AS /AA Clarification of the Formation, Dissolution, Merger or Movement of an Academic Department- Resubmission

Recommendations (1975) The faculty Senate recommends that no formal set of procedures should be followed when the formation, merger or dissolution of departments is at issue. The Faculty Senate recommends the following statement shall serve as a policy guideline in these matters: 1.All matters leading to decisions concerning the formation, merger or dissolution of departments shall be handled on an ad hoc basis with adequate consultation with all concerned parties. These include at a minimum the faculty and students of affected departments, the Deans of affected schools, the Academic Deans’ Council, the Faculty Senate, the Deans of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the President of the University. 2.That the definition of adequate consultation be that all parties concerned be informed and consulted on all actions and considerations with will be admitted as the basis for interim and ultimate decisions, with a summary of all such information and consultation to be in writing, signed and dated. FS /AS Policy on the Formation, Merger & Dissolution of Departments

President Kramer’s Response (1975) I agree with the Faculty Senate recommendation that no formal set of procedures should be followed when the formation, merger or dissolution of departments is considered. I further agree that decisions concerning the formation, merger or dissolution of departments shall be handled on an ad hoc basis with adequate consultation. Adequate consultation shall be demonstrated by a summary of all such information and consultation, in writing, signed, and dated.

President Ortiz’s Response to AS /AA Clarification of the Formation, Dissolution, Merger, or Movement of an Academic Department May 9, 2007 Upon your request, I have considered again the recommendation from the Academic Senate concerning AS /AA – Clarification of the Formation, Dissolution, Merger, or Movement of an Academic Department. The decision to form, dissolve, merge, or move an academic department is not to be made in haste, or without sufficient discussion. Consultation with all concerned parties is an essential part of the decision making process. The current policy requires that such consultation take place and be summarized in writing, signed and dated. I ask Academic Affairs to review their archiving procedures to ensure that all documentation is retained as a permanent record of these actions. With the re-affirmation of these principles, I see no need to alter the decision made by Robert Kramer and the Academic Senate in 1975 that no formal set of procedures be followed when the formation, dissolution merger, or movement of an academic department is considered. I do not accept the Senate’s recommended procedural changes.

Summary of AS /AA Clarification of the Formation, Dissolution, Merger, or Movement of an Academic Department – Resubmission The existing policy regarding the formation, merger, or dissolution states that no formal set of procedures should be followed. The Academic Senate recommends that the following statements serve as guidelines for these actions:

Summary of AS /AA Continued… Still Ad Hoc Basis Adequate consultation means that all concerned parties a. Be informed b. Be given a reasonable amount of time to respond c. Record is kept d. Concerned parties receive a response

- Concerned Parties (minimum) Faculty, Staff and Students of Affected Dept. Dean of Affected College Academic Deans’ Council Academic Senate Staff assigned duties for Deans of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Provost Vice President for Academic Affairs President - Informed of (minimum): a. Reasons for the proposed change(s); b. History c. Anticipated changes to academic programs and timeline d. Impact on RTP matters Summary of AS /AA Continued…

- Records in Academic Affairs with reasonable access - President reports his decision and reasons to concerned parties