Salons to offer faculty time, place to gatherVanderbilt faculty are invited to attend a series of informal gatherings designed to encourage communication across disciplinary, departmental and school lines, said Mark Justad, assistant to the Chancellor and senior lecturer in religion and society. "Chancellor Gee thinks it important that his office provide an occasional opportunity for faculty to gather and talk with their colleagues," said Justad. "There will be no program; only introductory remarks, music, wine and cheese, and coffee and hot tea. Announcements for the good of the faculty will be encouraged." The idea for the afternoon salons came from Chancellor Gordon Gee's series of informal conversations he has had with faculty since arriving on campus in August. "I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know many of my faculty colleagues here at Vanderbilt. They are a marvelous collection of bright and fascinating people who have much to say," said Chancellor Gee. "However, one of the things the faculty have told me is that they do not know each other well enough. This is a shame, and we need to change that fact." The first "Salon V" is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 31 in the second floor reception area of Kirkland Hall. These gatherings, open to all faculty, will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Faculty will receive a campus mailing with the relevant dates and locations, as well as an e-mail reminder the week of each salon. "Provost [Thomas G.] Burish and Vice Chancellor [Harry R.] Jacobson are enthusiastic supporters of Salon V," said Justad. The Provost's Office will co-sponsor the events in Kirkland Hall, and the Office of Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs will co-sponsor two salons, including the Feb. 14 event at the University Club. "Salon V is designed to be a nice way to end the day and to provide a good excuse for faculty to get together and talk," said Justad
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