President to Review

Academic Restructuring

President Ross Paul in his first address to the campus community in June 1998 stated, that he will conduct a review of the academic administrative structure at the University of Windsor early in 2000.

Two years ago the University of Windsor restructured its 11 faculties into four colleges. Adjustments to departments and schools were made at that time. Dr. Paul has been reviewing the effectiveness of that structure and has now tabled a draft for the February 16, 2000 meeting of the Senate. A round of consultations will follow. The process will be much like the process followed for the development of the Best of Both Worlds Document.

New Timetable, Process Developments

For Academic Five-year Planning

Academic Vice-President Neil Gold said that after the first round of the process which ended last month, the university was under pressure to allocate resources for hiring new faculty. However, it was clear in the discussion that a program by program assessment is not enough.

"After the end of the second round, we will look at what the plan gives us as a whole. This has never been done in the history of this university. Some programs that existed in the 1960s are no longer with us. Some have grown. Some new programs are developing. But we have never determined what we must have to make this the university we want it to be," Professor Gold said.

He noted that there have been various concepts of universities through the centuries, and that the first professor of English literature in North America was hired a little more than a hundred years ago at the University of Toronto. "Today, no university would consider not offering English literature."

Review Schedule

The schedule for the second round of five-year plan reviews by the Program Develop Committee was released. The PDC panel begins long days of reviews beginning January 2000 with the College of Engineering and Science, to be followed by Arts and Human Sciences, and the week of February 14 with Business, Education and Law. Extra steps to review recommendations with executive deans and plan proposers have been added to the process. Senate will receive recommendations at special meetings April 24, 25 and 26 from 1 to 5 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Education gymnasium so there will be room for all who want to attend.

Budget Outlook: Tight Times Continue

Little room for the innovation and investment that the university needs. That's the bottom line in a budget outlook presented to Senate by Administration and Finance Vice-President Eric Harbottle.

Many things can and will likely change before a budget for the 2000-2001 academic year (begins May 1) is struck, Senate was told. At this time, the university faces a $1.6 million shortfall based on assumptions that enrolment does not change, tuition levels remain unchanged, and the Ontario government raises its operation grants by two percent. (Expenditures $112,312, revenues $110,679)

This outlook includes a five percent increase in library acquisitions, a $340,000 utility bill increase, $700,000 to be spent on capital projects, $500,000 for Policy Development Committee initiatives such as lab renovations and faculty start ups, $450,000 to improve the university's Information Technology Services, and some funding to improve the university's promotions.

Dean Mike Awender Moves on

Mike Awender is leaving his position as Dean of Education, at the University of Windsor to accept a similar position at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona. " I've been here a long time, it's a great city and I've met a lot of good people but it's time for a change." Awender said.

"It's a purely academic decision and has nothing to do with any involvement with sports." Awender, was general manager of the Spitfires for four years, served 12 years in his position at the university, including his position currently as Interim Executive Dean, Business Administration, Education and Law. He starts in Arizona July 1, 2000.

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