M E M O R A N D U M

In December 2001, Dr. Bach charged a committee with the task of reviewing the current organizational structure for all units reporting to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs spanning all colleges (except the College of Medicine) as well as student support functions such as enrollment management, financial aid and undergraduate advising.  The committee is charged with proposing any changes that might enhance effectiveness or efficiency without incurring any additional administrative costs. 

Our team began meeting in January and has focused to date on an approach to this significant assignment.   We have developed a set of “Guiding Principles” for our decision-making and in this process have had meaningful discussions concerning our charge.  It is clear to all of us that we want to involve the entire campus community in this activity, and that any recommendations will be the consensus of the committee.  The members of the committee will be conducting focus groups and meeting with interested departments and groups on campus throughout Spring Semester.

Our website displays the committee’s charge and membership, guiding principles, and for periodic updates on our work.  You will also find a form for submission of ideas and suggestions that will be shared with the committee.

In addition, with this communication, we are inviting your ideas and proposals. We are looking specifically for middle to long-range plans for reorganization that will promote effectiveness and efficiency within the academic and academic support units.

Please submit your ideas or proposals to the committee via email (reorg@etsu.edu) or mail them to Wilsie Bishop; P.O. Box 70623 no later than May 6, 2002.  Proposals should be no longer than five pages and should describe at a minimum:

1.                   What you would like to see done.

2.                   Why the proposed change is needed, and

3.                   How the proposed change will promote effectiveness and efficiency without incurring any additional administrative costs.

We are eager to hear from the university community and will give each proposal full consideration.  In the meantime, please feel free to contact me if you have questions, or wish to have someone from the committee meet with your department/college/unit.