Search and Screen Committee, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

January 7, 2011

TO: UMD Campus Community

FROM: Lendley C. Black, Chancellor

RE: Search and Screen Committee, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

I am pleased to announce the membership of the committee which will help us conduct a national search to identify and screen candidates for the new Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. This is the position I announced in November as a replacement for Vince Magnuson.

The committee and I will be assisted by the executive search firm, Academic Search, Inc. The committee will begin its work later this month with the intent of bringing candidates to campus for interviews during the spring semester. The committee will ensure multiple opportunities for input from faculty, staff, and students during the campus interviews. Following this process, I hope to hire the new Executive Vice Chancellor later in the spring with a start date of July 1, 2011.

Please join me in thanking these individuals for their service, and let me know if you have questions or comments.

Thank you.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Search and Screen Committee

Linda Deneen, Director, ITSS, Committee Chair
John Arthur, Professor, Sociology/Anthropology
Ann Bergeron, Professor, Theatre and Dance
Jannifer David, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Management Studies
Gary Davis, Regional Campus Dean, Medical School
Patty Delano, Alumni Director
Chelsey Doepner, Student
Don Fosnacht, Departmental Director, NRRI
Vickery French, Assistant to the VCAA
Chris Haidos, Associate Director, Admissions
Tim Holst, Director of Graduate Programs
Tadd Johnson, Professor and Head, Department of American Indian Studies
Kjell Knudsen, Dean, LSBE
Molly Minkkinen, Associate Professor, Education
Elizabeth Minor, Associate Professor, Chemistry & Large Lakes Observatory
Paula Pedersen, Assistant Professor, Psychology
Jeff Romano, Director, Bookstore
Corbin Smyth, Director, Kirby Student Center

Bob Borden, Chancellor's Office Executive Secretary, Administrative Assistant for the Search

Campus Reorganization

To UMD Campus Community:

My first few months at UMD have been an invigorating time of listening and learning from all of you why UMD is such a special place. I thank you for your support as we unite to create an environment where we can all do our best work.

It is with regret that I announce Vince Magnuson and Greg Fox have asked to retire from their vice chancellor positions. Both have played key roles in my transition to UMD, and I am grateful for their wisdom, vision, and support. I wish them both the best in their future endeavors.

Vince Magnuson has served UMD for more than 40 years, holding the title of Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration since 1995. Prior to his tenure in administration he served as a faculty member and department head in the Department of Chemistry. Vince is widely recognized for his principled leadership and ability to navigate difficult situations with patience and wisdom. His leadership as vice chancellor has yielded many accomplishments that have expanded and diversified the faculty, strengthened the curriculum, improved student learning and enhanced the university. Vince's stewardship of areas such as liberal education reform, civic engagement, semester conversion, international partnerships, and his mentorship of deans and department heads have been critical to UMD's success. He is an invaluable University citizen whose leadership, expertise and sound judgment will be difficult to replace. Vince will be on a transitional leave beginning in the fall of 2011, serving in an advisory role and assisting with special projects.

Greg Fox has served UMD for more than 35 years, and has been the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations since 1988. In 2001, Greg served as Interim Vice President for University Services on the Twin Cities campus. Prior to his vice chancellor role, Greg served as director of Continuing Education, and he has taught in Management Studies and Communication. During the 2008-09 academic year, Greg was director of the UMD Study in England program. Greg has chaired several community boards including the DECC, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries and co-chaired the Duluth United Way annual campaign. Greg's visionary leadership has helped shape UMD into the educational leader that it is today. It will be difficult to replace his expertise, relationships with legislators and civic leaders, compassionate community service and common-sense approach to solving problems. Greg will be on a transitional leave in the fall of 2011, assisting with special projects.

As a result of these retirements, I have decided to make the following changes to the Chancellor's Cabinet, effective July 1, 2011. I believe these changes will help me be most effective as we work with the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and the Campus Climate Leadership and Campus Change Team to envision and to shape UMD's future. In addition, these changes will best position UMD to continue its growth in stature and in significance. Thank you for your attention to this lengthy communication. Please let me know if you have questions or need additional information.

Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs:

A national search will begin immediately for an Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who will serve as the chief academic officer and will represent the Chancellor as needed. This position will keep the current functions of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration and will be expanded to include the Registrar, the Office of Admissions, and the First Year Experience Program. The Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will oversee all of the academic functions of the campus and will coordinate the activities of the other members of the Chancellor's Cabinet.

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations:

The role of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations will remain the same, except it will no longer include the governmental relations functions. John King, Director of Facilities Management, has agreed to serve a one-year appointment as the Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations, starting July 1, 2011. I would like to thank John for once again overseeing the vital functions of this area. A national search for a permanent replacement will begin in fall of 2011.

