May 15, 1997-Vol28n32: Greiner sees little focus on goals in academic planning discussion

Greiner sees little focus on goals in academic planning discussion

By SUE WUETCHER
News Services Associate Director

President William R. Greiner told FSEC committee members at the group's May 7 meeting that he found the discussion on campus of the academic planning process undertaken by Provost Thomas Headrick "disappointing in a way" because there has been little discussion of the "goals" of the institution as outlined in the plan and the "diagnosis" of UB's current situation. Most discussion up to this point, he said, has focused on the "prescription."

"I haven't heard much engaging with the goals," Greiner said. "If faculty disagree with the goals, then we ought to know that; if staff disagree with the goals, we ought to know that. I haven't heard any of that. Maybe that means nobody disagrees with the goals."

The "diagnosis" part of the planning document assesses such things as how UB rates, how the university is seen by others and the size of the institution compared to its peers, the medium-sized AAU schools, he said.

"I haven't heard much discussion about that," he said. "Maybe that means everybody says, 'Yeah, basically the diagnosis is right and that really is the right comparison to make'."

If there is no disagreement with the goals or the diagnosis, "and I could conclude that from the silence, or the relative silence on this, then we have to move on to the prescriptions."

Greiner noted that there are three "macro-issues" regarding the planning process that are especially appropriate for the Faculty Senate to deal with.

Two of the issues‹resources-centered management and centers, institutes and initiatives‹need much analysis and evaluation and will not be resolved soon, he said.

But the other issue‹the reorganization of the arts and sciences‹"cries out for a quick response," he said.

The issue has been studied to "a fare-thee-well," Greiner said, adding that until it is resolved, other issues will be held up.

He noted that if Headrick had not proposed the College of Science and Engineering as an option for the arts and sciences, "there would be no need to have a (hearing) panel."

And if the hearing panel does not present a compelling case for the science and engineering option, UB will move forward and begin the transition process to a College of Arts and Sciences, he said.