Priorities of the Provost/VPAA Office
for 2015-2016: Senate Forum
Update: November 12, 2015
Thomas M. DiLorenzo
Provost and VP for Academic Affairs
Priorities of the Provost and Deans
• Implementing the new budget model (MIRA)
Implementing the new budget model
(MIRA) – Past and Current
• Deans’ Working Group Assembled
– Reviewed revenue calculations in detail and presented model statements for 4
colleges
– Presented to Dean’s Council and working with Deans to present at each
college
– Developing tools for academic divisions to use as reference guides for MIRA
– Developing guiding principles for allocation of resources at the college-level
• Working with University Senate Leadership on Joint Communications
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Budget 102
Website
Regular Updates to Various Stakeholders
MIRA presentations to subcommittees of University Senate
• Advisory Committees Established
– Executive
– Space Allocation
– Support Services
Implementing the new budget model
(MIRA) – Upcoming Activities
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Model Statements for Primary Units and Support Units
– Model statements with current assumptions distributed for review and validation
– MIRA Team to review current assumptions (levers) and make recommendations to
leadership for changes based on FY12-FY15 actual data (if any)
– Revised model statements distributed with lever adjustments (if any)
Training
– MIRA team and University Senate developing Budget 102, Budget 103 to be presented
throughout spring semester
– MIRA Team will be available to meet with Primary Unit teams for question and answer
sessions
MIRA Communication
– Website launched with FAQs
– Regular communication through university senate and its subcommittees on MIRA
progress
Clarification of hold-harmless year and budget planning for FY 2016-17 defined and
communicated
Implementing the new budget model
(MIRA) – other universities
From the University of Arizona (http://rcm.arizona.edu/faq-page#n398)
• Many universities, both private (e.g., Harvard, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Syracuse) and
public (e.g., the University of Michigan, University of Delaware, University of New
Hampshire) use some form of RCM. The UA plans to adapt RCM to fit our distinctive
qualities, culture, organizational elements and mix of mission-related goals.
• RCM was developed and has evolved over some 35 years with the University of
Pennsylvania being the first higher education institution to implement RCM in 1974.
A 2011 Inside Higher Ed survey indicated “interest in responsibility center
management among public universities is soaring, with more than 21 percent of
public doctoral institutions reporting that they use the RCM model."
• Lessons learned, from which we will benefit, include:
• Making the transition to RCM can be challenging, but it is considered the best
approach and solution for collaborative and responsible financial management going
forward.
• Implementing RCM requires ongoing conversations between academic and
administrative units to manage changes, take advantage of opportunities, and ensure
commitment to core mission and values.
• While the general intent of RCM implementation is to empower academic units, the
institutions that have derived the greatest benefits have also learned that they
require trust, collaboration and a common sense of purpose among all units in order
to be successful.
Priorities of the Provost and Deans
• Implementing the new budget model (MIRA)
• Continuation of PTE work
Promotion, Tenure, and Evaluation
(PTE)
1. Annual process (continuous implementation)
– VPAA guidance; timeline; communications; webpage;
dossier preparation & submission
2. Implementation of Essential Elements (in process, on track)
– All departmental guidelines reviewed, approved, aligned
with elements identified in 2008 faculty-led review
3. PTE Working Group (in process, on track)
– Representatives of all eight colleges/schools review;
recommend clear, consistent, fair PTE policies, procedures
informed by quality, best practices, peer & aspirant
institutions, UND- and discipline-specific information
PTE Working Group Update
• Four meetings so far this academic year (in process)
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Philosophy statement for promotion & tenure
Procedures, including roles & responsibilities of candidate, chair, committees
Academic titles, ranks, and responsibilities
Dossier format & template
Standard hiring letter, contract template
• Beginning to envision how all of this can be used to make a
recommendation about a revised Faculty Handbook section on PTE (in
process)
• Communications plan (implemented, continuous)
– University Letter after each meeting; webpage; email updates; University
Senate sessions; topic-specific open forums or focus groups
– Complete information, regular updates on the web at:
Academic Affairs -> VPAA Initiatives -> Promotion, Tenure, and Evaluation
Priorities of the Provost and Deans
• Implementing the new budget model (MIRA)
• Continuation of PTE work
• Search for a Dean for the School of Graduate
Studies
Search for a Dean for the School of
Graduate Studies
• Co-chairs – Debbie Storrs and Gwen Halaas
• Completed focus groups and forums this fall
designed to discussed future ideas for the
School of Graduate Studies and qualities for
the new Dean
• Culminated in a selection process for
committee members
• Started the actual search process
• Selected a Search firm and underway
Examples of SBHE/Chancellor Priorities
• Master Planning Process (draft due in
February)
Master Planning Process
• SBHE requires a Physical Master Plan by February. To
ensure that UND develops the plan in a thoughtful and
inclusive manner, the current focus is on classrooms
and office spaces. (with research space discussions
occurring between the Provost, VP of Research and ED,
and others)
• The focus of the study is to evaluate current utilization
of classrooms and office spaces, assess condition of
existing buildings, and prioritize where funding should
be targeted during the current biennium.
