The Daily Bulletin Archive

After significant analysis and consultation, I have determined that the Academic Affairs division requires some reorganization to better serve the campus community. As part of this reorganization, I will eliminate University College as a distinct entity as of July 1, 2017. The administration, faculty, and staff of University College have worked hard to develop programs to serve our students, and we will continue that work in a new structure that will streamline administration and put more resources directly in student support. Scott Johnson, who has led University College with a steadfast dedication to Buffalo State students, will return to the faculty after a well-earned sabbatical in fall 2017.

In the coming months, the faculty and staff of University College will have the opportunity to help shape the new direction of critical areas of student support, including academic advising, first-year programs, and tutoring services. Heather Maldonado, who currently serves as assistant dean of University College, will take on new responsibilities as assistant provost for academic success and will help lead the transition, alongside Aimee Woznick, director of the Academic Achievement Center.

The restructuring of Academic Affairs will include changes in the Provost’s Office as well. After 43 years of service to Buffalo State, Roz Lindner, associate vice president for assessment and curriculum, will be retiring as of July 1. We will miss her expertise in both assessment and curriculum development and will need to ensure continued work in these areas. As Middle States accreditation is moving to an annual reporting process that relies heavily on continual assessment, we must develop a more robust assessment strategy that not only satisfies our accreditation requirements but also helps us improve as an institution. Brad Fuster will be reassigned from his current position in the Provost’s Office to lead the Institutional Effectiveness Office, which will take the lead on academic assessment and strategic planning.

Finally, I will be conducting an internal search for the position of interim associate provost. This position will have multiple responsibilities, including managing curriculum and serving as the direct reporting supervisor for the Academic Achievement Center, Academic Success, Honors, and Undergraduate Research, among other duties. A detailed position description and application process will be published in the next couple of weeks, with an anticipated start date of July 1.

While this reorganization will result in some salary savings, the primary motivation and expected result is a more effective, responsive, and efficient Academic Affairs division. I am confident that the new structure will allow our outstanding faculty and staff to do what they do best—transform the lives of our students by providing the best education possible.