Mergers, program recommendations and restructuring of non-academic units have marked a challenging summer of change and set the foundation to build a stronger West Virginia University starting this fall.
This update includes information about the next steps in the Academic Transformation process and ongoing efforts to evaluate all areas of the University to maximize efficiencies.
Academic Program Portfolio Review
The Board of Governors approved recommendations for 25 academic units during a meeting Friday (Sept. 15).
Units are now coordinating with the Provost’s Office to implement the recommendations, including teach outs for programs being discontinued. The University will work with students to complete their degree or find another academic path within the University to meet academic goals. As always, all students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor who can help guide them through any questions or concerns.
Read more about the approved recommendations from WVUToday.
WVU Extension, Potomac State College and WVU Tech will undergo reviews set to begin in 2024.
RIF and non-renewal process
The start of notifications for the Reduction in Force process began Monday (Sept. 18) as detailed information about the RIF/non-renewal process was sent to faculty in affected units.
The next step is for faculty to return Affirmation Forms by Sept. 30. Through this form, faculty in units with program reductions affirm whether they wish to be considered for retention. This form also notes whether there will be changes to the standard workload expectations for the unit.
RIF plans will be finalized and reviewed by the University RIF Committee between Oct. 3-15. The Committee includes representatives from the Provost’s Office, Strategic Initiatives and Employee Relations with advice from the Office of General Counsel.
By Oct. 16, meetings will be held with faculty and classified staff whose positions are being eliminated. If a faculty or classified staff member’s position is not eliminated, they will receive an email notification from their dean or chair that their position will be retained. Chairpersons/deans will then follow-up regarding any changes to annual workload assignments for faculty.
Due process hearings will be conducted the week of Oct. 23 for faculty and classified staff subject to RIF and they will be notified of the results by Oct. 30. Severance agreements must be completed and signed by Dec. 1.
Read more about the faculty and classified staff severance package schedule.
Academic Support Units
The University announced recommendations Wednesday (Sept. 20) for academic support units. Separate from the Academic Program Portfolio Review, an evaluation of the 20 ASUs began in May.
The ASU review process was not governed by Board of Governors Rule 2.2 so recommendations cannot be appealed. No units were recommended for discontinuance, development of a cooperative unit or identified for further development.
Recommendations for Institutional Research will be announced soon.
View a presentation from the Sept. 20 Campus Conversation regarding Academic Support Unit recommendations and read more from WVUToday.
Non-academic units
Efforts which began nearly a decade ago to evaluate and streamline operations in non-academic areas also continue.
Strategic Initiatives and the General Counsel’s office provided results of a recent assessment of their respective units to the BOG on Friday (Sept. 15).
Among the key findings:
- Most Strategic Initiatives units experienced declines in full-time employees and budget when comparing FY 2018 to FY2024.
- The Office of General Counsel added one employee, a Clery Act Coordinator necessary to perform certain federal regulatory functions.
- Both areas have reorganized to better align activities, improve service and reduce costs.
- The University is still working with outdated, disjointed processes in many areas, complicated by a number of legacy systems.
The WVU Faculty Senate also requested a review of areas such as the Division of Student Life where results will be announced soon. An evaluation of University Relations/Enrollment Management, among others, is also underway.
Communications and future updates
Campus Conversations
The University has held several transformation-related Campus Conversations. A video archive of the Sept. 20 Conversation is available at this link. Presentations also are available at the site.
Videos and presentations for other recent Conversations are also available at transformation.wvu.edu.
Future updates
Look for information about upcoming Campus Conversations, as well as other important updates, via MOUNTAINEER E-News.
A transformation timeline, FAQ and other resources related to academics, operations, finance and more are available at transformation.wvu.edu.
Specific questions may be emailed to transformation@mail.wvu.edu.