Provost Perspectives Taking Charge of Our Future

Academic Program Enhancement and Effectiveness Initiative

Thank you to the more than 130 participants who joined us Thursday afternoon for a campus-wide presentation by Gray Associates to examine how data relates to the Academic Program Enhancement and Effectiveness Initiative (APEEI). The presentation focused on program evaluation and the content of program scorecards. During the presentation we invited faculty to ask questions. We tried to answer as many questions as time allowed, and questions not addressed during the session will be discussed in an FAQ to be posted on the Strategic Plan website.

Look for an email inviting you the next Gray Associates presentation on program economics to be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 25. Stay tuned for more information on links to recorded sessions and the FAQ. Gray Associates representatives and your OAA team look forward to meeting with each department to discuss scorecards relevant to your academic programs.

“Near normal” return for the Fall 2021 semester

I would like to thank the YSU faculty and staff, who did a wonderful job navigating a challenging spring semester.

You probably saw President Tressel’s video last week outlining campus plans for a “near normal” return for the Fall 2021 semester. As the President explained, we hope that conditions will allow for as much face-to-face instruction as possible, which means a substantial return to pre-pandemic modalities. I asked deans and chairs to work with you as we transition back to campus, and I note there has been good progress in developing plans for fall instruction.

Students will be enrolling in classes based upon designated modalities, making it imperative that we maintain those modalities throughout the semester. I ask that you stay consistent with the assigned modality throughout the semester unless continued concerns about pandemic safety force us to make changes.

I think we are all looking forward to getting back to campus and experiencing face-to-face interaction with students and each other.

CRM Advise and Degree Works

After more than a year of foundational development, we are ready to implement CRM Advise and Degree Works starting in the fall semester. As such, the Division of Student Success will now be reporting to Academic Affairs. These platforms will support our most significant student success strategies to date, and it is important that all of us work together to make a difference. We are eager to engage with faculty on this critical student success initiative.

Brien Smith
Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs
bnsmith06@ysu.edu