Spectrum - Volume 19 Issue 09 October 24, 1996 - Meszaros briefs Faculty Senate

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Meszaros briefs Faculty Senate

By John Ashby

Spectrum Volume 19 Issue 09 - October 24, 1996

The Faculty Senate heard a presentation by Provost Peggy Meszaros at its October meeting.

Meszaros reported on the university's academic accomplishments during the past year. She said the university core-values project has been completed, criteria on degree-program review and selection, and differential-allocation programs have been developed and piloted; the strategic self study initiated, and post-tenure-review policy developed and approved by the Board of Visitors.

She also listed initiation of the faculty-development program, including the Commonwealth Connection faculty tour of the state; the department-head development program, implementation of the Perry/Sorensen Committee plan for improving admissions and financial-aid services for students, and a review of the summer-school situation and plan for improvement.

Other accomplishments Meszaros noted included implementation of the Cooperative Extension Service restructuring plan, student-retention study initiation, development of a conversion policy from academic year to calendar year for research faculty members, the creation of two new schools within the university, initiation of an academic-eligibility policy for undergraduate students, oversight of the COTA and continuing-education programs and revenues, and implementation of the merger of the colleges of Education and Human Resources.

Meszaros discussed a restructuring plan for the colleges which she described as "a college-by-college strategic restructuring plan to develop an academic agenda." She said the goal is to "develop a narrative around the academic agenda." The process will involve the deans looking at goals with their faculties, Meszaros said. "By the end of the year, the goal is to have a strategic restructuring plan from each college."

Vice Provost for Academic Affairs John Fulton discussed his efforts to improve success levels at the university (see September 26 Spectrum , page 3).