June 29, 2011
Dear Campus Community:
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Bilin Tsai has been named the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, effective August 1, 2011. Dr. Tsai has been serving as the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration since August of 2009. She joined the UMD faculty as an Assistant Professor of chemistry in 1976 and was promoted to Professor in 1991. She has served as Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for 11 years, as well as Assistant Dean in the former College of Letters and Sciences and as Associate Dean in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering. She has a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago. Please join me in thanking Bilin for her many years of service, and for agreeing to serve in this important role.
I would like to thank the advisory task force that assisted me with the process of choosing the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor: Vickery French, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration; Jannifer David, Head of the Department of Management Studies; Richard Davis, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering; Susan Maher, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts; and Joyce Strand, Head of the Department of Education.
We continue to recruit new candidates for the Executive Vice Chancellor position and plan to have additional campus interviews in October.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Black
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Advisory Committee for Interim EVCAA
Dear Campus Community:
I am writing to inform you that I will soon appoint an advisory committee to assist me with the selection of an Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. After deciding to extend the search for this position, I asked Vice Chancellor Vince Magnuson if he were interested in continuing to serve in his current position until a new Vice Chancellor was identified. Vince declined this opportunity, and I support his decision. He has agreed to remain as Vice Chancellor through July 31, 2011. This provides me additional time to identify an interim, and it helps ensure a smooth transition in the administrative reorganization of our vice chancellor units.
The Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin his or her duties on August 1, 2011 and will remain in this role until a new Executive Vice Chancellor is named. After I consult with the advisory committee, I will inform you of the next steps in choosing the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
In addition, I would like to inform you that I am beginning a search for a Director of External Affairs. Lucy Kragness, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, will chair this search, and the search committee will be named soon. Last fall I announced that I was considering establishing this new position as a result of Vice Chancellor Greg Fox's retirement and the reorganization of the Office of University Relations. As I stated last fall, Bill Wade's title changes to Vice Chancellor for Advancement, and he will continue to oversee development, alumni relations, intercollegiate athletics and KUMD-FM Radio. The new Director of External Affairs will be responsible for media and public relations, community relations, government relations, marketing and communication, publications, and photography.
Best wishes for a wonderful summer!
Chancellor Black
I am writing to inform you that I will soon appoint an advisory committee to assist me with the selection of an Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. After deciding to extend the search for this position, I asked Vice Chancellor Vince Magnuson if he were interested in continuing to serve in his current position until a new Vice Chancellor was identified. Vince declined this opportunity, and I support his decision. He has agreed to remain as Vice Chancellor through July 31, 2011. This provides me additional time to identify an interim, and it helps ensure a smooth transition in the administrative reorganization of our vice chancellor units.
The Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin his or her duties on August 1, 2011 and will remain in this role until a new Executive Vice Chancellor is named. After I consult with the advisory committee, I will inform you of the next steps in choosing the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
In addition, I would like to inform you that I am beginning a search for a Director of External Affairs. Lucy Kragness, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, will chair this search, and the search committee will be named soon. Last fall I announced that I was considering establishing this new position as a result of Vice Chancellor Greg Fox's retirement and the reorganization of the Office of University Relations. As I stated last fall, Bill Wade's title changes to Vice Chancellor for Advancement, and he will continue to oversee development, alumni relations, intercollegiate athletics and KUMD-FM Radio. The new Director of External Affairs will be responsible for media and public relations, community relations, government relations, marketing and communication, publications, and photography.
Best wishes for a wonderful summer!
Chancellor Black
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Campus Action Plan Approved
May 24, 2011
Dear Campus Community:
I am pleased to inform you that I am approving the Campus Action Plan, which accompanies UMD's new Strategic Plan. The Campus Action Plan was recommended by the UMD Strategic Planning Steering Committee on April 29, 2011. A few changes were made to the plan as a result of comments members of the campus community submitted over the past few weeks. The approved version of the Campus Action Plan is available on the UMD Strategic Planning web site. The link is: http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/planning/
Thank you again for your input and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Black
Dear Campus Community:
I am pleased to inform you that I am approving the Campus Action Plan, which accompanies UMD's new Strategic Plan. The Campus Action Plan was recommended by the UMD Strategic Planning Steering Committee on April 29, 2011. A few changes were made to the plan as a result of comments members of the campus community submitted over the past few weeks. The approved version of the Campus Action Plan is available on the UMD Strategic Planning web site. The link is: http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/planning/
Thank you again for your input and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Black
Thursday, May 19, 2011
EVCAA Search Announcement
May 19, 2011
Dear UMD Community,
Thank you for participating in the search process for the new Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. After meeting with the search committee members, other members of the UMD campus community, and colleagues from outside the university, I have decided to extend the search. The search firm will place new advertisements for the position, and the process of gathering nominations and applications will continue over the summer, with the intention of hiring a new vice chancellor this fall semester.
