Updates in Academic Affairs: December 13, 2016
Inside Updates: The new Academic Affairs Strategic Plan is available to read online, the deadline to nominate colleagues for the distinguished faculty scholar award looms and the provost offers heartfelt thanks.
Introducing the Academic Affairs Strategic Plan—Invest in Gold
by Tim Greene, provost and vice president for academic affairs
I am pleased to announce the 2016-21 Academic Affairs Strategic Plan, Invest in Gold, is now available online at the Office of the Provost website:
wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u450/2016/Academic_Affairs_Plan_Invest_In_Gold_2016-21.pdf
Our Academic Affairs mission and values are reaffirmed in this recent revision, and they are presented in an updated format aligning with the University Strategic Plan, the Gold Standard 2020.
As outlined in the Academic Affairs Strategic Plan, our mission and values are:
Mission
Michigan and the nation need more college-educated citizens to provide intellectual capacity and leadership. WMU dedicates its resources to attract and support outstanding students, faculty and staff. WMU offers distinctive undergraduate and graduate experiences that inspire a passion for learning. Academic Affairs is committed to WMU’s status as a Carnegie-classified Doctoral University: Higher Research Activity. To that end, the fundamental source for heightened levels of scholarship is active faculty engagement in seeking external funding. Within this context and recognizing the University’s mission and goals, the mission of Academic Affairs is to ensure:
- Premier undergraduate and graduate learner-centered education encompassing the arts, humanities, sciences and professions.
- Excellence in teaching and learning, research, professional practice, creative endeavor, and service to the University and external community.
- Leadership that advances the University’s mission and goals.
Values
We value and affirm excellence in daily actions through the following:
- Learning and freedom of inquiry
- Scholarship and creative endeavor
- Civic, social and cultural responsibility
- Respectful, diverse and inclusive community
- Productive student-faculty engagement
- Ethical behavior and integrity
- Shared governance
- Performance-based assessment
The content of the Academic Affairs Strategic Plan is streamlined into five primary goal areas supported by 16 objectives. Progress updates will be made twice per year, with a culminating report at the conclusion of the five-year period. Results of these periodic reviews will be shared with the campus community through our newsletter.
I would like to extend my thanks to the members of our strategic plan transition team, made up of faculty, administrators and staff in Academic Affairs, for their work on the revised plan over the last five months.
Nominations sought for faculty scholar award
Nominations for the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award are due Friday, Feb. 1, 2017. Members of the University community are encouraged to nominate a deserving faculty member for this honor.
This award recognizes faculty members’ scholarly achievements over the course of their career. It is the highest honor the University bestows on faculty. Current, continuing, board-appointed persons with faculty rank are eligible to be nominated. Nominees must have at least seven academic years of service at WMU prior to being nominated.
Previous award recipients are no longer eligible for consideration; no individual may receive this award more than once.
Recipients will be honored during the 2017 Fall Convocation and receive a $2,000 honorarium that becomes part of their base salaries. The honorees also will receive a plaque and an opportunity to present a campus lecture, exhibition or performance at the 2018 Spring Convocation.
A comprehensive list of nomination criteria, guidelines and the nomination form are available on the Office of Faculty Development website at: wmich.edu/facultydevelopment/awards/distinguished-faculty-scholar-award
For more information, contact Tonya Dean at tonya.dean@wmich.edu or (269) 387-0397.
Heartfelt gratitude and holiday cheer
The collective investment of time, passion and effort on behalf of our faculty, staff and administrators plays a critical role in the success of our students.
Each of our students is impacted by the acts of kindness, professionalism and inspiration that are extended from each of you.
I look forward to further collaborating with you in 2017. Our commitment to quality curricula and long-term planning will serve our students and our University well in the coming years.
Best wishes for safe and happy holidays,
Tim