Faculty and Academic Staff Handbook

21st Edition, 2011 Version

Chapter II: Administrative Organization

2.3 Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer of the University. The Provost and Vice Chancellor is responsible for:

• possessing the vision to provide leadership for all undergraduate and graduate academic programs to meet the needs of Wisconsin and the region
• promoting and sustaining an environment that supports and encourages academic excellence and student learning both inside and outside of the classroom
• providing leadership for the four academic Deans, the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Director of Graduate Studies, the Assistant to the Provost, and the Director of Outreach Programs
• overseeing the hiring of qualified faculty and the creation and implementation of faculty development programs
• overseeing faculty evaluation, tenure, and promotion processes
  
• overseeing the Enrollment Management functions of the University
  
• maintaining a commitment to shared governance with the Faculty Senate
  
• contributing significantly to the effective function of the senior leadership team
  
• providing leadership to the following areas: Library, Institutional Research, Academic Success Center, Research and Grants, International Education/Global Connections, Alternative Delivery and Distance Education, Career Services, Honors Program, Program Review and Assessment
• effectively managing the academic budget to achieve the strategic goals of the University.
• implementing and monitoring UW System mandates

The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs reports directly to the Chancellor and serves as the campus representative in the Chancellor’s absence.

http://www.uwrf.edu/Administration/ProvostsOffice.cfm

2.3.1.1 Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Coordinator

The Coordinator of Student Learning Outcomes Assessment reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and is responsible for:

• working with the Provost and Deans on issues of academic program assessment
• serving as the Provost’s representative to the Faculty Senate Assessment Committee
• working on self-studies and other general institutional analyses
• assisting departments, programs, and units with their plans to assess student learning
• assisting the General Education committee with its assessment program for the General Education program
• assisting departments undergoing professional accreditation (NCATE, AACSB, NASM, etc.)
• maintaining records on program assessment plans and results
• keeping current on assessment trends and issues, i.e., working with the Higher Learning Commission to keep current on accreditation standards
• assisting the Institutional Research office to assess institutional effectiveness
• assisting the Institutional Research office to respond to requests for information from
  external agencies, such as the UW System or the state legislature

2.3.1.2 Global Connections Director

The Director of Global Connections reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and is responsible for:

• developing policies and procedures for international programs
• developing programs and services for international students and for students who study away from campus
• providing assistance to students with concerns or questions about study abroad programs
• promoting participation in study abroad programs, cultural events, and tours
• offering orientation and general counseling to international students and students
  studying away from campus
• offering financial planning and assistance to international students and students studying away from campus
• assisting with immigration regulations and procedures to which international students are subject, especially extension of stay, transfers, work permits, and practical training
• serving as a liaison between international students and University administration and
  academic departments, U.S. government agencies, and private organizations
• promoting interaction between international students and the University faculty and local community
• developing and administering the Office of Global Connections budget
• developing and facilitating a culture of global awareness on campus

2.3.1.3 Grants and Research Director

The Director of Grants and Research reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs and is responsible for:

2.3.1.3.1 Grants:

• writing grant proposals for institution-wide, programmatic, and student support projects, e.g., U.S. Department of Education TRIO and Title III proposals, USDA Challenge Grant proposals, etc.
• helping faculty and staff write grant proposals:
  • leading proposal-writing workshops
  • searching for funding opportunities
  • brainstorming project ideas
  • editing drafts of proposals
  • writing budgets
  • arranging collaborations
  • identifying matching funds
  • securing approval
• grants administration:
  • seeking and disseminating funding opportunities
  • submitting proposals (electronically or on paper)
  • maintaining database of grant proposals submitted and their fates
  • writing annual reports of grants activity
• serving on Faculty/Academic Staff Development Board: managing Faculty Research Grant, Collaborative RSCA Grants, and Incentive Grant programs

2.3.1.3.2 Research Administration:

• compliance: administering UWRF compliance with federal, state, and institutional laws and policies governing research involving human subjects, research and demonstrations using animals, and conflict of interest; staffing the UWRF Institutional Review Board/Human Subjects Committee and the UWRF Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
• coordinating undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activities: hosting the annual RSCA Day; arranging participation in and logistics for the UW-System Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Posters in the Rotunda, and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research; assisting with Falcon Grants program
• performing other tasks assigned by the Provost, e.g., search and screen committees, task forces, etc.; coordinating UWRF submissions to the UW Federal Binder

