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Media Memo: Senior Level Administrative Positions

TO: News Editors and Directors

FROM: Judy Berthiaume, Director

DATE: Dec. 14, 2007

SUBJECT: Chancellor Announces Organizational Changes

UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich has announced several changes in how the university's administration will be organized. Below is an e-mail that was sent to the campus community today that outlines these changes.

Please note that the changes will result in a .5 net reduction in senior level administrative positions and no increase in salary/benefit costs.

The current administrative structure will remain in place until summer 2008 when the new positions will be filled, after which the transition will begin.

If you have questions regarding the changes, please contact Mike Rindo, special assistant to the chancellor, at 715-836-4742.

The university's revised organizational chart is available online.

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Message from Chancellor Levin-Stankevich regarding administrative reorganization.

Last fall at the Blugold Breakfast I announced that I had formed a study group of faculty, staff and a student to review the structure of student services. The retirement of several key administrators offered the University the opportunity to review how we can organize ourselves to most effectively support an integrated and distinctive student experience and to facilitate efficiencies and collaboration.

The study group examined student service models across the UW System and the country and interviewed our existing staff as to the strengths and weaknesses of our current organization. The Group’s report was submitted to me in August but put on hold until the State budget was resolved.

Foremost among the Study Group’s recommendations was the need to move from the current system of “functional silos” to a model that encourages student service units to integrate better with our academic mission and with other units across campus. The Group specifically recommended the creation of a chief student affairs officer position to facilitate integration at the vice-chancellor level and the creation of an Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean for Undergraduate Studies.

Based on these recommendations, and in line with the feedback received during the strategic planning process, I am announcing the following changes. As required under shared governance, I have consulted with the Senate Executive Committee.

Organizational changes include:

  • Re-assignment of the functions of the two existing positions currently charged with student services: the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Services and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development and Diversity. Their functions will be organized to encourage efficiencies and collaboration.
  • The creation of a new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, reporting to me. This position will oversee a new division whose functions will support student life at UW-Eau Claire and will work closely with Provost Steve Tallant and Vice Chancellor Andrew Soll. Functions reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Dean of Students will be: Athletics, Children’s Center, Counseling Center, Dean of Students office, Housing and Residence Life, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Recreation and Sports Facilities, Student Health Services, and University Centers.
  • The creation of a new Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Undergraduate Studies, reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. This position will focus on the academic aspects of the undergraduate student experience and how they are integrated with student services. Functions reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Undergraduate Studies will be: Advising/New Student Initiatives, Blugold Scholars, Career Services, Educational Support Services, First Year Experience/Service Learning, Honors Program, International Education, McNair Program and University Assessment. The Educational Opportunity Center will report to Continuing Education.

This restructuring will result in a net savings of .5 FTE and no increase in salary/benefit costs.

The current administrative structure will remain in place until summer 2008 when the new positions will be filled, after which the transition will begin.

In addition to the re-organization outlined in the attached organization chart, the title of the Vice Chancellor for Business and Student Services will be changed to Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Facilities, to better reflect that position’s scope of responsibilities.

As a first step in the restructuring of student services, three national search processes will begin as soon as possible next semester, with completion by summer 2008:

  • Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Dean of Students (This search and screen committee is appointed by the Chancellor).
  • Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Undergraduate Studies (This committee is elected; nomination requests will be sent in January).
  • Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Graduate Studies (This search, currently on hold, will be re-activated. A search and screen committee has already been elected).

I look forward to a smooth transition and to working with all of you to enhance the support we provide for all our students.

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