The Ad Hoc Academic Planning Committee

2008.10.22

Charge

The Academic Senate Ad Hoc Academic Planning Committee (AHAPC) will develop an academic strategic plan for Cal Poly Pomona that reflects the university’s mission, vision, and core values: http://www.csupomona.edu/mission.php

As an ad-hoc committee of the Academic Senate, the AHAPC would follow established Senate procedure in its activities as given in Article VI, Section 1.C. of the Academic Senate Bylaws. While it should report frequently to the EC and the full Senate, a final report will be submitted by April 7, 2009 to the Executive Committee, in order to provide time for the Senate to review, discuss, amend, and vote on its recommendations to the President. From the bylaws:

Article VI, Section 1, (C)The designated committee shall:

(1) Research the problem for background information utilizing all available resources.

(2)Request the presence at its meeting of the originator and other such personnel whose presence would contribute to the solution of the problem. Input can also be provided in written form including Email.

(3)Meet due dates established by the Executive Committee. When due dates cannot be met, committees shall request an extension at least one week prior to the established due date.

(4)Present reports of their investigations in proper form, unsigned, to the Executive Committee.

(5)Present minority reports when appropriate.

(6) When new problems are encountered, present them as new problem referrals to the Executive Committee.

The academic strategic plan should:

  1. Identify opportunities for growth and excellence which leverage our strengths and distinctive identity based on consideration of the college strategic plans and use these to give directions and goals for our next 3-5 years. Goals should be measureable and include intermediate milestones, to provide indicators of success during implementation
  1. Outline strategies for achieving the goals which identify resources needed and provide guidance in planning for the other university divisions.
  1. Provide a context for resource allocation. Drive the strategic plan for the entire university with academics as the central priority.
  1. In support of a learning centered environment, the AHAPC will assess its own performance and develop learning objectives for each meeting.

In its work, the AHAPC should:

  1. Maintain regular and transparent communication with the campus community, including monthly reports to the Academic Senate, and provide ample opportunity for participation by all stakeholders.
  1. Consider the strategic plan for each college and serve as an inter-college clearinghouse, facilitating communication and the flow of ideas among the colleges.
  1. Identify academic performance measures useful to academic planning.
  1. Work with central offices within Academic Affairs, including the Library, International Center, Honors College, Service Learning, Learning Resource Center, Faculty Center for Professional Development, Writing Center, ORGS, and IRAP.

Implementation of the academic strategic plan in the coming years will follow established procedures, such as the established Academic Senate process for approval of new majors. It is not expected that the AHAPC plan would recommend changes in administrative structure in Academic Affairs; this would go beyond its charge.

AHAPC Composition

The membership of the AHAPC is determined as follows:

1. One member from each college appointed by the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate. Preferably this would be a faculty member engaged in the college’s planning process.

2. One member appointed by the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate from the related areas constituency.

3. The Provost and one additional member recommended by the Provost.

  1. The Provost and a faculty member recommended by the AHAPC and appointed by the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate serve as co-Chairs.

Individual committee members should be knowledgeable about their colleges, but see themselves as responsible to the whole university.

The committee should utilize the support of the central Academic Affairs staff and may request additional resources as deemed necessary.

ATTACHMENT – COLLEGE PLANS

College Plans

The colleges’ plans should identify strategic directions and prospects for academic development and enhancement. The AHAPC will use these reports to recognize and elaborate academic values, opportunities, and challenges.

College strategic plans should:

  1. State the college mission.
  1. Identify directions, goals, and academic development and enhancement prospects for education, research and scholarly activities, service learning and community programs over the next 3-5 years, including possible new programs, based on the college’s (and the university’s, where appropriate) strengths and possible niche opportunities.
  1. Specify strategies for achieving the goals and identify resources (space, funding, faculty, etc) needed and their feasibility.
  1. Present measurable objectives and intermediate milestones.
  1. Point out opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary synergies within the college and with other colleges.
  1. Develop reasonable strategies for recruiting and retaining students and faculty.

Academic Senate Ad Hoc Academic Planning Committee (AHAPC) 2008.10.18Page 1