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Although MU-ADVANCE is still a new program, we have already hosted four events: a Welcome Reception, and three networking events. The Welcome Reception, in February, allowed Faculty members from the four colleges and schools affiliated with ADVANCE to become acquainted with each other. At the event, the attendees were asked to complete a survey on the types of events they would like ADVANCE to offer in the future. MU-ADVANCE collated the information from those surveys, and has since hosted four events on requested topics. The first workshop focused on mentoring. Faculty members discussed the existing mentoring system, or lack thereof, and how it could be improved. Many participants said they have to look beyond their administrators and colleagues at MU for any advice – outside collaborations are the key to success. Delving into the question of how to balance work and life, the second workshop involved attendees talking about how they manage to fulfill their work duties, while still making time for their personal lives. Not surprising, having children or planning to have children complicates the balance between the two. For many, more convenient, accessible daycare would alleviate much of the stress of daily life. Although Marshall does have a daycare priority is given to the children of students. The third workshop was “Get to Know the BMS Faculty. At this event, Biomedical Science faculty displayed and explained their research to interested parties. This gathering focused on allowing faculty to begin to learn what research is occurring on campus; to make contacts; and to exchange ideas. To date, these events have been very successful in developing networks and collaborations between the different disciplines. Faculty members have transcended the boundaries of their own departments and have been quite happy to create interdisciplinary cohorts to discuss certain aspects of university life.
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