ASEC PROCESS FOR SPRING TERM

ASEC PROCESS FOR SPRING TERM

Brian Lofman, Co-Chair

As you might imagine, the sets of issues concerning academic structure with which we are grappling are complex and interrelated, such that it is difficult to delineate with great precision the specific boundaries of our charge. We are trying to remain focused on issues of structure, and yet we cannot avoid discussing the relationship between, for example, structure and curricular matters, structure and faculty governance, structure and human resources, and structure and financial resources. I can tell you that we are treating these matters with great care and sensitivity. Although we strive to come to some well-considered conclusions, we see this as the beginning of a longer-term process as this young College moves forward into uncharted territory.

As we conclude today’s workshop, ASEC has now completed its first major phase: that of approaching issues of academic structure broadly, and having put on the table a wide spectrum of models and relevant considerations. Subsequent to this workshop, armed with the input that you have kindly provided us this afternoon, we will be focusing in on increasingly specific ideas and viable options.

Given that issues of academic structure impact all faculty, the Committee plans to continue reaching out to you through various vehicles and mechanisms. So, how might you keep abreast of our Committee’s activities, and continue to have input into this evolving process?:

First, through Speakout–Kay Fowler will post your comments on the ASEC webpage as she has been doing all along.
Second, you will have input through your Convening Groups–we will be asking you to speak with your colleagues about specific issues and report back to us.
Third, through Unit Council Meetings–our Committee is comprised of reps from each school. Your reps have been intimately involved with the process, and therefore can give you a good sense for how things are evolving. Additionally, they will try to incorporate what you have to say into their thinking and discussions with the Committee.
Fourth, through Faculty Assembly Meetings–we will be reporting back to you periodically so that you are informed of our progress.
And fifth, we plan to hold one or more Faculty Forums in the Spring, through which your questions can be addressed and your comments can be heard.

Through all of these processes, we ask that you please keep in mind that, although the Committee members are in one sense representatives of the respective schools and have a sincere interest in hearing from all faculty members, the Committee does of course have an overriding obligation to come to conclusions that, ON BALANCE, are best for the College as a whole and, perhaps more importantly, the future of this unique institution.

Thanks for the time you have dedicated this afternoon to this important set of issues. I’d like to conclude with a special thanks to all of the members of the committee who have already devoted so much time and energy to the questions at hand.