Vice Chancellor for Student Life:

A national search will begin immediately for a Vice Chancellor for Student Life. This position will keep the current functions of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life, except that the Registrar, the Office of Admissions and the First Year Experience Program will move to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Jackie Millslagle will remain as the Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Support and Student Life until June 30, 2011. I would like to thank Jackie for her excellent and continued service in this critical position. Jackie will return to her former position as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

In addition to these three replacement positions, I am considering changing the current title and responsibilities of the Vice Chancellor for University Relations to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and creating a new position: Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Affairs. This change is prompted, in part, by Greg Fox's retirement, since he has served us well as UMD's legislative liaison.

If this change occurs, the new position of Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Affairs would be created by restructuring positions currently within University Relations. Bill Wade will continue as the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and will oversee the Office of Development, the Office of Alumni Relations, The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and KUMD-FM Radio. The Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Affairs will oversee the governmental and community relations duties that Greg Fox has performed admirably for many years. In addition, this new position will oversee media relations, public relations, publications and photography.

Especially during these trying budget times, the financial well-being of a public university depends upon positive and assertive relationships with external constituencies, particularly decision makers in state government, alumni, and donors. In addition, we need to provide increased support and attention to how we tell the UMD story and how we interact with media and the general public. Given the centrality of these and many other external constituencies, I hope to create this new Special Assistant position sometime during the spring semester. Because of the uncertainty of our budget situation, I will wait and make a final decision on the new position until the budget situation for next year is clearer. I will also wait until I experience a significant portion of the legislative session, which begins in January.

Chancellor Lendley C. Black

Strategic Planning Update/November

To Faculty and Staff:

This communication is a follow-up to my October 13, 2010 Strategic Planning Update. The Faculty Fellow for Strategic Planning has been chosen. The Strategic Planning Steering Committee was finalized late last week and had its first meeting today.

After carefully considering the applications submitted and interviewing two candidates, I selected Dr. Dennis Falk as the Faculty Fellow for Strategic Planning. Dr. Falk is a professor in the Department of Social Work. He has strong connections with faculty and staff members at UMD and a wide range of accomplishments that fit well with my plans for the strategic planning process.

The individuals listed on the roster below have agreed to serve on the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and its Executive Committee. I chose these faculty members, staff members, and students to represent most major areas of UMD. It was not feasible to have representatives from every office or group. Nor was it feasible to use everyone who volunteered or was nominated. I appreciate the broad interest in the strategic planning process and the outstanding nominations I received.

All members of the UMD campus community will have an opportunity to contribute to the strategic planning process and an opportunity to comment on drafts of the plan. Please contact me or members of the committee if you have questions or would like additional information. Summary notes of the committee's meetings will be shared with the campus.

Thank you again for your interest and support of the strategic planning process.




Strategic Planning Steering Committee
Praveen Aggarwal, Professor and Head, Marketing
Mary Cameron, Associate Director, Human Resources
Steve Colman, Director, Large Lakes Observatory
Victor de Meireles, Student Association President
Linda Deneen, Director, ITSS
Jeni Eltink, Program Director, First Year Experience
Beth Esselstrom, Director, Admissions
Dennis Falk, Professor, Social Work and Faculty Fellow
Greg Fox, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Operations
John Hamlin, Professor, Sociology-Anthropology and
Chair, Executive Committee of the Campus Assembly
Kit Hautamaki, Administrative Director, University Relations
Caitlin Herby, Student Association, Campus Outreach Director
Gary Holquist, Head Coach, Basketball
Jill Jenson, Associate Professor and Head, Writing Studies
John King, Director, Facilities Management
Loretta Kragness, Buildings and Grounds Worker, Housing, Teamsters
Judith Kritzmire, Professor, Music
Carmen Latterell, Associate Professor, Mathematics and Statistics
Vince Magnuson, Vice Chancellor, Academic Administration
Jackie Millslagle, Interim Vice Chancellor, Academic Support and Student Life
Mark Mizuko, Professor and Head, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Leigh Neys, Interim Director, International Education
Denise Osterholm, Lab Services Coordinator, Physics, AFSCME
Bill Payne, Associate Professor, Theatre
Gerald Pepper, Professor, Communications and Associate Dean, CLA
Michael Pfau, Associate Professor, Communication and UEA President-Elect
Lisa Pratt, Alumni Associate, University Relations
Jim Riehl, Dean, Swenson College of Science and Engineering
Jeff Romano, Director, Bookstore
Andrea Schokker, Professor and Head, Civil Engineering and Vice Chair of Educational Policy Committee
Rick Smith, Director, American Indian Learning Resource Center
Corbin Smyth, Director, Kirby Student Center and Student Affairs Committee
Joyce Strand, Associate Professor and Head, Education and
Executive Committee of the Campus Assembly
Bedasse Tadesse, Associate Professor, Economics
Bill Wade, Vice Chancellor, University Relations
Executive Team
Dennis Falk, Chair
Praveen Aggarwal
Mary Cameron
Victor de Meireles
Linda Deneen
John Hamlin
Gary Holquist
John King
Judith Kritzmire
Vince Magnuson
Jackie Millslagle
Jim Riehl
Joyce Strand

