The University of Idaho released a list of proposed academic changes Wednesday, which included eliminating five undergraduate programs and consolidating all music programs into one degree. The announcement signaled the near-end of a university-wide program prioritization process mandated by the Idaho State Board of Education, titled Focus For the Future by Interim Provost Katherine Aiken.
A re-evaluation of UI programs is a healthy process that many universities go through to make sure they are operating efficiently. To comply with SBOE’s mandate, UI must find places to save money, which will likely result in the elimination and consolidation of some programs.
In classic University of Idaho communication style, this announcement blindsided faculty and staff on campus, after they were assured by Aiken last October that the Focus For the Future evaluation would likely not result in the elimination of academic programs.
Instead of making this an open campus-wide dialogue regarding changes our university could and should make, the administration continues to make processes such as this one and package them in ways that cause panic and disruption.
Did the university learn anything from the “Classification and Compensation” fiasco in the fall? Or does it enjoy such episodes? It seems like unnecessary drama that could be easily avoided by simple clear communication.
In fairness to the university, Aiken has said she is unclear about the state board’s expectations for the process. That alone could be causing the gap in information.
Whatever the reason, overall communication about this entire process has been vague and unclear, with many people confused about where this program prioritization is heading. Whenever large-scale procedures like this take place, UI administration ends up focusing their efforts on allaying fears of the campus community, instead of having open discussion and communication from the get-go.
Was the idea to avoid anger in the fall and delay it until spring?The memo released stated there would be a two-week period for feedback for all concerned parties. The input will then be considered by the Provost Council and other groups prior to making recommendations to President Chuck Staben.
The memo scheduled meetings for specific departments and colleges at UI. Aiken stated at last week’s Faculty Senate meeting her desire to receive input on these proposed changes and take them into consideration in the final proposal she will submit to Staben.
However, the intent of these meetings was not clearly stated on the memo and some of the meetings were scheduled on the same day the memo was released or the day immediately following. It is unrealistic to expect departments to coordinate and attend a meeting the same day or one day after it is announced, let alone gather enough information to comment on the proposals.
If UI administrators expect a well informed, organized process, they need to stop taking the university by surprise. Bottom line, this is not the communication faculty and staff at UI deserve.
–RT