Academic Council Meeting
January 15, 2026
3:30 – 5:00 PM

0016 Westbrook Building (Divinity School)

  1. Welcome / Remarks from the Chair
     
  2. Approval of the December 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes
     
  3. Item from the December 4 meeting: Additional questions/discussion for the co-chairs of the Teaching & Mentoring Excellence Report before vote is conducted via Qualtrics (Report) (Resolution from APC)
     
  4. [EXECUTIVE SESSION] Update on Duke Kunshan University: Provost Alec Gallimore and Chair Mark Anthony Neal
     
  5. An Anonymous question submitted regarding Duke’s Global Strategy Report issued in October 2025: 

    The need to develop a focused approach to Duke's Global Strategy seems necessary and worthwhile, but the three chosen thematic priority areas (health, climate, and economic development) effectively erase the Arts and Humanities. Duke's international reputation has, in great part, been accomplished by our scholars and programs in these areas, including units carrying our name far beyond US borders, like Duke University Press and the Nasher Museum of Art. Can this report be revised, keeping the spirit of focus and efficiency, but without shooting Duke in the foot by eliminating languages, art, and culture from its global strategy? Why should we cut precisely the things that have proven to bring great results? Perhaps we could have a fourth thematic area (arts and culture?), or condense two of the three existing ones to make space and correct this harmful omission? Our international philanthropy networks would surely appreciate the change as well, especially our prominent alumni in these areas. 
     
  6. Duke Global Strategy/Structure Update:  Valerie Hausman, Associate Vice Provost for Global Administration, Krishna Udayakumar, Chief Global Strategist, and Dave Bowersox, Vice Provost for Finance & Administration