Campus Budget Update

In the next several months we will be asked to begin budget planning for the next two years. While we have been given no specific instructions concerning the planning process, there are some things we know which should be taken into consideration as we begin the process.

Current budget projections suggest that the State of Minnesota has a budget shortfall of $5.7 billion for the next biennium. Three years ago UMD received $50 million of its total budget of approximately $200 million from the State. Now our state allocation is $37 million, and it is likely that additional cuts will be made. To provide a sense of scale, the retrenchment that occurred during the current biennium was $11 million. However, that figure significantly understates the true impact on the campus, because we also had to make adjustments to cover increased costs in compensation, utilities, student scholarships, etc. At this time, we do not know how much our additional cuts will be for the next biennium, but we anticipate the cuts will range from 3% to 6% of our operations and maintenance (O&M) budget.

I am committed to broad-based involvement in developing the budget for next year. However, that commitment comes with the caveat that often budget decisions need to be made quickly. To date, we have received no budget instructions from the State or the University of Minnesota system. When we receive those instructions I expect our timeline for response to be brief.

That being the case, I am meeting with the deans next week to begin the budget discussions. In addition, I have invited Richard Pfutzenreuter, Vice President for Budget and Finance for the University of Minnesota, to come to the campus on November 5 and meet with the Chancellor's Cabinet, deans and other administrative leaders, and the Campus Assembly Budget Committee. He will give us his perspective on what are likely to be the budget planning parameters for the University System. The administrators, faculty, and staff who meet with Vice President Pfutzenreuter will then share the information with their constituent groups. Since that meeting follows the November election, the outcome of those elections will likely give us more clarity about the way the State will decide to address its financial priorities.

Soon after the November 5 meetings with Vice President Pfutzenreuter, I will meet again with the Cabinet, the Council of Deans, other administrative leaders, and the Campus Assembly Budget Committee to seek their input and advice regarding budget strategies for the next budget cycle. I will send additional campus budget updates and keep you informed on budget information as it becomes available.

In spite of these challenging and uncertain economic times, UMD's overall financial health is strong.

We have many needs and aspirations for many things that we cannot afford at this time. However, we are fortunate to have a solid financial foundation which will help us respond well to the difficulties ahead.

Please contact me or the campus leaders in your area if you have questions or would like additional information.

Lendley C. Black, Chancellor

Strategic Planning Update/October

On September 27, I announced my plans for a comprehensive strategic planning process and announced the creation of the Faculty Fellow for Strategic Planning position. Within the next week to 10 days, I plan to announce the new faculty fellow and announce the membership of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee. I have a strong candidate pool from which to choose the Faculty Fellow for Strategic Planning.

Today I'm writing to ask for your help in creating the Strategic Planning Steering Committee. Based upon my experience, a strategic planning process can only be effective to the extent that it involves a large majority of the campus in the planning process. Much of that work will be done at the collegiate or administrative unit level, but it is also important that a steering committee be appointed to assist in the structuring of the work assignments and in the evaluation and prioritization of the opportunities that present themselves through the various phases of the planning effort. Many of you have had important roles in the campus and others are emerging leaders who would like a more active role in planning our future. Please send nominations or self-nominations for the Strategic Planning Steering Committee directly to me at chan@d.umn.edu by noon Monday, October 18. I am hoping for a committed group of people from all campus governance and employee groups. Students will also be represented on the committee. We will begin meetings soon and will meet regularly between now and the end of the spring semester.

Last week, I announced an organizational structure to create a more inclusive campus environment. This effort is in response to racial, homophobic, and sexist incidents on campus. These events should provide all of us with the opportunity to measure our own actions and to create a campus climate that is welcoming and inclusive to all of our faculty, staff, and students. Through this process we will develop action plans to improve the climate on campus for everyone.

Both initiatives, strategic planning and inclusive campus environment, will be integrated into our campus governance structure. For example, drafts of the new strategic plan will be shared with our governance groups for input. If new policies are suggested related to campus environment, these policies will be vetted and formalized through our current campus governance procedures. During a recent meeting with the Executive Committee of the Campus Assembly, I was asked if there were other initiatives that I would be announcing soon. My somewhat facetious answer was, "I hope not." These are the two main initiatives for 2010-2011. Of course there are other areas which need our attention. However, it's most important this academic year to focus first on planning and on creating an inclusive environment within which we can do our best work.