It is important for me to emphasize that this is not a failed search, but a continuation of the excellent work that the search committee has already accomplished. Four qualified candidates interviewed for the position, and there was not a strong campus consensus about any of the applicants. We have learned throughout the search process and now have a better idea of campus needs. It has been 16 years since we have searched for a new chief academic administrator, and I believe it is important to build a strong consensus for this important campus leadership position.
Linda Deneen has agreed to continue as chair of the search committee. We will be back in touch soon about the next steps of the search.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Lendley C. Black
Dear UMD Community,
Thank you for participating in the search process for the new Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. After meeting with the search committee members, other members of the UMD campus community, and colleagues from outside the university, I have decided to extend the search. The search firm will place new advertisements for the position, and the process of gathering nominations and applications will continue over the summer, with the intention of hiring a new vice chancellor this fall semester.
It is important for me to emphasize that this is not a failed search, but a continuation of the excellent work that the search committee has already accomplished. Four qualified candidates interviewed for the position, and there was not a strong campus consensus about any of the applicants. We have learned throughout the search process and now have a better idea of campus needs. It has been 16 years since we have searched for a new chief academic administrator, and I believe it is important to build a strong consensus for this important campus leadership position.
Linda Deneen has agreed to continue as chair of the search committee. We will be back in touch soon about the next steps of the search.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Lendley C. Black
Monday, May 16, 2011
Vice Chancellor Space Changes
TO: Campus Community
FROM: Chancellor Black
As part of administrative restructuring, the following space changes will take place on or before August 1, 2011.
* The new Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and one support staff will occupy the existing Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations space in Darland 500, 501, 511, 513.
* The existing reception area in Darland 500/515 will be remodeled for one Chancellor support staff and a formal receiving and waiting area.
* The Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations and two support staff will relocate to the existing Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life space in Darland 201, 297, 293.
* The Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life and three support staff will relocate to the existing Auxiliary Services space in Kirby Plaza.
* The new Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Affairs and support staff will be located in the existing photography area in Darland 302 and 304. A search for this position will begin soon.
* Campus photography will relocate to the second floor of Darland, room 247.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Strategic Plan Approved
To the UMD campus:
I am pleased to report that yesterday, May 3, 2011, I approved the new
UMD Strategic Plan as recommended by the Strategic Planning Steering
Committee on April 11 and as endorsed by the Campus Assembly on April
26. The plan has been posted on the Strategic Planning website.
http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/planning/
I have also received the Campus Action Plan, which was recommended by
the Strategic Planning Steering Committee on April 29. I am sharing
this action plan with you at this time. Before I take further action,
I invite your input. The Campus Action Plan is also posted on the
Strategic Planning website.
Your comments regarding the Campus Action Plan will be most helpful
if received by May 20th. It is my hope that by the end of May, the
UMD campus will have a complete Campus Action Plan to go along with
the UMD Strategic Plan.
Many of you deserve thanks. I would especially like to recognize the
hard work of Denny Falk, who served as the Faculty Fellow for
Strategic Planning during this process. The 35-member steering
committee deserves credit for their diligence, advice, and thoughtful
contributions. This plan is strong because of the input of faculty,
staff, students, business leaders, and others in Duluth and the
surrounding area.
We worked hard and we worked together. Your participation is very much
appreciated, and it is a sign that we will have success as we
implement the UMD Strategic Plan. Thank you all.
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
I am pleased to report that yesterday, May 3, 2011, I approved the new
UMD Strategic Plan as recommended by the Strategic Planning Steering
Committee on April 11 and as endorsed by the Campus Assembly on April
26. The plan has been posted on the Strategic Planning website.
http://www.d.umn.edu/chancellor/planning/
I have also received the Campus Action Plan, which was recommended by
the Strategic Planning Steering Committee on April 29. I am sharing
this action plan with you at this time. Before I take further action,
I invite your input. The Campus Action Plan is also posted on the
Strategic Planning website.
Your comments regarding the Campus Action Plan will be most helpful
if received by May 20th. It is my hope that by the end of May, the
UMD campus will have a complete Campus Action Plan to go along with
the UMD Strategic Plan.
