Photo by Janisse Cuevas

Fall 2025 ACE Leaders Network Lunch Panel

 

The ACE Leaders Network hosted a Transformational Leadership Panel featuring Patricia Whitely, Erin Kobetz, and Soyeon Ahn, who came together for a candid conversation about navigating uncertainty and leading with purpose. Each panelist reflected on the moments that shaped them, reminding the audience that real leadership often begins with a willingness to show up with purpose and follow through with intention. Their insights highlighted how adaptability, focused action, and resilience can guide a university through change, underscoring the essential role of strong leadership in sustaining the community within UM and beyond.

 

Photo by Joshua Prezant/University of Miami.

Retiring Faculty Recognition at Fall 2025 Commencement

With deep appreciation for their distinguished service, we extend our congratulations to the following retiring faculty who will be recognized at the upcoming Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies this Thursday, December 11, 2025:

• Ricardo Rodriguez, Associate Professor of Finance, Miami Herbert Business School
• Harold Wanless, Professor in the Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences

 

 

Current Residential Faculty and Faculty Fellows

 

Applications Open for Faculty Fellow Positions in the
Residential Colleges

Applications are now being accepted for Faculty Fellow Positions on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus. Reporting to the Dean of Undergraduate Education and the Sr. Vice President of Student Affairs, the Faculty Fellow serves as an academic advocate and mentor for undergraduate students in an assigned Residential College.

Faculty Fellows work closely with Residential Faculty and Housing and Residential Life staff to increase faculty-student engagement and contribute to developing an intentional intellectual community. Learn more.

Qualifications to apply for the position include:

1. Full-time faculty appointment that includes undergraduate instruction on the Coral Gables campus
2. A minimum of 2 full years teaching undergraduate students at the University of Miami at the time of appointment

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit an interest form by January 31, 2026.

As an Institutional Member of NCFDD, we encourage faculty and academic professionals from all levels to sign up for a complimentary sub-account membership. This gives you exclusive access to online resources including an array of webinars, training, professional development programs, and mentoring support. Learn more.

Upcoming Webinars & Courses

NCFDD offers a variety of webinars designed to meet the needs of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. Our multi-week courses are intensive series offered by expert facilitators to tackle the Academy's most pressing challenges. Learn more.

Coming in 2026: Roth Catch-Up Requirement

A new provision of the SECURE 2.0 Act will change how certain employees make catch-up contributions to their retirement plans. Learn more.

What’s Changing?

Starting in 2026, catch-up contributions for faculty and staff turning age 50 or older and earning more than $150,000* (as defined for Social Security FICA wages) in the previous year will be automatically processed as after-tax Roth contributions.

What This Means for You

If you qualify and choose to make catch-up contributions in 2026, those contributions will be automatically processed as Roth (after-tax).

If you prefer not to make Roth contributions, you may update or change your contribution elections at any time by logging in to umretirement.com.

The University of Miami is pleased to announce the transition to Canvas as our next-generation learning management system (LMS). This decision reflects extensive feedback from students and faculty who participated in the 2024–2025 LMS Evaluation Initiative, which included piloting Canvas alongside Blackboard. Their insights informed faculty governance's vote in favor of Canvas, recognizing its ability to better support the University’s evolving academic needs. Learn more.

Interactive Training Sessions

If you’d like a hands-on introduction, we invite you to register for an interactive training session covering features you’ll use every day—organizing course materials, managing assignments, and communicating with students.

Click Here to Register

Sessions run twice a week from late October 2025 through early January 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce the continuation of the Canes Course Pack program at the University of Miami for the Fall 2025 semester. Your ongoing partnership in this program is greatly appreciated, as it greatly benefits our students. Learn more.

The University of Miami is determined to accommodate students who wish to observe religious holy days. Please consult the Faculty Manual regarding various processes and procedures including the Religious Holy Day Policy. Learn more.

UM Libraries hosts introductory sessions on the fundamentals of mindfulness and well-being with opportunities for guided practice, reflection, and questions. Virtual sessions are offered on a weekly basis. Learn more.

The Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) offers valuable support services for UM employees and dependents including virtual webinars to promote health, work/life balance, and engagement. Learn more.

Why cancel class when you can rely on us? Dedicated Toppel Career Center staff offer Career Education Workshops on a variety of topics. Want an employer to present on a specific organization or industry? We can also assist with this! Learn more.

Teaching with AI: Seizing Opportunities and Navigating Challenges is an asynchronous self-paced course designed to equip faculty with essential knowledge and tools for integrating generative AI into educational settings. Learn more.

With the Toppel Career Center’s self-service headshot photo booth, you can stop by any time during normal business hours to take a free professional headshot. The photo booth is open to all UM students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Learn more.

All UM students, faculty, and staff are welcome to stop by the Canes Community Food Pantry during hours of operation to receive or donate items. The pantry is located in Lakeside Village Room 1054. Learn more.

Enhance your career conversations with students, in and out of the classroom. The Faculty & Staff Engagement Hub offers a variety of helpful resources, support tools, and engagement opportunities for UM faculty and staff. Learn more.

The Career Champions Certification Program is designed to empower faculty and staff to better support students in preparing for career opportunities during their academic journey and beyond graduation. Learn more.