2.3.1.4 Institutional Research Director

The Director of Institutional Research reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and is responsible for:

• working with administrative and academic leaders to identify data needs, helping to design and implement a research and analysis program, and monitoring institutional performance in support of the University’s academic mission, vision and strategic planning process
• cultivating and supporting a culture of decision-making based on qualitative and quantitative data
• communicating effectively with faculty, staff and administrators about institutional research needs and results
• overseeing data generation and analysis of physical, financial, and programmatic assessments as part of an integrated planning system
• overseeing regular data reporting requirements for the UW-System Office of Policy Analysis and Research
• coordinating campus surveys to support informed decision making
• supervising the data analyst
• working with the Assessment Coordinator to track performance and assessment activities on campus (NSSE, CSEQ, instructor evaluations, student retention and graduation, assessment of student learning outcomes, etc.)
• identifying and interpreting student trend data as they affect departmental, long- range and strategic planning, as well as accreditation, certification and other University initiatives
• coordinating data requests for external audiences (U.S. News, college guidebooks, etc.)
• serving as campus administrator for the faculty activities database
• performing other related duties as assigned

2.3.1.4.1 Data Analyst, Office of Institutional Research

The Data Analyst, Office of Institutional Research, reports to the Director of Institutional Research and is responsible for:

• working with administrators, faculty and staff to develop data summaries to help document the institutional performance of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls
• working with University personnel to understand their data needs, determine how these requests can be met given the University’s computer system and data sources, and design reports to meet these needs
• once data needs are determined, gathering and preparing requested reports, which may entail:
  • writing computer code or developing queries to gather the needed data
  • testing, checking, debugging, reviewing and documenting computer codes/queries to ensure the correctness of results using defined procedures and standards
  • establishing audit, control and data security measures
  • analyzing the results of the data gathered

2.3.1.5 Library Director

The Director of the Library reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and has administrative responsibility for the management, planning, and development of all Library policies, services, budgets, and supervision of Library personnel. The Director of the Library represents the Library to the campus administration, faculty, and students, the Consortium of UW Libraries, and the River Falls community. The responsibilities of the position are:

• administering all Library services and collections
• communicating a consistent vision of Library priorities and implementing new services and strategic directions compatible with that vision and the mission of the University
• developing and administering the Library budget
• recruiting, supervising, and evaluating Library staff
• encouraging and supporting professional development for all Library staff
• serving as an advocate, spokesperson, and leader for the Library’s educational mission at the campus, community, state, and national level
• establishing and maintaining a productive and effective working relationship with Library and University staff, faculty, administration, students, and community members
• fostering local, regional, state and national cooperation in sharing Library resources, networking, and collection development
• preparing materials and reports for UW-System requests, plans, buildings needs, etc.
• encouraging and coordinating efforts for securing external funding in support of the Library
• engaging in appropriate professional service activities
• performing other duties as assigned by the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

2.3.2 Assistant to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

The Assistant to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and has direct responsibility for administering:

The Assistant to the Provost also serves as the Provost’s representative to the Faculty and Academic Staff Development Board as well as overseeing:

2.3.2.1 Academic Success Center Director

The Director of the Academic Success Center reports to the Assistant to the Provost for Academic Affairs and is responsible for:

• Student Support Services (SSS) program
• Outreach Advising
• Pre-Major Advising
• Tutoring Services
• McNair Scholars Program
• Disability Services
• Upward Bound Program

2.3.2.2 Career Services Director

The Director of Career Services reports to the Assistant to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and is responsible for:

• providing overall administrative oversight of Career Services
• developing and implementing policies and procedures for Career Services
• overseeing the development, promotion, and marketing of Career Services programs and services
• collaborating with faculty to expand the number of students served
• overseeing outreach to the employment community
• providing overall leadership to Career Services’ professional and student staff
• maintaining Career Services’ budgets and overseeing the assessment of services

2.3.3 Associate Vice Chancellor, Enrollment Services

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and provides leadership and direction for the Division of Enrollment Services, including direction for the strategic planning process critical in achieving the overall undergraduate enrollment goals of the University.

