At the college start-up meetings, I shared some of the ways we are working together to position Academic Affairs for a strong and sustainable future. Our work is grounded in Grand Valley's mission, vision and values, Reach Higher Together and the Academic Affairs Strategic Framework, and in our shared commitment to providing a high-quality Grand Valley education for generations to come. 

As part of that work, I am pleased to announce the Academic Affairs Future Design Task Force, a six-month effort bringing faculty, staff, academic leaders, and representatives of faculty governance together to consider how the academic infrastructure of our programs, units, and colleges can best position Academic Affairs for the years ahead. 

The task force will be co-chaired by Mark Schaub, Dean of Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Adrienne Wallace, Professor of Communications and Chair of the CLAS Faculty Council. I will participate as an ex-officio and active member of the group. 

The task force will consider an academic structure that supports student belonging and academic success; strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, teaching, and research; builds upon our disciplinary strengths; enhances delivery of our academic portfolio; and creates greater organizational and financial sustainability. 

There are several clear parameters for the work. The task force will examine models at other institutions as well as imagine new models and possible futures. The resulting structure will not add colleges beyond our current eight degree conferring colleges. Finally, the recommendations must produce meaningful cost savings that contribute to long-term sustainability. 

The task force begins its work in September with research and exploration before developing potential options. There will be opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to participate in conversations and provide feedback as the work progresses. 

You can learn more about the task force, see its membership, and follow updates on its work on the Office of the Provost website: https://www.gvsu.edu/provost/academicaffairsfuturedesigntaskforce. 

This is an opportunity for us to think intentionally about what should endure and what should evolve, and how we can best position Academic Affairs to fulfill Grand Valley's mission to serve our students, the region, and the state of Michigan. I am grateful to the task force members for taking on this important work, and I encourage you to follow the process and participate as opportunities for engagement are announced.