The campus leadership retreat is scheduled for Jan. 25 in the High Country Conference Center. Selected individuals representing all facets of the university will gather to discuss university priorities and other topics of concern. Pat Haeuser, vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, is organizing the event for the President’s Office.
Haeuser also said that NAU awaits the governor’s State of the State address and the upcoming legislative session to learn more about the FY14 budget.
William Grabe, vice president for Research, is working with other academic departments to create a policy for creating centers and institutes. Grabe said the university wants to create a consistent pathway and policy for creating and sustaining centers and institutes.
Provost Laura Huenneke reported on her office’s successes and initiatives during her first semester as provost. Included are the successful completion of the exemplary performance program and investment in technology and innovation. She specifically referred to student success coaching as a positive innovation. Huenneke wants to continue efforts to improve communication throughout the university.
The Faculty Senate’s semester came to a close with successful adoption of a learning outcomes initiative, according to Allen Reich, senate president. MOOCs and other technological changes to higher education also are being examined by members. Senators also are working with Extended Campuses on NAU’s Personalized Learning initiative.
Workforce planning has been completed and emails are being sent to departments that are impacted, according to Jennus Burton, vice president for Finance and Administration. Burton also discussed the upcoming construction of the Science and Health building, which is scheduled to begin in the spring. The building will be located east of the Extended Campuses building.
John Morris, associate vice president for Facility Services, presented an update to a variety of projects that are under way across campus. The dining expansion has broken ground, and work is nearly complete on some offices in the Skydome.