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services is a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and is a close collaborator with the academic Deans, department chairs, and other senior administrators in meeting the University's undergraduate enrollment and retention goals. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services supervises and directs the offices of Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar/Records, and registration. This person represents the University in enrollment-related issues within the University of Wisconsin System and is expected to participate in national professional organizations as appropriate.

The primary responsibilities include:

• providing strategic direction and leadership for enrollment management
• supervising the offices of Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, and the Office of First Year Experience (FYE)
• managing and analyzing enrollment-related data
• monitoring enrollment projections regarding retention and providing coordination and leadership for retention-related activities
• providing oversight and leadership for new student enrollment and recruitment practices and directly participating in student recruitment
• working with Faculty Senate committees regarding admission and academic policies for the University
• coordinating teams within Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, and Financial Aid to ensure maximum effective cooperation and communication among personnel
• providing direction and coordination with Colleges, departments and staff with the goal of providing excellent service to students
• working with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Global Connections with the goal of fostering a diverse campus community
• working with the UW-River Falls Foundation on scholarship and recruitment efforts
• being an effective ambassador for UWRF in the community, across the state, and throughout the nation and world

2.3.3.1 Admissions Director

The Director of Admissions reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and is responsible for:

• University graduate and undergraduate admission processing functions (new freshmen, transfers, and graduate students)
• undergraduate student recruiting (on and off campus)
• assisting in overall enrollment management for the University
• serving as the liaison with the University as well as with off-campus constituencies

Specific responsibilities include:

• Admission - Lead and manage the Admissions Office staff and continually improve the efficiency and quality of the admission processes for undergraduate and graduate admission
• Recruitment and Undergraduate Visitor Center - Provide vision and strategic direction for the recruitment and enrollment of undergraduate, transfer, and special students
• Admission and Campus Liaison - Foster relations between departments on campus and serve as a liaison between the campus community and the Admissions Office for recruitment and admission
• PeopleSoft and other technology - Research and implement new technology which will streamline the effectiveness and efficiency of the recruitment and admission processes
• Budget - Strategic development of budgets for Admissions Office and oversee budget information for the Enrollment Services division
• Reporting - Coordinate, prepare and monitor detailed statistics of the enrollment activities for current and past students at UW-River Falls
• Enrollment Services - Serve as a team member of the management team for the Enrollment Services division.

2.3.3.2 Financial Aid Director

The Director of Financial Aid reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services. The Director of Financial Aid administers the Veterans Office as well as being responsible for:

• providing leadership and professional development for the staff of the Office of Financial Assistance
• overseeing all policies and practices to support service excellence for students and families throughout the enrollment cycle
• ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations regarding the calculation, distribution and reporting of all financial assistance, including:
  • federal grants, loans, and work-study programs
  • state grants and scholarships
  • institutional scholarships
  • external scholarships
  • private loans
• actively participating in the planning process and the development of enrollment strategies to meet institutional objectives
• ensuring that all institutional, federal, and state funding sources are utilized within budget parameters
• providing counsel and advice to parents, students, and educators regarding higher education financing
• participating in federal, state, regional, and local organization workshops, conferences, and activities related to enrollment services

2.3.3.3 Registrar

The Registrar reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services. The Registrar’s Office contributes to all aspects of enrollment support, from recruiting new students to retention initiatives that support students through their academic experience. The Registrar plays a key role in planning and supporting the University’s enrollment goals. The Registrar provides leadership and professional development opportunities for the Registrar’s Office staff.

Specifically, the Registrar’s Office is responsible for:

• having principal responsibility for the management and day-to-day operations of
  • student academic records
  • registration
  • awarding undergraduate degrees
  • maintenance of degree audit system
  • maintenance of the electronic undergraduate catalog
• implementing and enhancing online academic record services
• participating in the planning process and the development of enrollment strategies to meet institutional objectives
• monitoring and ensuring compliance with operating policies and objectives
• managing the budget process for the department
• participating in federal, state, regional, and local organization workshops, conferences, and activities related to enrollment services
• acting as liaison with other departments, committees and the campus community
• facilitating the production of an annual on-line class schedule
• scheduling of academic classroom space
• supervising certification of intercollegiate athletic eligibility
• coordinating Commencement
• maintaining compliance with FERPA and in security matters related to academic records
• supporting UWRF Institutional Research in the production of student statistics
• providing effective communication and customer service to the University community
• supporting and facilitating the processing of student data and submission to UW-System and other outstate agencies
• maintaining curricular and records portions of the student record system
• facilitating training related to campus community, enrollment and student academic records, e.g., degree audit, areas of study

