Faculty, staff convocation set for Sept. 18

The Western Washington University community will convene to celebrate the start of the 2014-15 academic year by sharing breakfast and each other’s company, recognizing faculty and staff award winners and listening to President Bruce Shepard's annual address at Opening Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The morning begins with a complimentary breakfast from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the Viking Commons (look for an email in mid-August with a link to the online registration site to make your required breakfast reservation). Convocation and the presentation of faculty and staff awards take place from 9:10 to 10:15 a.m. on the PAC Mainstage.

In addition to serving as an annual kickoff to the school year, the event serves as an opportunity to honor the outstanding work of Western faculty and staff.

The following awards will be announced at the event:

• Outstanding Faculty Leadership Award
• Diversity Achievement Award
• Carl H. Simpson Bridging Award
• Outstanding Classified Staff Award
• Professional Staff Award for Excellence
• Philip E. Sharpe, Jr. Community Engagement Award
• Team Recognition Award

From 8 to 10:30 a.m., Western will pause normal operations and all offices will be closed, except in rare cases where staff are informed they must report to carry out their essential responsibilities.

In lieu of shuttle service for off-campus employees, parking enforcement will be suspended in all lots from 7 to 11 a.m.