Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

April 9, 2004

Provost unit reorganization intended to create administrative savings

Vice president for academic affairs and provost Benjamin Allen has announced details of an organizational plan that places the Graduate college within the office of the provost; eliminates the office of the vice provost for undergraduate programs; and restructures the office of the provost, including the elimination of an associate provost position. The intent is to more closely coordinate undergraduate and graduate programs and reduce administrative costs with a leaner, more efficient administrative structure.

The changes, which will be in effect by July 1, were first announced in late October in response to a state budget reversion earlier that month. A 2.5 percent across-the-board cut ordered by Gov. Tom Vilsack in October translated to $5.8 million less in state funding for the university. ISU administrators also announced a $2.5 million shortfall in other revenues, bringing the total reduction to $8.3 million. The academic affairs umbrella, which Allen oversees, has had to find almost $5.6 million of that reduction.

While his actions were precipitated by the October funding reduction, the planning assumptions for the FY05 operating budget also were a key factor. The best-case scenario of level funding in state appropriations for FY05 reinforced the decision to seek administrative efficiencies through restructuring.

"Our goal with this administrative structure is to align academic responsibilities and tasks as efficiently and effectively as we can," Allen said. "That said, our foremost job remains to encourage the highest level of achievement in teaching and learning, research and creative activity, and extension and professional practice. Some refinement of this restructuring plan is likely over the next few months as we implement it."

New oversight structure
The new administrative structure will feature several new or reorganized positions:

A full-time associate provost (Susan Carlson will fill this post), whose responsibilities will include faculty affairs (hiring, review, policies, appeals, development, diversity, mentoring and awards), the women's center and the lectures program.
Broad responsibilities for undergraduate and graduate programs will be assumed by one full-time or two half-time associate provosts (individuals to be named; see below).
- Graduate program responsibilities include leadership for the Graduate college, including general administration, recruitment, admissions, retention efforts and the Speak/Teach program. In addition, this associate provost will play a key role in the administration of interdepartmental graduate programs and jointly oversee International Educational Services (IES). Allen and vice president Tom Hill have requested a review of the configuration of IES (which has a long history of being jointly administered by academic and student affairs), with an eye on how to provide services more efficiently.
- Undergraduate program responsibilities include the Honors program, the Program for Women in Science and Engineering, undergraduate support services, and the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE). Two program units will join the CTE: Preparing Future Faculty (formerly part of the Graduate college) and the instructional development services unit of the Instructional Technology Center.
A full-time assistant provost (Ellen Rasmussen will remain in this post), whose responsibilities include budgeting, facilities, finance, P&S staff development and the classroom services and creative services units of the Instructional Technology Center.

Changes made by July 1 will generate an estimated $500,000 annually from reduced administrative and service costs. Savings also will be realized as the central career services office is closed. College career service offices will not be affected by the closure.

Associate provost search opens this month
Faculty applicants will be sought for one full-time or two half-time associate provost positions within the office of the vice president for academic affairs and provost. The individual or individuals in these positions will be responsible for newly aligned duties in undergraduate programs and graduate education. An announcement will be posted by April 15. The start date is July 1.