2.3.4 Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Director, Graduate Studies

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Director of Graduate Studies assists the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in the following areas:

2.3.5 Academic Deans

The Deans of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Education and Professional Studies report to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The Deans have general authority delegated by the Chancellor to act on matters of academic concern. As the principal academic officers of their Colleges, the Deans are responsible for:

2.3.6 Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

The Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences administers the Departments of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Engineering Technology, Animal and Food Science, and Plant and Earth Science. The Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is the principal academic and administrative officer of the College and, in addition to the above-stated Deans’ tasks, is responsible for:

• providing support, guidance, and leadership in developing and maintaining the College’s cooperative partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, private industry, producer and commodity organizations, and other clientele groups
• administering the Laboratory Farms, Food Processing Pilot Plants, and Greenhouse Complex

2.3.6.1 Laboratory Farms Director

The Director of the Laboratory Farms reports to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the Laboratory Farms operations. This individual also works closely with the faculty and meets periodically with the College Farm Advisory Committee.

The Farm Director's duties are:

• cooperating with the appropriate faculty and staff to provide educational opportunities through University courses and applied research projects which result in maximum utilization of the Laboratory farms
• maintaining, analyzing and summarizing farm records and business transactions
• processing bills and receipts along with ordering products on an enterprise basis
• preparing and submitting an annual Laboratory Farm report and proposed annual operating budget
• making management decisions including major purchases or sales of livestock and crops, land rental, equipment leases, etc.
• arranging, coordinating and/or monitoring laboratory activities on the farms
• planning and implementing the farm cropping operations
• supervising, hiring and directing personnel in the farm labor force after consultation with appropriate farm staff and faculty
• maintaining the overall appearance of the University Farms
• working with academic departments and College faculty on special events and organizational activities which are conducted on the Laboratory Farms
• maintaining a calendar of activities
• conducting visitor tours of the farms
• planning and implementing the farm dairy operations and farm horse operations in cooperation with faculty and staff

2.3.7 Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences administers the departments of Art; Biology; Chemistry; Communication Studies and Theatre Arts; English; Geography and Mapping Sciences; History and Philosophy; Journalism; Mathematics; Modern Languages; Music; Physics; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice. The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is the principal academic and administrative officer of the College and, in addition to the above-stated Deans’ tasks, is responsible for:

2.3.7.1. Gallery 101

Gallery 101 is housed in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building and is administered by the Art Department. Exhibitions are selected by an Art Department faculty committee.

2.3.8 Dean of the College of Business and Economics

The Dean of the College of Business and Economics administers the departments of Accounting and Finance; Computer Science and Information Systems; Economics; Management and Marketing; and Military Science (ROTC).

The Dean of the College of Business and Economics is the principal academic and administrative officer of the College and, in addition to the above-stated Deans’ tasks, is responsible for:

• representing the University in regional economic development initiatives
• administering:
  • Small Business Development Center
  • Center for Economic Education
  • Center for Economic Research
  • Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership

2.3.9 Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies

The Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies administers the departments of
Communicative Disorders; Counseling and School Psychology; Health and Human Performance;
Social Work; and Teacher Education.

The Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies is the principal academic and administrative officer of the College and, in addition to the above-stated Deans’ tasks, is responsible for:

• administering the student teaching program
• administering the Educational Technology Center
• being a knowledgeable leader on issues and trends in education at the local, state, national and international levels
• building relationships with external agencies, PK-12 schools, other institutions of higher education, alumni, and funding sources
• overseeing all professional studies programs of the College
• monitoring teacher certification requirements and acting as certification officer for PK-12 teacher education programs

2.3.9.1 Field Experience Director

The Director of Field Experience reports to the Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies and is responsible for:

• administering and coordinating field experiences for teacher education programs in the College of Education and Professional Studies, including:
  • student teaching
  • internships
  • undergraduate and graduate practicums
• providing leadership for implementing initiatives and mandates affecting field-based programs
• cultivating partnerships between PK-12 schools and the University

Specific responsibilities include:

