Academic Reorganization Policy (Policy 1)

PURPOSE

Academic reorganization may occur as a result of changes in programmatic focus or growth or changes in a college’s focus or growth. In order to continue to thrive and succeed, Governors State University (the “University”) must be dynamic and deft in addressing changes. These decisions require collaboration and the collective wisdom of the University community. 

DEFINITIONS

Academic reorganization shall mean a shift of any or all programs, modules, faculty, or faculty full-time equivalents (FTE’s) from one program or college to another program or college. As used herein, “academic reorganization” shall not include changes covered by the GSU-UPI Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or by a reduction in colleges, programs, or faculty due to fiscal or other University exigency.

SCOPE

This Policy addresses academic reorganization that does not result in program elimination or employee reduction or reassignments. Any proposed academic program elimination or a reorganization that would result in employee reduction or reassignments will be governed by any applicable CBA.

1. A proposal for an academic reorganization can originate from anywhere within the GSU community, for example: from the faculty, deans, vice presidents, or the President.

2. All such proposals shall be submitted in writing simultaneously to the Academic Program Review Committee (“APRC”) (see New and Expanded Program Review Policy for the committee membership) and for review to the appropriate dean(s) and the Provost.
3. The APRC shall establish a task force for each proposal submitted that is representative of the programs and colleges involved and directly affected. Faculty in a program being considered for reorganization may choose to elect a representative to the task force. The task force shall review the advisability of the proposed academic reorganization in consultation with the appropriate faculty, dean(s), students, and others deemed appropriate by the task force.
4. The task force’s report on its advisability review and evaluation of the proposed reorganization and recommendation on same shall be submitted to the APRC for its review and consideration.
5. The APRC’s report on its evaluation of the proposed reorganization and its recommendation regarding same shall be submitted to the Provost for review and consideration.
6. The Provost’s report on their evaluation of the proposed reorganization and their recommendation regarding same shall be submitted to the President for final disposition or, if required (e.g., if the request entails establishment of a new program or a new unit of instruction, research, or public service), to the Governors State University Board of Trustees for final disposition.

1. Faculty/student ratio in a program (credits generated divided by full-time equivalent faculty);
2. Faculty advising loads;
3. The number of program courses in the major, cross-listed in other majors, and if applicable, general education;
4. The average number of enrolled students in a program over a consecutive three-year period;
5. Tuition revenue and program costs;
6. Need for additional faculty or additional funds for resources;
7. The number of clinical, studio, or laboratory modules in the program.