The Future Design Task Force (FDTF), created to provide proposals for future designs of the Academic Affairs division, is entering a key input phase, and invites your participation.  

Faculty and Staff perspective is particularly important in the development of the FDTF recommendations to the Provost. The leadership of the group has already reached out to schedule conversations and input sessions with representative bodies including the University Academic Senate and other governance committees. They invite all colleagues in the Academic Affairs Division to participate in two ways:

1. Provide insights and suggestions on the Future Design Task Force website.
2. Register for and attend one of several campus conversations by responding here.

The FDTF campus conversations will be guided sessions, and the facilitators plan to use these and other questions: 

• What institutional strengths, academic functions, or governance practices must be protected in any future academic affairs design?
• What changes could produce meaningful recurring savings without weakening program quality, student support, or the university’s capacity to innovate?
• Where does the current structure create unnecessary complexity, duplication, unclear accountability, or barriers to student success and interdisciplinary collaboration?
• Where do current structures, processes, handoffs, systems, or communication practices create duplication, delay, confusion, or unnecessary work?
• Where could work be better coordinated, standardized, or shared while retaining the local knowledge and relationships necessary for effective service? 

By the end of the Fall semester, the Task Force will provide recommendations to the Provost. The Task Force does not have authority to implement changes or make decisions; it will provide recommendations on future organizational and administrative structures. Collectively, they will determine next steps through normal governance and decision-making processes. 

Thank you in advance for your participation, input, and ideas.

Mark Schaub & Adrienne Wallace, FDTF Co-Chairs

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.