• Over the next year, the needs for research spaces,
auxiliary spaces, and ancillary spaces will be assessed
with faculty and others, and the master plan will be
updated accordingly.
Examples of SBHE/Chancellor Priorities
• Master Planning Process (draft due in
February)
• Open Educational Resources
Open Source Education (OER)
• 11 Faculty and Staff members trained by the NDUS Open
Source Book Training in Oct at Valley City State University.
• Committee has been formed to ensure best practices in
implementation of Open Education Resources---Members
include: Dean of Libraries and Information Resources (cochair), Associate Provost (co-chair), UND faculty members,
Vice-Chair of the University Senate, Students, Director of the
Center for Instructional and Technology and her course
design personnel and Director of the Office of Extended
Learning and her administrative staff.
• No faculty will be required to use Open Source Textbooks--Participation is Voluntary. Focus will begin with instructors
who teach large enrollment classes to ensure larger savings
for students.
Open Source Education (OER)
• Faculty engaged in use of OER will have the financial,
technical and editorial supports. The focus will be on shared
expertise and peer-based learning to disseminate curricula
and support a learner-centric approach to education.
• Multiple major research universities have been creating and
using Open Source Materials including MIT, U of MN, U of
Oregon, U of Utah, SUNY and Georgia System.
• This movement is in response to the rising costs of textbooks
at double the cost of inflation (NY Times).
• Stephanie Walker and Thomasine Heitkamp are preparing a
proposal to NDUS. (please contact them if you have any
questions. Stephanie.Walker@und.edu and
Thomasine.Heitkamp@und.edu
Examples of SBHE/Chancellor Priorities
• Master Planning Process (draft due in
February)
• Open Educational Resources
• Student Success Initiatives: Retention and
Graduation
Student Success Initiatives:
Retention & Graduation (SEM Comm)
• Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Committee
(implemented, continuous)
– Partnership of Academic Affairs & Student Affairs
– All colleges & schools; focus on undergraduates
– 2014-15 focus: Course availability; four-year plans; data provision
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• SEM Committee Priorities for 2015-16 (in process)
– Targeted student populations (at-risk, on-campus, online, transfer)
– Academic advising process (handoff between majors, advisor
professional development, policies, Academic Advisor Council)
– Information systems education, coordination & training (Starfish,
CourseLeaf, ImageNow, PAR Predictive Analytics, iDashboards)
Student Success Initiatives:
Retention and Graduation (iCAN project)
• UND’s new iCAN (Integrated Coaching and Advising Network) has been
established following recognition as a community member by EDUCAUSE.
Recognition provided for exemplary activities in Integrated Planning and
Advising Services (IPAS). Proposal submitted to EDUCASUE in summer
2015 authored by staff in my office including UND Student Body President,
Matthew Kopp.
• Pilot iCAN programs established with Student Success Center and CoBPA
Academic Advising.
• Access to EDUCAUSE resources will ensure best practices in using
technology to conduct advisement.
• Academic advising group is reconstituted to secure faculty input.
• Faculty and staff based initiative with Lisa Burger and Thomasine
Heitkamp working collaboratively following participation in EDUCAUSE
training.
My Priorities
• Continue communication with:
– the Senate Executive Committee, Former Chair, Current Chair and
Future Chair of Senate Workgroup, and Student Government
President/VP – Monthly meetings with each
– University “Letters” - 12
– Provost’s webpage: we have made improvements to the website and
will continue to make progress moving forward – new page will be
posted next week
– Blogs – 40 blogs since July 2015
– Weekly office hours – 2 hours/week: Total so far = 14
– News releases on exceptional teaching and research activities of the
faculty – Currently working on this initiative
– The University Senate Budget, Restructuring, and Reallocation
Committee - see next slide
• Collaborative/shared governance discussions
• Follow-up forums
Budget Committee – Brad Myers
Senate, Budget, Restructuring and Reallocation Committee was
significantly restructured this year to include representatives
from students, staff, all the colleges, the Graduate Committee,
the Online and Distance Education Committee and the
Curriculum Committee. This increased size reflects the role the
committee continues to play in fostering communication and
education across campus on budget issues. The committee
works with Alice Brekke, Karla Stewart, Cindy Fetsch, Odella
Fuqua to provide timely and accurate information regarding the
implementation of MIRA. At least three committee meetings and
multiple Budget 101s this semester.
My Priorities (continued)
• Mentor the new Vice President for Research
and Economic Development (Grant
McGimpsey) and Dean of Libraries and
Information Resources (Stephanie Walker) and
support their activities and initiatives
VP McGimpsey
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Within the division:
Electronic Pre- and Post-Award system acquisition and implementation.
