As the implementation committee for the University’s Academic Plan enters its third month of slow progress, a pending meeting with the provost and a recently hired administrative assistant could help push the plan into high gear.
The committee has struggled to find its footing, frequently deferring to subcommittees or members of the administration as it works through the ins and outs of permissions and policymaking.
But as the group begins to take more active steps forward, big-ticket items in the University’s comprehensive 10 year to-do list could start to emerge from the monthly meetings.
“It’s important that we find ways to publicize our efforts and make clear that the University considers this a top priority,” said Bill Andrews, a committee member and senior associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Some of that work might fall under the jurisdiction of Stephen Barber, a recent UNC graduate, who has been charged with the more managerial and research-orientated aspects of the plan.
Most significantly, the committee’s co-chairwomen are set to meet with Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Bruce Carney this Friday to discuss ways to better propel the committee and its plans forward in a fiscally conscious era.
“The provost is not averse to policy recommendations that cost money,” said Ron Strauss, executive associate provost and chief international office and a committee member.
“Santa Claus does not live in the provost’s office, but money is available.”
Strauss also acknowledged what he called the inherent difficulty of pursuing policy change through top-down direction.
