Dear Faculty and Staff —

The Chancellor’s Cabinet meeting discussed the university’s approach to fall convocation, future plans for commencement, and a faculty colleague’s request that the university could apply for the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s classification as a university for “Leadership for Public Purpose.”  After discussion, the Chancellor invited colleagues to send ideas to her about such a classification, which could enhance the designated and known character of this University.

Informative conversation was held with the former provost, Dr. Dennis Papini, regarding this week’s accreditation team site visit for the MPH degree. We also discussed the strategic investment funds and completion of the workload policy. Further, a discussion was held with Arnold Henning, interim vice chancellor for finance and administration, on fiscal and budgetary constraints facing this University, and in particular, fiscal issues in Academic Affairs. Another important meeting was held with AVC for Research and Innovation Dr. Lucia Vazquez, who advised me on her responsibilities and specific staff vacancies that require solution.

Discussions were held regarding retention of students, academic advising, program review processes and consequences, the role of the ombudsman, and program staffing in areas of high student enrollments. And, after conversation with Dr. Jeff Lorber, vice chancellor for advancement, who reviewed the advancement activity and endowments at UIS, he requested that definition begin to determine academic program priorities for the University’s next capital campaign. I also met with Ms. Jackie Gillock, associate director of budget and financial analysis, to learn about her work and its evolution as the institution’s reorganization occurred during the past few years.

Open office hours were held on Wednesday, and three colleagues visited with me – each beginning with a gracious, warm welcome to this beautiful campus. Issues discussed were: the student grade grievance policy; faculty relationships; and promising work to deepen prospective student engagement in the Finance curriculum (College of Business and Management) through external partnerships; working toward program recognition from national professional finance associations; and of special interest to international students, seeking the designation for Applied Finance as a STEM field of academic endeavor.

A fruitful introductory meeting was held with Dr. Kristi Barnwell, president, UPI 4100/United Faculty, Dr. Stephen Schnebly, vice president, UPI 4100/United Faculty, and Mr. Mark Owens from Human Resources to acquaint me with current and some long-term collective bargaining issues. We intend to meet monthly to continue our work together.

My learning curve continues, and this whole week I am reminded of the quote from Walt Whitman in Leaves of Grass as I try to move ahead on certain items: “Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself. I contain multitudes.” I ask for your patience and kindness as I become settled into this wonderful, dynamic, and restless University.           

Thank you,

Linda

Linda M. Delene, PhD

Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VCAA) and Provost

University of Illinois Springfield