The following message was shared with Ohio University employees on Feb. 2, 2021.
Dear Colleagues,
Since November 2020, following a call for nominations , the Academic Planning and Strategy Group, comprising 36 faculty and Deans’ Council representatives, has been working to develop recommendations about strengthening and refocusing on the academic core of our university. Initially, the group met together to review background information and to develop principles for the work ahead. Beginning in January, the group began meeting in subgroups focused on academic structures, academic policy and practice, and academic offerings. Each subgroup is co-chaired by a faculty member and a member of Deans’ Council and will provide recommendations by March 1, 2021.
When I wrote to you about the launch of the Academic Planning and Strategy Group, I set the expectation that the group would share information and seek feedback from faculty colleagues as they began their inquiry. The Academic Planning and Strategy Group website includes the complete roster of the overall group, as well as links to group documents (login required), including background information shared with the group, subgroup rosters and charges, and minutes/notes of the subgroup meetings; these documents are updated regularly. While the subgroups have started soliciting input informally with their colleagues and home departments, I’m also pleased to announce additional opportunities for faculty and staff to provide input into the process:
- I will begin a series of brown bag lunch discussions this week on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 12-1:00 p.m., with additional times each week throughout February. To register for a brown bag discussion, please sign up by noon on the day before the brown bag that you wish to attend at https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_37tXnrlc3mU32eO .
- The subgroup co-chairs and I will hold an open session on Thursday, February 11, 2021, from 7–8:30 p.m. to provide an update on the progress of the group and to answer questions about the process. More information on accessing the event will be available early next week.
- Finally, you may provide feedback at any time through the survey available at https://ohio.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0IZf8lF7KzabF66 .
Your input is welcome and appreciated and will be considered by the group as their work progresses. There will be additional opportunities to review the work of the subgroups and their emerging recommendations throughout February and prior to the submission of their recommendations next month.
I also want to remind you of the ongoing work of the International Opportunities Think Tank , co-chaired by Dr. Purba Das, chair of the University International Council, and Dean Donal Skinner. They have been meeting since September to explore and develop recommendations for the future of international teaching, learning, research, recruitment, and student support services, and to recommend better structures, processes, and practices to build on our considerable strengths in these areas while avoiding duplication. Please keep an eye out for opportunities to provide feedback on their emerging recommendations in February as well.
As we reach the third week of the semester, I thank you again for the tremendous effort that has gone into providing a deep, rigorous, and engaged learning experience for our students throughout this challenging year.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Sayrs
Executive Vice President and Provost
Academic Planning and Strategy group timeline:
10/21/20: Call for participants emailed
11/2/20: Update at Faculty Senate meeting
11/19/20: Update email to faculty about launch of group
12/14/20: Update at Faculty Senate meeting
1/25/21: Update to Chairs and Directors Council meeting
2/5/21: Brownbag series starts
2/11/21: Open session with subgroup co-chairs
Members of the Academic Strategy and Planning Group
Joann Benigno, College of Health Sciences & Professions
Merri Biechler, College of Fine Arts
Doug Clowe, College of Arts & Sciences
Julie Cohara, University College
Brad Cohen, Strategy & Innovation Office
Sarah Davis, George Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
John Day, Provost’s Office
Sam Dodd, College of Fine Arts
Cary Frith, Provost’s Office
Gabriel Giordano, College of Business
Tim Goheen, Scripps College of Communication
Katie Hartman, College of Business
Tanya Hire, College of Business, Regional Higher Ed
Mary Kate Hurley, College of Arts & Sciences
Emmanuel Jean-Francois, Patton College of Education
Marcy Keifer Kennedy, Patton College of Education
Zaki Kuruppalil, Russ College of Engineering & Technology
Beth Longenecker, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Deborah Marinski, College of Arts & Sciences, Regional Higher Ed
Deb McAvoy, Russ College of Engineering & Technology
John McCarthy, College of Health Sciences & Professions
James McKean, University College, Regional Higher Education
Renee Middleton, Patton College of Education
Char Miller, College of Health Sciences & Professions
Laura Myers, Strategy & Innovation Office
David Nguyen, Patton College of Education
Beth Novak, Honors Tutorial College, Scripps College of Communication
Cornelia Patterson, Patton College of Education
Ana Rosado Feger, College of Business
Nukhet Sandal, College of Arts & Sciences
Matthew Shaftel, College of Fine Arts
Joseph Shields, Research, Graduate College
Loralyn Taylor, Institutional Effectiveness
Scott Titsworth, Scripps College of Communication
Mark Weinberg, George Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Service
Susan Williams, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine