SAVE The JKS

The following letter has been sent on behalf of Stuart Sigman, VP for Academic Affairs.

July 2, 2010

Concern has been expressed that major decisions have been made concerning the future structure of Naropa University’s academic departments and programs, without involvement of the full university community.  I’m writing to assure you that no such decisions have been made and won’t be undertaken without fully engaging students, faculty and staff so all concerns and viewpoints can be considered.  Naropa is committed to a fully transparent process, which respects and incorporates our shared governance model.

The discussions concerning restructuring of the Division of Academic Affairs are part of the careful examination of the university’s overall finances, staffing and organization that began with community meetings in December 2009 and after the HLC accreditation site visit in March 2010.  This initiative, supported by the Board of Trustees, is focused upon the development of a sustainable and balanced budget, providing competitive salaries for faculty and staff, and enabling additional investments in the academic plan, enrollment management and information technology.  As you know, the new financial model recently precipitated a reduction-in-force, which has affected every area of the university. All divisions of the university except Academic Affairs also instituted permanent structural changes; Academic Affairs was given until mid-September to produce a reorganization plan.

As part of this ongoing initiative, the Division of Academic Affairs has been facilitating discussions about possible restructuring options through its shared governance process.  No recommendations or proposals have been submitted or approved at this point.  Over the past six weeks, the Faculty Executive Working Group (FEWG), comprised of Core Faculty representatives, has studied institutional data and shaped a set of hypotheses, recommendations and principles to guide the divisional reorganization.  Throughout this process, FEWG (assisted by two Administrative Directors) has maintained contact with Core Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, and AA non-instructional staff.  Two divisional meetings were also held: one to kick-off the process, and one to solicit input from our community.  As FEWG’s work winds down, my attention will turn to the data, analyses and preliminary proposals, and I will present my plan to President Stuart C. Lord in mid-September.  Before I submit my final report, there will be multiple opportunities for discussion with students, faculty and staff to ensure that all concerns can be considered.  A schedule of informational meetings and discussion circles will be distributed as classes resume in August.

Students, alumni and friends of the university have expressed concern that specific programs or departments will be significantly reduced or consolidated into other programs or departments.  I hope to allay those concerns in the coming weeks; it’s our intent and commitment to strengthen programs and departments and enhance the student experience while developing a structure that is fiscally sustainable – not to dismantle or cripple the successful academic programs that are the heart and soul of Naropa. 

I encourage you to stay engaged in our discussions. They are critical to the university’s future and your participation is vital to their success.

Sincerely,

Stuart J. Sigman, PhD
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs