The Daily Bulletin

I am seeking members outside of Academic Affairs from across campus to join one of three new task forces. The work of these groups will be crucial in shaping the future academic environment at Buffalo State. Diverse insights, perspectives, and expertise outside of Academic Affairs are appreciated. The task forces are as follows:
 

Academic Affairs Department Merger and Curriculum Synergies Task Force

Charge is to recommend deliverables by May 2025:

• Inventory of existing courses across all programs to determine opportunities for combining similar courses into single offerings.
• Identify opportunities for course sharing, faculty collaboration, and resource optimization.
• Facilitate discussions with faculty, staff, students, and administration to gather input and feedback on proposed department mergers, curriculum adjustments, and potential impact on accreditation and compliance.
• Identify potential challenges and concerns from affected stakeholders and develop strategies to mitigate negative impact.
   

Student Success Task Force

Charge is to recommend deliverables by May 2025:

• Identify student success goals for reorganization and venues for divisions to encourage open discussion about student progress.
• Communicate reorganization to students, working with institution-wide communication offices.
• Seek feedback from Academic Affairs Department Merger and Curriculum Synergies ad-hoc committee on reorganization from student government and student groups.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify resources and support structures for student involvement in opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for students to engage with the two-unit structure through undergraduate research, entrepreneurship programs, community projects, experiential programs and projects.
   

Process Improvement Task Force

Charge is to recommend deliverables by May 2025:

• Inventory processes, systems, and functions to determine if adaptation, streamlining, or elimination is required in the two-school structure.
• Collect feedback from faculty and staff on process improvement and identify best practices for process and system streamlining.
• Update language in unit-level academic and administrative policies to reflect the two-unit organization and leadership and determine any policies that need to be rewritten entirely.
• Review faculty handbook and bylaws to identify any language referring to departments or chairs and update to reflect the two-unit model.
   

How to Get Involved

I invite you to apply to serve on one of the above task forces. This is an excellent opportunity to be engaged in collaborative efforts with faculty, staff, and students and to contribute to shaping the future of Academic Affairs.

If you are interested in participating, please apply by completing this form by January 15. I look forward to collaborating with you to create a more efficient, innovative, and student-focused future. Thank you for your commitment to Buffalo State’s continued success.