The Phase 2 Task Force on Academic Structure will be establishing several Working Groups to assist the Task Force in reviewing realignment proposals from academic units.
The Working Groups will be governed by the mandate outlined in the attached document. Members of Working Groups will be appointed by the Vice President, Academic in consultation with the Task Force. We will be looking to establish Working Groups of approximately 4-6 members each. Members will be chosen in consideration of establishing a Working Group with both expertise in the areas being considered as well as objectivity and the ability to assess from a university-wide perspective. Note that each Working Group will be assigned a subset of proposals expected from the attached list of units who have indicated that a submission will be forthcoming.
Each Working Group will have representatives from the Task Force (one of whom will Chair each Working Group). The Working Groups will actively be seeking the expertise, input and advice from faculty, staff and students as part of their operations.
If you are interested in serving on a Working Group, please advise me by Wednesday, February 14, 2007. Your notice of interest must include a brief description of why you are interested and how you feel you can contribute to one of the Working Groups on Academic Structure.
Please note that we expect the majority of the Working Groups’ activity to occur over the period February 15, 2007 to May 31, 2007. Individuals expressing interest should be aware that membership on a Working Group will require a fairly significant time commitment during this period.
Please send your expressions of interest to: jhw@sfu.ca
Sincerely,
John Waterhouse
Chair of the Phase 2 Task Force on Academic Structure
Vice President, Academic
Mandate for the Working Group(s) on Academic Structure
The Phase 2 Task Force on Academic Structure will establish several Working Groups on Academic Structure. Each Working Group will have the following mandate:
- Consider and evaluate proposals for academic reconfiguration assigned to it by the Phase 2 Task Force on Academic Structure:
- Review background statistical and strategic planning documents of areas submitting and affected by a proposal;
- Consider and evaluate the written proposals submitted to the Working Group in consideration of the Senate approved principles for evaluation;
- Engage with members of the University community affected by proposals:
- Meet with units/individuals who submitted proposals,
- Meet with members of areas potentially affected by the proposal, and
- Meet other members of the University community as self-identified or as deemed important by the Working Group;
- Liaise regularly with the Task Force as it undertakes its activities;
- Prepare a written report for the Phase 2 Task Force; and,
- Provide feedback to the Phase 2 Task Force on the Task Force’s proposals to the University Community regarding academic configuration.
The Working Group(s) on Academic Structure will be committed to the principles and processes of transparency, communication, meaningful consultation and engagement of the University community, and comprehensiveness and diligence in the consideration and evaluation of proposals. Proposals will be evaluated in consideration of the University’s overall goals, vision and priorities for the future.
The Working Group(s) on Academic Structure will endeavor to carry out their work in accordance with the timelines identified by the Task Force.
