President Porterfield invites all faculty and staff to gather at First Free Methodist Church on Thursday, September 5, at 10:30 a.m. for a time of worship, prayer, and communion. Lunch will follow. 

A message from Office of Student Involvement and Leadership: We’re pleased to announce that Christian rappers Lecrae and PEABOD will appear in concert in Royal Brougham Pavilion as a part of SPU’s New Student Orientation on Saturday, Sept. 28. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to this complimentary show exclusive to our community. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Be sure to bring your SPU ID with you — that’s your ticket into the show. We’re looking forward to having you with us!

A message from Computer & Information Systems: The Workday Project team is about to enter a new phase of the project involving more folks from around campus, at a faster pace, and higher volume of work. Thank you for all your support and prayers as we work to transform our operations into ones that can sustain SPU for the long term. Thank you as well for your patience with the departments involved as they commit more time towards our future success.

As always, you can see more project information on the Workday wiki, and you can contact the project team with any questions or information at workday@spu.edu.

Seattle Pacific University presents “AI and the Future of Work,” a online and in-person conference to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work. SPU faculty will lead plenary sessions — on the latest developments in AI, the ethical impacts of AI, and writing with AI — as well as professional tracks focused on business, education, health professions, psychology, and ministry. Students can attend the conference and earn one college credit. 

The in-person conference is Sept. 20–21 on campus, and the online conference is Saturday, Oct. 19.

A message from SPU Dining Services: Einstein Bros. Bagels and the C-Store will close temporarily for an exciting remodel that began August 31. SPU Dining apologizes for any inconvenience caused due to the closure and we look forward to serving you again when the 2024-25 school year begins!

If you are interested in playing pickleball with other faculty and staff, email Cindy Strong, emertia faculty librarian, at clstrong@spu.edu. Cindy says, "We usually play one morning a week in Brougham Pavilion. Players of all levels are encouraged to join the fun. We play grace-filled pickleball. Bring your own paddles and sometimes we have extras."

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 to your 403b account may take up to seven days to be provided to SPU for processing, so please contact Transamerica by the first of the month prior to your requested change. 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 Cherylin Shdo in HR at 206-281-2816.

The Faculty/Staff Bulletin is published every Monday during the academic year or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday. The next deadline is Thursday, Sept. 5. The next issue will be published Monday, Sept. 9. 

If you have information or event news, send it as soon as possible with an image or graphic to Bulletin editor Tracy Norlen at fsb-editor@spu.edu. Submissions may be edited for clarity.

On August 19, Professor of Art Katie Kresser was honored to serve as keynote speaker for Asbury University's annual faculty retreat. She spoke on the topic of "Education as Pilgrimage." She would like you to know that the Asbury faculty says "hi."

An article about raising kids in faith by Katherine Douglass, associate professor of educational ministry and practical theology, was published in the Religious Education journal. The article is titled, "Lions or Cheetahs? Who is Responsible for Raising Kids in Faith?"

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

Gloria Diehl, residence life coordinator, Residence Life
Logan Taylor, treasury accountant, Finance

Keyne Law, associate professor and director of research in clinical psychology, was interviewed about her research project on the influence of TikTok and youth mental health for a Healthlink segment on KING5-TV. The story aired August 23 and then on NBC affiliates throughout the United States. The segment was titled "Seattle researcher explores how TikTok might influence youth mental health."