To:  All University of Maine System Faculty

 

Since arriving in Maine about 2.5 months ago, a fair portion of my time has been dedicated to visiting an array of constituencies on all UMS campuses in an attempt to thoroughly understand the needs, cultures, accomplishments, and opportunities unique to each of the seven universities.  During those visits, the hospitality extended to me has been most gracious, for which I am truly appreciative.  Already, I have developed a deep respect for the people and cultures on each campus, and a fondness for the overall scenic beauty of Maine.

 

In consultation with the Chief Academic Officers (CAOs), and more generally the Presidents, I wanted to provide some food-for-thought about Academic Transformation and this year’s work regarding Program Integration, the latter of which includes the announcement of a funding initiative, entitled the Program Innovation Fund, to support program development.

 

            Academic Transformation – frankly, the concept of Academic Transformation (AT) is still evolving in my own mind as I read and engage with faculty and administrative colleagues.  Dr. Ellen Chaffee identified three components to AT:  program integration, portfolio review and mission differentiation.  Of these, program integration seems to have received more attention over the last two years.  From my early conversations, I also would have to include in AT other items related to:  instructional delivery (particularly regarding “Unified Online”), student success initiatives to maximize degree completion, and the need to develop sophisticated capabilities to provide data, models and predictive analytics to all academic operations across the UMS – the need for UMS data extends beyond academics.  Each of these topics are inherently complex, and our shared concept of AT will likely morph as discussions continue.  Thus, it would be the height of arrogance after only slightly more than two months here for me to conclude with any certainty about how AT might be realized within the UMS.  What I can say with great certainty, however, is that we will explore these topics in depth across the UMS campuses with the intent of: (a) developing ultimately a shared understanding of AT; (b) using AT to make meaningful progress for the benefit of our students, state and system, and (c) paying attention to the tenets of shared governance and engagement through appropriate channels, including respect for the lines of academic structure on each campus.

 

            Program Integration – Attached is a two-page overview document, in which some basic information is provided about Program Integration (PI), including potential benefits, as well as the PI plans for this year.  With regard to potential benefits, the reasons, as listed, for considering targeted integration are wide-ranging; and, as such, undoubtedly will vary from discipline to discipline according to the program integration goals under discussion in each PI team.  Thus, I will work with each team to also understand and articulate the underlying rationale for any of their efforts. 

 

A two-fold strategy will be used this academic year to guide PI.  First, the detailed recommendations from Rounds 1 and 2 will continue to be explored, but with a more focused effort on a few goals and more attention to faculty leadership – communication has already started with most team leaders and/or teams.  Second, a Program Innovation Fund is being launched to allow faculty the opportunity to propose unique programmatic possibilities.

 

            Program Innovation Fund – The entire UMS leadership team is pleased to collaborate with the CAOs on the implementation of the new Program Innovation Fund, as an additional means to complement the continued discussions from Rounds 1 & 2 of PI.  The CAOs will share soon the guidelines for this funding, and any other pertinent information from their campus perspectives.  In general, however, the intent is to provide a funding mechanism by which faculty can propose and explore new programming opportunities that address areas important to the UMS, including collaboration, enrollment growth, graduate program development, innovation, use of technology, and programs that pertain to Maine economic needs.  Short proposals will be due in mid-March. 

 

In closing, please know that I am now beginning a round of visits with Faculty Senates and Assemblies on each campus at the joint invitation of the CAOs and Senate/Assembly leaders.  During those visits, I look forward to listening to your, or your representative’s, thoughts and questions on any of the items I have shared today, as well as any other areas of faculty interest. 

 

Sincerely,

Bob Neely