University Of Alaska Southeast

The Faculty Alliance discussed the reassignment of the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alaska Southeast. The meeting resulted in the passage of a motion requesting clarification regarding the reassignment, expressing concerns over the impact on faculty morale, the potential impact on university system accreditation, and the precedent such administrative actions may set. The motion formally requests that the parties responsible for the termination meet with the affected faculty to explain the situation.

The meeting included reports on university committee operations, including curriculum, graduate curriculum, research, and faculty alliance updates. A significant focus was placed on the development of a common academic calendar across the university system and revisions to University regulations regarding GELO. The Provost provided updates on teaching and learning technology, campus housing, the bookstore closure, and outreach efforts for the Adult Degree Completion program. Discussions were held on credit for prior learning handbooks, proposed updates to the Faculty Senate Constitution and Bylaws, concerns regarding the academic calendar start date, and the student learning outcomes process.

This document outlines the charge for the development of an Academic Master Plan for UA, aiming to generate recommendations for the President's Council and Board of Regents. Key areas of focus include the reaffirmation and differentiation of institutional missions, identification of new academic and research initiatives, reaffirmation of access and choice principles, and clarification of systemwide academic governance roles. The plan also intends to address the identification and assignment of programs and degrees based on specific criteria, with discussions anticipated to conclude by spring semester 2009.

This report outlines recommendations for the University of Alaska System to streamline statewide services and reduce operational costs. It emphasizes strengthening executive leadership, clarifying the public agenda, enhancing fiduciary capacity, delineating responsibilities, practicing frugality, promoting integral decision-making, and fostering continuous self-appraisal. The strategic direction aims to sustain the system's high performance and exemplary service amidst anticipated resource constraints by fostering leaner operations and greater collaboration.

The Faculty Senate convened to address concerns regarding the diminished role of faculty in shared governance. The senate passed motions asserting the faculty's right to participate in governance decisions as outlined in the University constitution, requesting the Chancellor to publicly affirm these principles, and establishing an ad hoc committee to monitor and document issues related to shared governance moving forward.