Academic Affairs News

Good morning,
 
In the Office of the Provost, we believe that one of our roles is to partner, develop, and implement any work that positively impacts student learning, student success, and the student experience especially as it is articulated in the Strategic Plan, Climbing to Greater Heights. Clearly, our focus on student success initiatives, in partnership with the Division of Enrollment and Student Experience (ESE), remains a priority.
 
I often focus these updates on particular Academic Affairs initiatives and partnerships. These are certainly exciting times at WKU as more and more people all across campus get involved in developing and refining targeted strategies that positively impact our students inside and outside of the classroom. I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update about some of the other ongoing, intensive, and very important initiatives that have been taking place during the past nine months. In no particular order, they are:
 
Student Fees
An ad hoc committee of faculty and staff has been systematically evaluating fees associated with academic programs and courses. This tremendous undertaking will conclude soon with a set of recommendations. The transparency of the academic fee system will allow students to make more informed choices.
 
Academic Programs and Curricula
Departmental faculty continue to make progress on their program transformations so that we can present a relevant and forward-looking portfolio of academic programs to current and prospective students. These innovative and strategic transformations are significant both for WKU’s growth and economic well-being of our service region.
 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We have created a collaborative workgroup comprised of representatives from Enrollment and Student Experience, each academic college, and the Student Government Association. This workgroup is exploring strategies for both improving enrollment, retention, and completion rates of underrepresented minority and low income students as well as recruitment and hiring procedures of faculty and staff. This work is essential as we deliver on our promise to enact and practice all aspects of WKU’s DEI plan.
 
New Budget Model and Budget Efficiencies
We continue to work toward a July 1st implementation date for the RAMP budget model. We are continuing to develop mechanisms to balance our expenses with our revenue through efficient use of resources with the end goal of recruiting, retaining, and graduating a strong student body.
 
This work crosses Divisions at WKU and many of you are involved in a variety of different projects and in different capacities. Thank you for your contributions. It has been a pleasure to partner with you!
 
Best,

 
Cheryl L. Stevens