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Monday, May 2, 2016
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Reports explain resource allocation Feedback process open to end of May Madison Kacer Staff writer
DeKalb | After program prioritization reports are released at 3 p.m. today, shared governance groups and NIU community members will be asked to provide feedback about the reports. Program prioritization, which began in 2014, uses task forces to create reports that review 223 academic programs and 236 administrative programs to influence the allocation of existing university funds. The reports were based on narratives and data that were submitted by program leaders, such as deans and department chairs, in November. The report is expected to feature an introduction written by Provost Lisa Freeman, a section about the broad themes noticed during prioritization, a section about the categories used to label the programs and Lisa Freeman a table that fea- Provost tures the name of each program, the category into which it was placed and the rationale for the placement. Program categories include enhanced resources, no change in resources, reduced resources, transformation and subject to additional review. Currently, the only shared governance group that has announced its intent to formally review the reports is the Student Association, which organized the program prioritization student task force. However, any shared governance group has the ability to create a formal review. A shared governance group is any
Nick Bosshart | Northern Star Photo Illustration
Program prioritization’s graded reports will be released at 3 p.m. today. The program prioritization website will have options for feedback which will be open until May 23. Feedback can also be submitted to program leaders, such as deans and department chairs.
organized entity on campus, such as college councils, college senates or resource centers. “Feedback has been highly emphasized,” said Carolinda Douglass, vice provost for Academic Planning and Development. “Every stage of [program prioritization] is unfolding in a way that we really need collaboration.” NIU community members will be also be able to submit commentary about the reports via a feedback box on the program prioritization website. Feedback can also be sent directly to program leaders. All feedback must be submitted by May 23. It will then be compiled with the original reports and sent to
program leaders. Vice presidents and program leaders will then be tasked with creating a plan of action for each division in response to the reports.
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Feedback has been highly emphasized. Every stage of [program prioritization] is unfolding in a way that we really need collaboration.” Carolinda Douglass Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Development
Divisional action plans must be submitted to the President’s Cabinet for review by July 15. The plans will
then be submitted to NIU President Doug Baker for final evaluation. After final action plans are confirmed, implementation may take years depending on the task. For instance, it is projected that the deletion of a program would require six to nine months and new faculty hires would require two years. “One of the things that we really want to walk away with is a commitment to having a culture that’s datainformed and that plans and links resources with our mission, always,” Freeman said. The future process is projected to be modified based on the failures and successes from NIU’s current attempt at prioritization, which is the first.
Program reports To view the program reports and additional program prioritization information, go to bit.ly/1KNCElV. A report will be published that states the cost of the entire process and the hours put into it, Freeman said. The report is expected to be available in fall 2016. There is currently no estimation regarding the amount of hours put into prioritization thus far, but individuals on the task forces spent an average of 20 hours a week on prioritization as opposed to the projected six to 10 hours, Douglass said.
SA Senate approves environmental affairs committee Fall term directors approved Sunday Leah Nicolini Assistant News Editor
DeKalb | The 24 Senators at the Student Association Senate meeting Sunday approved the committee on Environmental Affairs. The SA Senate represents and acts on behalf of student interests across campus and is responsible for the appropriation of funds to SA recognized student organizations, the recognition of new student organizations, official review and verification of any actions made by the executive branch and confirmation of new appointments. The SA Senate is responsible for the allocation of the $6.5 million SA budget. The committee on Environmental Affairs was unanimously approved, and Stuart Nissenbaum, SA director of Environmental Affairs, said the committee is important because environmental studies majors now feel like their voice is heard.
2016-17 SA directors
• Anthony Williams, Student Life • Taylor Rosenberg, Greek Affairs • Melanie Sandoval, Cultural Affairs • Paige Jarzabkowski, Advertising • Michael Agro, Athletics • Adolfo Sto. Domingo, Organizational Development • Theodore Weiner, Information Technology • Jessica McKay, Environmental Affairs • Caleb Tomaszewski, Governmental Affairs
the attendance of this year’s Latino graduation on campus to 70 students. Taylor Rosenberg, SA director of Greek Affairs-elect, was the only executive position that was not a unaniLeah Nicolini | Northern Star mous vote, 10-7-2. Rosenberg said she From left: Student Association Senators Johnathan Arnold, Jordan Clayton-Taylor and Matthew Holt listen to a speaker will reach out to Greek organizations at the SA Senate meeting Sunday. equally in response to SA Sergeant-atpresident, vice president, treasurer Nine directors confirmed said. “There’s a lot of ignorance to- Arms Timothy Brandner’s concerns. and all directors to attend an SA Among the nine directors con- wards different types of cultures.” Senate meeting once every two firmed, Melanie Sandoval, SA direcSandoval said the best way she weeks to update the Senate with an tor of Cultural Affairs-elect, said she can reach her goal is by advertising SA Senate meeting in-person report. would promote diverse events on on campus. She referenced her exMandatory executive attendance SA Senator Tristan Martin said campus to attain her goal of creating perience as the vice president of the The last meeting of the semester approved this is an important bill because a more culturally aware campus. Latino Student Alliance to vouch for is 5 p.m. Sunday in the Holmes The bill for executive member seeing people face-to-face holds “Being a minority, there is a lot ... her ability to successfully promote Student Center, Sky Room. attendance will require the SA members more accountable. that could be improved,” Sandoval events. Sandoval said she doubled