Updates in Academic Affairs: January 12, 2015
Observation stage of Academic Program Review and Planning commences
by Dr. Jody Brylinsky, associate provost for institutional effectiveness
The new year coincides with a new stage of the Academic Program Review and Planning process—the observation stage for phase I. During this stage, an observation committee of faculty members from every college will review the submitted program self-study reports and make observations relative to the APR&P criteria.
Subsequent observation reports will then be distributed to chairs, directors and deans for phase II planning. Observation reports also will be posted to the APR&P SharePoint site. When the observations are complete, we look forward to broad participation during the phase II planning process.
I'm also pleased to report that we have received self-studies from 100 percent of our academic units. Provost Tim Greene and I thank the faculty, staff and administration of departments and colleges for their participation. We learned a great deal through the development of the review process, and we move forward with confidence that the results of the self-study observations highlight the quality of our academic offerings.
We encourage faculty members to view the array of self-studies posted on a special SharePoint page. Bronco NetID and password required.
We will keep you informed about phase I progress and about the APR&P observation committee's review. We anticipate that results will be posted by March 6 for use in academic unit planning. Again, thank you all for your commitment to the advancement of our academic programs.
Medallion Scholar competition volunteer observers sought
by Dr. Carla Koretsky, Lee Honors College dean
As many of you know, our 2015 Medallion Scholar competition is rapidly approaching. We are seeking faculty and staff volunteers to serve as observers at the competitions on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 31. Observers will be needed from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
We anticipate that more than 700 students will come to campus to compete for one of 20 Medallion Scholarships, each worth $50,000. Every student who participates in the Medallion competition this year will automatically receive at least $3,000 in scholarships.
Medallion Scholars displaying their commemorative medallions
We have extended invitations to more than 1,000 outstanding high school students who have been admitted to WMU. Each qualifying student has an ACT composite score of at least 26 (or a composite SAT score of at least 1170) and a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.70 on a 4.0 scale.
Each competition includes a written essay and a group problem-solving activity. The problem-solving activity is completed by small groups of students and must be scored by at least two observers. Many of you have served as observers in the past. Thank you! As you know, we could not run these competitions without the help of so many enthusiastic and dedicated WMU staff and faculty members.
Serve as a problem-solving observer for one or both of the competition dates.
Prospective students and their parents almost invariably tell us that the best part of coming to campus for this competition is the opportunity to meet WMU staff, faculty and students. Our visitors leave with a positive impression of WMU because of your efforts.
If you have any questions regarding the competitions or the role of the problem-solving observers, please contact Dr. Carla Koretsky in the Lee Honors College at (269) 387-3901 or carla.koretsky@wmich.edu.
Faculty, staff invited to take part in upcoming Admitted Student Events
by Dr. Christopher Tremblay, associate provost for enrollment management
WMU's next major recruitment effort includes a slate of Admitted Student Events that kick off in February. Our goals in offering these events are to help undergraduate students choose WMU and to facilitate important enrollment processes. These events give admitted students and their families the opportunity to engage directly with University representatives, and to receive information regarding financial aid, housing registration and orientation.
Nearly 80 percent of students who attended one of the Admitted Student Events in 2014 enrolled at WMU. This year, from Feb. 3 through March 20, WMU representatives will have the opportunity to engage with prospective undergraduate students at six events throughout Michigan and in the Chicago area. For more information, please visit wmich.edu/admissions/futurebronco. Each academic college invites faculty and staff members to participate in these events as appropriate.
Three of the six Admitted Student Events will be held on campus, with informal welcome sessions designed for efficiency, and to help students and families maximize the day. In addition, students attending the on-campus events can receive their WMU Bronco ID cards, a tangible identifier that they are part of the WMU family.
If you are interested in helping admitted students decide to attend WMU, or would like to participate in Admitted Student Events, contact your department chair or director. You also may contact Scott Hennessy at scott.hennessy@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2011.