Spring Update

Published May 15, 2014 This content is archived.

Colleagues:

As the semester draws to a close and commencement season approaches, I wanted to update you on our UB 2020 progress.

Over the course of the last month, I was pleased to meet with nearly 700 faculty and staff members from every academic unit (see right sidebar to view video or presentation document).  In these decanal conversations, we discussed the academic vision for UB.  A key way that we will realize our aspirations is through the two signature initiatives that we initiated this semester – Communities of Excellence and curricular distinction.  These initiatives will more fully take shape over the summer and next academic year.

The Communities of Excellence generated a high level of interest at the decanal meetings that was matched by the tremendous response to the call for potential ideas for Communities.  I am extremely impressed by the creative ideas presented in the 98 concept papers we received.  Over the next few weeks, we will be reviewing concepts and selecting those that will advance to the preliminary presentation stage.  If you have questions about the Communities or the application process, I invite you to explore the Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

There also has been a tremendous amount of interest and discussion around the redesign of the general education program , which is the largest component of initiatives designed to enhance curricular distinction.  The General Education Committee, comprised of 90 faculty and staff members and chaired by Professor Andrew Stott, dean for undergraduate education, will complete a draft of the program plan to share with the campus community.  There will be considerable opportunities for discussion and input into the new general education program next academic year.

UB is gaining momentum.  In my conversations with you this past month, I emphasized that our greatest asset is our existing faculty and staff who will use the opportunities we have to transform our academic and campus community.  This is an exciting time in our history.  I look forward to continuing to work with all of you as we create UB’s future.

Sincerely,

 

Charles F. Zukoski                                                                                        Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs