invite you to engage with us through the December ODEI Connections, where we share monthly highlights, stories, and resources in the work of diversity for SPU’s faculty and staff community.

Learn more about the Big Read, conflict resolution at work and in the classroom, alumni and faculty news, and more in the latest On Point e-newsletter from the School of Education.

Staff Council invites to join us for our annual Staff Council Christmas Party on Monday, Dec. 16, from 12–1:30 p.m. in the SUB’s Gazebo Room. Bring your lunch and join us for cookie decorating, creating Christmas cards, photo booth, hot chocolate, and a raffle. Staff Council will also be collecting donations for The Bridge Care Center. We look forward to connecting with each of you!

Do you currently commute from the Federal Way area to SPU? If so, we are in need of vanpool and vanshare riders commuting from the south end. To learn more, contact Transportation Manager Heather Eide at 206-281-2821 or eideh@spu.edu.

The 10th of each month is the last day to make changes to your upcoming payroll check. Do you need to add or remove your spouse and/or children from your health care plans? If so, contact Human Resources (HR) to complete the appropriate form. Changes might include events that are expected to impact your benefits and deductions, such as your spouse or children gaining or losing coverage due to employment, birth, marriage, etc. Additionally, any changes you wish to make to your 403(b) account contributions must be made by the 10th of the month. For changes to your 403(b) account, contact Transamerica Retirement Solutions at 1-888-676-5512 (5 a.m.–6 p.m. PST), or 1-800-755-5801. If you have any other benefits-related changes, call Mardeth Hughes in HR at 206-281-2816.

A message from Residence Life: The Resident Advisor selection process begins Winter Quarter and we need your help to recruit qualified candidates. Our campus is blessed with students who have academic, spiritual, and servant-leadership gifts. However, many students do not apply without the encouragement of faculty, staff, and peers. We are seeking an applicant pool that reflects the ethnic and cultural diversity of our community, with increased numbers of male students who engage in the selection process. We hope you will partner with us by submitting your recommendations by email to BeAnRA@spu.edu with the names of students whom you’d like to see apply by Thursday, Jan. 9, 12 p.m. Thank you in advance for your support!

The Faculty/Staff Bulletin is published every Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) during the academic year. The last Bulletin for December will be published Monday, December 16. The deadline is Thursday, December 12. If you have information or event news, send it as soon as possible to Bulletin editor Tracy Norlen at fsb-editor@spu.edu. Submissions may be edited for clarity.

In recognition of her service to the SPU community, Karen Park, associate director of Educational Technology and Media, was nominated by her peers and selected by Staff Council as the December Staff Member of the Month. Congratulations and thank you, Karen! Learn more about Karen and nominate a colleague for recognition on the Staff Council website.

Jeff Keuss, professor of Christian ministry, theology, and culture, presented a paper titled “The Literary Self as Another: Kenosis and Hermeneutics as Pedagogical Tools for a Renewal of the Liberal Arts” during the Paul Ricoeur section of the American Academy of Religion in San Diego. He also chaired a panel titled “The Just University: Paul Ricoeur and the Hope of Higher Education,” which previewed his upcoming co-edited volume representing a collection of diverse and interdisciplinary scholars seeking to reestablish the place of justice as the central function of higher education in the 21st century.

Stephen Newby, professor of music, director of composition, and director of the Center for Worship, will be the featured performer on Monday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m. at the second annual tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. titled “Be the Light, Inspiring a Beloved Community in Song, Spoken Word, and Dance” at the Edmonds Center for Arts. Visit the website for more information and tickets.

Please join the Office of Human Resources in welcoming the following new staff members:

Brenda Day, certification specialist: graduate teacher education, School of Education
Madisynn McCombs, administrative assistant, Executive Office
Eric Pang enrollment operations coordinator, Enrollment Operations

Jenny Warmouth, adjunct instructor in the School of Education, and her second grade students from Spruce Elementary School were featured on KIRO-TV news on December 6 when they presented $387.57 to PAWS in Lynnwood on Giving Tuesday. For the past 10 years, Jenny has had her second graders write adoption advertisements for the more difficult dogs and cats at PAWS seeking homes. Watch the news story.

Forrest Franklin, husband of Instructor Emerita of Education Susan Franklin, passed away last week. Forrest was an SPC alumnus, and he and Susan were active at First Baptist Church in Seattle.