For President Broderick, Monarch Mornings Are Reunions With Colleagues

September 24, 2015

John R. Broderick

Since becoming Old Dominion University's eighth President in 2008, John R. Broderick has hosted Monarch Mornings each year, a series of informal sessions with faculty and administrators across campus.

The gatherings are designed to be a reflection of shared governance, providing faculty and staff the opportunity to hear directly from the President about what is happening and what is planned for the University campus.

But for Broderick, Monarch Mornings have greater significance.

"It allows people to share with me before and after the forum what is happening in their lives," Broderick said. "I have been here 23 years, so many of these folks are longtime friends. I hear the happy news about children, trips, but I also hear about how someone is living with cancer or how someone is afraid to retire because of the economy. It allows me to connect on all levels."

This year's Monarch Mornings, for classified and hourly employees and administrators, will be held across campus during the month of October.

"I will see individuals who I simply don't get an opportunity to interact with regularly anymore, and it's really nice to see so many friendly faces," Broderick said. Since Monarch Mornings started in 2009, more than 4,000 staff members on campus, at the Higher Education Centers or ODU Distance Learning have gathered.

In fact, Broderick said every year the meetings produce feedback - whether it's a particular annoyance, or a suggestion on how to improve daily campus life - that gets addressed right away.

"A good idea can come from anywhere. I truly appreciate the feedback," he said.

Pre-tax payments for parking, more funding for the employee tuition assistance program and flexibility in overtime compensation in Facilities Management are examples of changes implemented by human resources after the issue was raised during Monarch Mornings sessions.

As the University grows in size and scope, Broderick said he appreciates the opportunity to hear what is happening on campus at the same time that he provides an update to staff and administrators about University accomplishments.

"It gives employees an opportunity to ask questions of me, but more importantly, it allows me an opportunity to listen," Broderick said.

Light refreshments will be served at the morning sessions, which include:

• Thursday, Oct. 1, 8:15-8:45 a.m., Webb Center River Rooms. For staff and administrators of Webb Center, the E.V. Williams Engineering and Computational Sciences Building, the Darden College of Education, Batten College of Engineering and Strome College of Business.
• Thursday, Oct. 1, 9-9:30 a.m., Kornblau Alumni Center Lobby. For staff and administrators of Koch Hall, the Alumni Center, Goode Theatre, Gresham Hall and Rogers Hall
• Friday, Oct. 9, 8:15-8:45 a.m., University Village Community Room. For ODU Police.
• Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7:30-8 a.m. and 8:15-8:45, Scotland House Community Room. For Facilities Management staff.
• Wednesday, Oct. 14, 9-9:30 a.m., Scotland House Community Room. For staff and administrators of Facilities Management, Children's Learning and Research Center, Powhatan Apartments, Powhatan Sports Complex, Recreation and Wellness, Whitehurst Hall and Athletics.
• Thursday, Oct. 15, 8:15-8:45 a.m., Library Commons. For staff and administrators of ODU Libraries, the Student Success Center and Learning Commons @ Perry Library
• Thursday, Oct. 15, 9-9:30 a.m., Gornto fourth floor lobby, with remote broadcast. For staff and administrators of Albert Brooks Gornto Jr. Hall, the University's Higher Education Centers and distance learning sites.
• Friday, Oct. 23, 8:15-8:45 a.m., Kornblau Alumni Center Lobby. For staff and administrators of the Office of Research, Office of Development, College of Health Sciences, Frank Reidy Center for Bioelectrics, Dragas Hall and the Visual Arts Center.
• Friday, Oct. 23, 9-9:30 a.m., Spong Hall Training Room. For staff and administrators of Spong Hall and Rollins Hall.