Response to some earlier questions

Just the Facts

In response to speculation about a so called “merger” with Daley College, here are the facts (thanks to Dr. Grim): The College of Education was asked to consider different models of how candidates can be certified. One of the models presented was a “blended” model which is a cross between a traditional certification program in 4 to 6 years and a fast-track resident teacher program in 15-months. The point was to encourage programs to streamline their course offerings and the timing of those offerings to move students through the pipeline more efficiently. In the same meeting (probably the CAS Education Council), but on another topic, ideas that came out of the big meeting with the community college administrators that was hosted by the COE were discussed. One major idea that was shared was that CSU programs might consider dual enrollment mechanisms with community colleges. The point made by the CC administrators was that a student whose home institution is a community college would be considered CSU students in terms of transfer. Likewise, CSU students could take courses at the community colleges and earn an Associate of Arts as well. This option was just an idea that was food for thought. These two topics were distinctly different trains of thought; who knows where the Daley connection came into play. There is no formal merger or study on “blended colleges. ”

Updates about the HLC have been provided to the Faculty Senate, and to all who come to these open meetings. Two faculty members sit on the HLC task force, Dr. Musial and Dr. Potluri. Several faculty members have had the opportunity to read the first draft of the report, including Dr. Beverly, Dr. Searcy, Dr. Musial, and Dr. Potluri. Any questions about the process can be referred to them. Questions about DACs being ignored should be directed to the Faculty union representatives, who will certainly take appropriate actions if the contract has been violated or DACs ignored.

The new screens in the buildings are there to increase campus-wide communication—something that students and faculty have been asking for and a concern commented on by past HLC teams (http://www.csu.edu/strategicplanningresources/assurance6a2.htm). Each college will have the opportunity to place announcements on the screens, where students will, hopefully, find the information they need in a format they are used to looking at.

Student concerns will always be taken seriously, as they should be, though students who misrepresent the truth will be held accountable.

Reorganization is being done in an attempt to create a more efficient use of resources. A quick skim of recent Chronicle of Higher Education publications among other media will reveal that across the nation, many, many universities are laying off staff, furloughing faculty, eliminating programs, not replacing retirees, and reorganizing in response to the current economic climate.

Robin Benny