May 30, 2006

Dear Colleagues,

A few weeks ago, I wrote you to propose several changes to DePaul's internal structure. I invited you to write me in return with your suggestions and reflections on the proposed changes. Nineteen of you responded, largely in support of the proposed changes.

All were supportive of the new titles "Provost" and "Executive Vice President" for Helmut Epp and Scott Scarborough, and the Board of Trustees unanimously approved them. They take effect immediately.

A few responses brought specific concerns about individual offices to my attention that will be looked into. Two raised concerns about specific projects and initiatives that might be affected by the realignment of the ITD office. It was helpful to be alerted to these projects in advance so strategies can be created to be sure they are not compromised.

Some had concerns about Student Affairs' ability to cooperate closely with the colleges if the division is structurally removed from the Provost's office. People wondered if it implied a devaluing of the office's much-respected programming. It does not. Some noted that other large institutions such as DePaul have gone the opposite direction in recent years. Their points were well-taken, but I and others believe the realignment will enhance cross-functional relationships in a way that will benefit our students.

The letters were uniformly thoughtful and sometimes quite long. This summary cannot do them justice. In the end, the general support for the proposed changes was clear. DePaul will move forward to implement them over the summer in the manner and timing that best respects the needs of each office. To refresh your memory, here are the changes that will be implemented:

Information Services

• Vince Kellen, vice president for Information Services (IS), and his division will transfer reporting from Scott to Helmut.
• At the same time, most of Instructional Technology Development (ITD) will rejoin IS, except for those ITD professionals assigned to assist faculty in course preparation. They will report to Academic Affairs and be managed by Sharon Guan under the supervision of our new Vice President for Teaching and Learning Resources, Fr. Edward Udovic, C.M.
• This sector is being assigned to Helmut for supervision because of his particular expertise in these matters. He once served as the VP for IS, and, of course, is the founding dean of CTI. The university also hopes that the consolidation of IS functions and realignment with the Provost will help foster new dialogue about academic technology needs, as well as align and improve IS services to the university community.
• IS budgets, priorities and personnel decisions will be made by the Provost after consultation with the EVP. Vince will continue to attend staff meetings of the EVP’s division.

Student Affairs

• Jim Doyle, Vice President for Student Affairs, and his division will now report to the EVP.
• As you may recall, Student Affairs functioned within the Operations division until 2002-03. The return of Student Affairs to this division helps to balance the overall workload by allowing the Provost to focus on the achievement of Goal I academic and Goal IV enrollment management initiatives while the EVP works with Student Affairs to accomplish Goal II student initiatives.
• Because of the important programs that support student academic success, (e.g., Office of Academic Enhancement, PLuS Program and more), and because much of the Student Affairs programming collaborates closely with the colleges, the Vice President for Student Affairs will remain a full member of the Provost’s staff meetings.

Creation of a New Centralized International Office

• Academic Affairs will create a new centralized International Office. Study Abroad, International Student Recruiting, and The English Language Academy (ELA) will become part of this new office.

Suburban Campuses and Continuing and Professional Education

• These departments will report directly to the Office of Academic Affairs.

Libraries and Art Museum

• The libraries and the Art Museum will report to Fr. Udovic, who replaces Doris Brown, associate vice president for Teaching and Learning Resources, and will transfer to Academic Affairs as Vice President for Teaching and Learning Resources.
• Fr. Udovic will continue to oversee the Office of Mission and Values and serve as Secretary of the University. These positions will continue to report directly to the President.

Administrative Services

• The Vice President for Administrative Services position vacated by Fr. Udovic will not be filled.
• Distribution Services and Document Services will move to Facility Operations.
• The remaining departments in Administrative Services will report directly to the Office of the EVP.

Loop Conference Services

• Loop Conference Services will join Facility Operations, where Lincoln Park Conference Services already functions.

Other Organizational Changes in Academic Affairs

• New associate vice president positions have been created for fiscal administration (Alyssa Kupka), Board/external relations and community outreach (Laurie Worrall), cross-college strategic plan implementation (Caryn Chaden), international programs (Joe Kinsella), and market and competitive analysis (Jackie Taylor).
• The position of Vice President for Lifelong Learning and Suburban Campuses will be eliminated.

Permit me to use this opportunity to voice my great respect for the work of all the offices and professionals who are affected. I found their willingness to welcome change enormously generous. It's very clear that the mission is what is most important to them, and that all the rest is about finding the most effective way to move that mission forward.

With respect and gratitude,
Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, C.M.