Many of you deserve thanks. I would especially like to recognize the
hard work of Denny Falk, who served as the Faculty Fellow for
Strategic Planning during this process. The 35-member steering
committee deserves credit for their diligence, advice, and thoughtful
contributions. This plan is strong because of the input of faculty,
staff, students, business leaders, and others in Duluth and the
surrounding area.
We worked hard and we worked together. Your participation is very much
appreciated, and it is a sign that we will have success as we
implement the UMD Strategic Plan. Thank you all.
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Budget Update
April 21, 2011
Dear UMD Campus Community:
I am writing to give you an update on our campus budgeting process and anticipated results. These results are not definitive until the legislature and governor make final budgetary decisions for the next biennium, which begins July 1, 2011. However, I want to keep you informed as these issues develop.
We continue to anticipate a net 5% reduction, approximately $7.3 million, in our Operations and Maintenance budget. As we have prepared for this reduction, we have followed the budget reduction principles recommended by the Budget Committee of the Campus Assembly, and I have met with this committee several times to ask for their input and to keep them informed. These budget reduction principles guide us to reduce the negative impacts on instruction and student programs, by focusing first on funds held centrally and on administrative areas.
Over $4 million of the $7.3 million reduction will be taken from central funds that would have been used to hire sorely needed faculty and staff. Using these dollars held centrally allows us to reduce the budget cuts to UMD units from 5% to 2.85%. All Vice Chancellor units and my office are taking a cut of 2.85%. In addition, after a major restructuring of some units and other administrative reallocations, the negative impact on the academic colleges and schools was reduced from the original 5% to 1.5% - 2%. These proposed academic cuts were not made across-the-board, but were scaled to help those academic areas with the greatest needs.
So far, our budget reduction process of administrative areas has resulted in layoffs of five individuals and several reassignments. We are in the process of seeking open positions in other areas of campus for the individuals who were laid off.
These budget reductions are painful. As I have stated previously, we will lose the ability to hire approximately 65 faculty and staff members if this budget reduction plan becomes final. These lost positions harm our capacity to meet student needs both in and out of the classroom. Our faculty and staff are already stretched thin, as you deal with more students with fewer resources. At this time, we do not anticipate furloughs or salary reductions for the next fiscal year.
I remain impressed and appreciative of the remarkable work that occurs throughout all areas of UMD. We have received well-deserved attention recently for our national championships in athletics, and we pride ourselves as national champions in many academic, student life and other areas throughout campus.
I will continue to keep you informed as we move closer to a final budget for the next biennium. Thank you again for all you do to make UMD a great university.
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
Dear UMD Campus Community:
I am writing to give you an update on our campus budgeting process and anticipated results. These results are not definitive until the legislature and governor make final budgetary decisions for the next biennium, which begins July 1, 2011. However, I want to keep you informed as these issues develop.
We continue to anticipate a net 5% reduction, approximately $7.3 million, in our Operations and Maintenance budget. As we have prepared for this reduction, we have followed the budget reduction principles recommended by the Budget Committee of the Campus Assembly, and I have met with this committee several times to ask for their input and to keep them informed. These budget reduction principles guide us to reduce the negative impacts on instruction and student programs, by focusing first on funds held centrally and on administrative areas.
Over $4 million of the $7.3 million reduction will be taken from central funds that would have been used to hire sorely needed faculty and staff. Using these dollars held centrally allows us to reduce the budget cuts to UMD units from 5% to 2.85%. All Vice Chancellor units and my office are taking a cut of 2.85%. In addition, after a major restructuring of some units and other administrative reallocations, the negative impact on the academic colleges and schools was reduced from the original 5% to 1.5% - 2%. These proposed academic cuts were not made across-the-board, but were scaled to help those academic areas with the greatest needs.
So far, our budget reduction process of administrative areas has resulted in layoffs of five individuals and several reassignments. We are in the process of seeking open positions in other areas of campus for the individuals who were laid off.
These budget reductions are painful. As I have stated previously, we will lose the ability to hire approximately 65 faculty and staff members if this budget reduction plan becomes final. These lost positions harm our capacity to meet student needs both in and out of the classroom. Our faculty and staff are already stretched thin, as you deal with more students with fewer resources. At this time, we do not anticipate furloughs or salary reductions for the next fiscal year.
I remain impressed and appreciative of the remarkable work that occurs throughout all areas of UMD. We have received well-deserved attention recently for our national championships in athletics, and we pride ourselves as national champions in many academic, student life and other areas throughout campus.
I will continue to keep you informed as we move closer to a final budget for the next biennium. Thank you again for all you do to make UMD a great university.
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
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