While many initiatives will be undertaken over the course of the year by individual units in the Academic Affairs Division, the following goals represent prominent initiatives across our division this year.  Accomplishing our annual goals will involve much collaboration between the units of the division and collaboration with other college divisions, governance structures, councils and committees.  Proposals will go through appropriate reviews on campus, and we will report on our progress on these goals at the end of the year.

The goals listed below include “assessments” (how we will know we accomplished what we intended) and “responsibility” (those who are primarily involved in leading the effort).  Overall, the Provost and Provost’s Council members will be responsible for ensuring completion of these annual goals, though many other groups, committees, and individuals, such as those mentioned below, will also be involved in accomplishing the tasks. Throughout our implementation of these goals we will address our commitments to cultural diversity, and we will review our policies and procedures for resource allocation in support of our priorities.  We will broadly communicate our progress and our accomplishments in these areas.

1.   Academic Affairs will advance the discussion across campus of ways to help students integrate their learning experiences.

Assessment:  numbers involved in workshops, seminars, department discussions
Responsibility:  Catalyst Grant PDs, Provost’s Council, Provost, chairs

2.   Academic Affairs will review opportunities currently available to faculty and professional staff members for professional growth and will develop strategies for appropriate enhancements.

Assessment:  comprehensive list of opportunities, proposal for enhancements
Responsibility:  Provost’s Council, Provost, directors, departments

3.   Academic Affairs will provide recommendations to Facilities about the development and renovation of academic spaces.

Assessment:  recommendations made
Responsibility:  Provost’s Council, Provost, relevant departments, units

4.   Academic Affairs will develop strategic goals for the future of graduate studies.

Assessment:  goals set, new hire complete
Responsibility:  Interim Graduate Dean, Provost’s Council, Provost, deans, directors, graduate coordinators, faculty and professional staff

5.   Academic Affairs will develop strategic goals for future initiatives in scholarly and creative activities and in Research and Sponsored Programs.

Assessment:  goals set, new interim hire
Responsibility:  Interim ORSP director, Provost’s Council, Provost, directors, faculty and professional staff

6.   Academic Affairs will study issues and set goals related to the size and mix of our undergraduate and graduate programs.

Assessment:  discussions, report
Responsibility:  Provost’s Council, Provost, directors, departments

7.   Academic Affairs will develop recommendations regarding student-faculty ratios and the appropriate mix of faculty appointments to provide the best learning environments for our students.

Assessment:  recommendations
Responsibility:  Provost’s Council, Provost, directors, departments

8.   Academic Affairs will identify additional strategies for increasing students’ learning about international and global perspectives.

Assessment:  increased participation in study abroad; more international students, new courses, modules, and/or programs; attendance at appropriate events
Responsibility:  OIEP, Provost’s Council, Provost, departments

9.   Academic Affairs will develop a planning process for the use of technologies in support of learning.

Assessment:  planning process developed
Responsibility:  Provost’s Council, Provost, directors, departments

10. Academic Affairs will develop recommendations for the President related to a new teaching symposium, graduate school mentoring, Phi Beta Kappa, and new initiatives for improving retention and graduation rates.

Assessment:  recommendations
Responsibility:  Provost’s Council, Provost, directors, departments

Provost’s Council

9-08-04