Implement service culture in Research Division
Review of division operations to find efficiencies and budget savings, and
re-align with university priorities (e.g., IP and Tech Accelerator)
• Within the university:
• Identify research strengths through discussions with faculty, departments,
colleges, deans and others and build a ‘virtual rolodex’ of faculty skill sets.
• Identify major trans-disciplinary funding opportunities and match with
faculty capabilities.
• Establish strong relationships and meet regularly with deans and ADR’s.
• Identify and leverage seed funding to drive growth in existing research
strengths. Establish faculty research advisory boards.
• Work closely with Alumni Foundation, deans and faculty to develop
Corporate and Foundation relationships and funding.
• Evaluate quality and quantity of current research space and advise as to
needs for new or renovated space.
VP McGimpsey
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Outside the university
Work with lobbyists to gain high level access to funding agencies.
Develop relationships with federal delegation and state legislators.
Help establish a defense advisory board.
Work to integrate ND EPSCoR programs in order to improve outcomes and
to show value of these programs to state/federal legislators/supporters.
• Communications
• Develop an active research marketing emphasis in the division and work
closely with Communications and Marketing
• Develop a symposium series to showcase research stengths to the public,
funding agencies and peers
• Provide greater input and direction to UNDDiscovery in order to showcase
our strengths and directions
VP McGimpsey
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Economic Development
Engage with economic development groups in the region.
Establish an industrial research advisory board.
Develop an inventory of incubator/accelerator space and attempt to
establish umbrella management of space so as to discourage internal
competition for tenants.
• Develop a new business model for tech accelerator in order to reflect our
economic development goals.
Dean Walker
Selected accomplishments:
– Communications with Senate Library Committee, faculty, staff, and
others have greatly improved, through a combination of “Coffee
with the Deans” sessions, all-staff meetings with shared minutes,
introductory meetings with all Deans and many Department Chairs,
individual faculty, specific campus offices and groups, and others.
– The Library has examined all existing vacancies and its
organizational structure, in light of existing and future needs, and
has designed a revised organizational chart. As a result, the
Library, with the support of the Senate Library Committee and the
Provost, is working on promotions for 3 staff members and filling of
5 vacancies, all within existing budget.
– Dean Walker and Dr. Thomasine Heitkamp have conducted
research and training on Open Educational Resources, and are cochairing a committee to spearhead pilot initiatives at UND.
– Planning processes for Chester Fritz Library renovations have
resumed, and open forums with the architects are tentatively being
scheduled for early December.
Dean Walker
Selected accomplishments (continued):
– We are also working on an additional ‘mini-renovation’ test area
where various models of new furnishings will be tried and evaluated
by users.
– Early discussion of fundraising campaigns for the Chester Fritz Library
have begun.
– A Student Library Advisory Committee has been formed.
– Strategic Collections Services, a subdivision of the major library
company OCLC, has been hired to undertake a major analysis of 25
years of data on our circulating, print-based collections. In
conjunction with data gathered via Google Analytics and vendorsupplied, COUNTER-compliant (standardized) usage data on electronic
resources, these data will be used to do collection assessments to
determine how effectively the Chester Fritz Library is serving each
discipline’s collection needs.
– We have begun discussions with the High Performance Computing
group, the Working Group on Digital and New Media, and others on
issues such as research data management and digital humanities, and
how the Libraries may support such initiatives.
My Priorities
• Mentor the new Vice President for Research
and Economic Development (Grant
McGimpsey) and Dean of Libraries and
Information Resources (Stephanie Walker) and
support their activities and initiatives
• Deans’ reviews (two year reviews for Deans
Storrs and Hill and five year review for Dean
El-Rewini)
Deans’ Reviews
• Deans’ reviews
– Storrs’ presentation to faculty and staff today
– El-Rewini’s presentation to faculty and staff
tomorrow
– Hill’ presentation to faculty and staff postponed to
a later date
My Priorities
• Mentor the new Vice President for Research and
Economic Development (Grant McGimpsey) and Dean
of Libraries and Information Resources (Stephanie
Walker) and support their activities and initiatives
• Deans’ reviews (two year reviews for Deans Storrs and
Hill and five year review for Dean El-Rewini)
• Ombud’s search (chaired by Ryan Zerr and Cheri
Williams) has been successful. UND hired Henok Elias
as its first full-time Ombuds. Henok will start midJanuary 2016.
Ombud’s search
• UND has hired its first full-time Ombuds. Henok Elias was
selected from a pool of three finalists who were on campus
for interviews in October.
• Henok received his Master in Dispute Resolution from
Pepperdine University School of Law in August 2015. He
worked as an Ombuds and Mediator for the Los Angeles
County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs and as
a Mediator for the Center for Conflict Resolution in the Small
Claims courts of Los Angeles Superior Court.
• His office will open mid-January 2016. Details on its location,
and his contact information, will be sent at a later date.
• Thanks to Chairs Ryan Zerr and Cheri Williams and the entire
search committee.
Next meeting
• Discussion of priorities of others in the VPAA
office
– Sandra Mitchell
– Grant McGimpsey
Q&A