• supervising admissions process for student teacher candidates
• coordinating placement of undergraduate and graduate student teachers, interns, and prestudent teachers
• establishing connections with area schools and early childhood programs
• training and evaluating University supervisors, cooperating teachers, schools and programs
• advising and mediation of University faculty and supervisors, cooperating teachers, administrators, student teachers, and interns, including mediating student problems and appeals
• planning and administering all aspects of teacher education field experiences, including (but not limited to) budgeting, updating handbooks, developing new models for field experiences, and coordination with on- and off-campus constituencies and agencies

2.3.9.2 Educational Technology Center Director

The Director of the Educational Technology Center reports to the Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies and is responsible for:

• providing leadership in instructional technology for the College
• managing the Educational Technology center, which is open to all students and faculty on campus
• providing professional development for faculty, including in the field of distance education
• serving as campus representative to the UW-System Learning Technology Development Council
• providing support for faculty transition from face-to-face to hybrid or online delivery of courses
• serving as director of the Technology Leadership Cadre, student technology leaders
• providing first-hand support to faculty and students in the twelve technology-equipped classrooms in the Wyman Education Building

2.3.10 Outreach Director

The Director of Outreach reports to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and is responsible for:

• providing leadership for development, organization and evaluation of policies, programs and services related to outreach/continuing education programming
• managing logistical and financial support for outreach/continuing education programming
• working collaboratively with the College Deans on program development
• working with internal and external constituencies to provide programming that meets the needs of the region
• working collaboratively with the College Deans on Summer Session and J-term operations
• working collaboratively with UW-Extension, Cooperative Extension, and the Small Business Development Center to submit required reports and act as liaison between the various Extension-related groups
• acting as the Outreach representative on the Regional Development Steering Committee
• acting as the Outreach representative to Graduate Council
• serving as a member of the Deans' Council
• serving as the UWRF representative to UW-System Continuing Education Extension Council (CEEC)
• overall supervision of program managers and Outreach staff
• overall supervision of Pigeon Lake Field Station management staff

2.3.10.1 Pigeon Lake Field Station Senior Manager

The Pigeon Lake Field Station is located on the north shore of Pigeon Lake in the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest 30 miles from Lake Superior. The administration of the Field Station is the responsibility of UW-River Falls. The Senior Manager reports to the Director of Outreach. The Field Station encompasses 80 acres, 16 student cabins, 4 faculty cabins, 3 classroom buildings, a dining hall, a recreation hall and one senior manager’s cabin. The Field Station, sponsored by the University of Wisconsin System, serves as a teaching site for biology, ecology, outdoor education, art, geology and natural resources classes sponsored by its 14-member University advisory board. The Field Station is open mid-April to mid-October.

Duties of the Senior Manager include:

• administering and balancing of General Purpose Revenue and Program Revenue revolving budgets including merchandise sales
• developing brochures, post cards, web sites and other Field Station promotional materials
• arranging, scheduling and promoting academic classes at the Field Station
• supervising Field Station personnel including the Manager of Operations
• scheduling groups for the Field Station including making arrangements for facilities and food service
• guest registration and fee collection as appropriate
• working with 14-member advisory committee in development of classes and promotion of programs
• recruiting new programs, classes, and groups to improve utilization of facilities
• developing a long-range (business) plan for the facility

2.3.10.2 Survey Research Center Director

The Director of the Survey Research Center reports to the Director of Outreach and is responsible for:

• financial management, marketing, analysis and reporting for the Center
• serving as the Center’s primary liaison to the campus community
• handling a significant portion of the customer service/relations
• providing overall supervision of Survey Research Center (SRC) employees and operations
• reporting on SRC activities to the program director for Cooperative Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension and in Extension’s results reporting system
• reporting on SRC activities, as needed, to the UWRF Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences and/or to the Director of Outreach

2.3.11 Department Chairs

[FS 08/09 #23]

The Department Chair reports to the Dean of the College and shall:

Within these categories, major duties of the Chair involve personnel issues. They include:

Other major duties may be performed by the Department Chair or transferred to another's oversight. These include:

Existing Chair's compensation includes certain summer responsibilities. These responsibilities may vary by department, and details will be clarified with the Dean of the College at the time of appointment. Typical summer responsibilities include -- but may not be limited to: