A Message from the Provost: Week of 9.22.25

September 25 | 2025
 

Dear Colleagues, 

It has been a full and meaningful week, with the meeting of our Board of Trustees, evolving federal policy news, and a special opportunity to celebrate our faculty. Here are some updates: 

 

This week’s Board of Trustees Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting focused on several key areas, including our annual review of low-producing programs. As always, the intent of this review is not simply numerical but reflective, ensuring that every program contributes to our mission, meets student demand, and aligns with Wyoming’s workforce and research priorities. Deans and faculty are actively engaged in this process, with recommendations due November 15. Here is the list of programs under review:

 

College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources:
·         BS Botany
·         MS Botany
·         MS Entomology
·         PhD Entomology
·         MS Soil Sciences
·         MS Molecular Biology

 

College of Arts and Sciences:
·         BA Music
·         BM Music Performance
·         Master of Music Education
·         BA Religious Studies

 

College of Education:
·         PhD Education
·         MST Natural Science

 

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences:
·         BS Environmental Geology/Geohydrology
·         MS Geophysics
·         BA Physics
·         BS Astronomy/Astrophysics
·         MS Architectural Engineering
·         MS Environmental Engineering
·         BS Energy Systems Engineering

 

As many of you saw, the federal government issued an announcement late last week regarding the H-1B visa program. News like this can understandably raise questions for employees directly impacted, as well as for those who work closely with them. Our Global Engagement, Human Resources, and Legal teams are closely reviewing the details and are preparing to host informational Q&A sessions for employees in the coming week. In the meantime, students with questions should reach out to International Students and Scholars, while faculty and departments should direct inquiries to HR. Thank you for your patience and support as we work through this together, ensuring that our colleagues and students feel informed and supported.

 

Finally, tonight we gather at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center for the annual dinner honoring faculty who have received tenure, fixed-term rolling contracts, and promotion. This tradition, co-hosted by the Board of Trustees and President Seidel, is one of the highlights of the academic year. It is a moment to pause and recognize the tremendous work and dedication of our faculty, whose teaching, scholarship, and service are the foundation of UW’s mission. Congratulations to all honorees; your accomplishments inspire our community and strengthen our university.

 

Thank you all for your continued contributions to the life of UW and hope you have a great weekend!

 

Warm regards,

Anne