Lendley C. Black, Chancellor

UMD Organizational Structure to Create a More Inclusive Campus Climate

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to articulate the responsibilities of and the relationships between the elements of a new campus organizational structure that will support and advance social justice values of inclusion, equity and diversity. This is an ambitious and worthy goal that will require campus-wide engagement and commitment. I expect efforts to focus on organizational change, fostering collaboration, and aligning actions and priorities to optimize effectiveness and resource utilization.

I announced two weeks ago that the elements of this new organizational structure are the Leadership Team, Campus Change Team, Unit Change Teams and the External Consultants. I am pleased to announce that Bilin Tsai, Interim Associate VCAA, and Susana Pelayo Woodward, Director of the Office of Cultural Diversity, will Co-Chair the Campus Change Team. They will report to me directly and through the work of the Leadership Team.

I. Leadership Team for an Inclusive Campus Climate
a. Membership: Chancellor, Vice Chancellors for Academic Administration, Academic Support and Student Life, Finance and Operations, and University Relations, a dean, a tenured faculty member, a staff member, an Executive Committee of the Campus Assembly member, and the Co-Chairs of the Campus Change Team.
b. Provide campus leadership.
c. Receive, review and prioritize recommendations and goals.
d. Allocate resources (funds, space, personnel, etc.).
e. Manage communication plan for internal and external constituents.
f. Lead discussion and revision of mission, core values, and goals with respect to inclusion.
g. Provide oversight for implementation of approved recommendations.

II. Campus Change Team (CCT) for an Inclusive Campus Climate
a. Membership: CCT Co-Chairs, one member from each vice chancellor unit, one member from each collegiate unit, three students, and representatives from current commissions.
b. Report to the Leadership Team
c. Foster development of campus equity and diversity action plans. Research plans with
respect to feasibility, cost, and timeline. Make recommendations to the Leadership Team.
d. Build and maintain liaison, alignment and communication with other campus units, campus populations, and the community.
e. Facilitate publicity and promotion of events and programs that contribute to an inclusive
campus environment.
f. Provide regular reports to Leadership Team and campus.

III. Unit Change Teams (UCT) for an Inclusive Campus Climate
a. Membership: To be determined at the Unit level.
b. Develop and recommend equity and diversity action plans to Unit and/or to CCT as appropriate
c. Report to Dean, Vice Chancellor or Director
d. CCT member serves on UCT as appropriate
e. Responds to and works with CCT


IV. External Consultants: Kathy Obear and Jamie Washington
a. Provide technical expertise to build internal capacity to sustain change efforts
b. Provide workshops and leadership development as appropriate

Our success in creating an inclusive campus environment will rest to large extent on the commitment by the members of the various teams and their willingness to work diligently, respectfully and collaboratively. I will initiate a process for seeking nominations and then identifying members of the Leadership and Campus Change Teams, and I will ask unit heads do the same for the Unit Change Teams. In addition, I am well aware that that without broad support and engagement by many others, we will not achieve our aspirational goals. The following quotation reflects my own view of how we can be successful.

"Equity and diversity efforts must be led not only by people with formal authority, but also by faculty, staff, students, and administrators at every level of operation and responsibility."

From Reimagining Equity and Diversity: A framework for transforming the University of Minnesota

Please let me know if you have comments, suggestions, or questions. Thank you for your cooperation and ongoing efforts to create a premiere inclusive campus environment.

Sincerely,

Lendley C. Black
Chancellor

Civility in the Classroom

The University of Minnesota Duluth is dedicated to maintaining a positive learning
and working environment for our students, faculty, and staff. The manner in which all
parties interact within the classroom must respect our collective commitment to social
justice, inclusion, equity, and diversity. The University of Minnesota is committed to the
policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment
without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status,
disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Both instructors
and students have a fundamental obligation to regard the instructional setting as a
place for civil, respectful behavior. For example, student behavior that is disrespectful,
harassing, or aggressive is grounds for removal from the classroom.

Individual faculty members are encouraged to address these important issues in course
syllabi and through discussion in their classrooms. Honest and genuine acknowledgment
of individual faculty commitments to these critical expectations will help to create
the kind of classroom environment that will optimally contribute to student success.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take advantage of lectures and other
cultural events that will broaden experiences and foster understanding and respect.

Thank you for your efforts in helping us to maintain an optimal teaching and learning
environment for all.

Lendley C. Black, Chancellor
Vince Magnuson, Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration
Jackie Millslagle, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Support & Student Life