Academic Realignment Commission created to assess academic options, alternatives

Details

As the market for higher education evolves and UAB’s competitive academic environment changes, it is imperative that the university’s current organizational and functional alignments be reviewed, evaluated and adjusted to meet strategic priorities and academic objectives.

Capilouto
Provost Eli Capilouto said UAB leadership will begin this process by engaging the university community in a focused discussion on future alternative organizational options for the six schools on the west side of campus during April and May.

To help direct these discussions and advise the institution as it moves forward, Capilouto said, UAB has commissioned an expert panel of national and local academic and community leaders. This Academic Realignment Commission (ARC), led by former Florida Board of Governors Chancellor Dr. Mark Rosenberg, will lead a series of discussions and meetings on campus in preparation for their final report to the provost and president in mid-June 2009.

Charge to the commission
During this period the commission will:

  • Review/assess various options for realignment and reorganization of the schools of Arts & Humanities, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Business, Education and Engineering.
  • Engage the university community in discussion of possible new alignments.
  • Focus on options that enhance opportunities for innovative multi-disciplinary educational programs and productive partnerships, increase capacity for strategic investments and maximize efficiencies.
  • Make recommendations as to the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

The ARC will conduct the first of several town hall meetings that are open to the UAB community at noon Monday, April 6 in the Alys Stephens Center. Additional campus meetings and discussion dates have been scheduled April 30-May 1 and June 8-9.

The ARC Report of Recommendations is due June 15.

Commission membership
The commission will be chaired by Dr. Mark Rosenberg and its members will include:

  • Dr. Patsy E. Greenup, Past Chair of the UAB Faculty Senate
  • Mr. Wyndall A. Ivey, Esquire, Attorney, Maynard Cooper & Gale, P.C.
  • Mr. Ted Kennedy, Former Chairman, BE&K, Inc.
  • Dr. Warren S. Martin, Chair, UAB Faculty Senate
  • Dr. Charles Mason, Superintendent, Mountain Brook Schools
  • Dr. James Moeser, Chancellor Emeritus, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Dr. David E. Shulenburger, vice president for Academic Affairs, National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC)
  • Ms. Brittney A. Williams, UAB Student Representative, University of Alabama Board of Trustees
  • Ms. Marcienne Wright, UAB Graduate Student