Section 2: Current Priorities

At the January 17, 2003, strategic planning retreat, it was emphasized that we need to determine priorities for allocation of scarce dollar resources in the context of fixed expenses (e.g. uniforms for the marching band on a one time basis; others on a persisting basis) and declining OE budgets. It was also noted that about half of the School's budget currently goes toward general education and remedial education expenses. An analysis of student enrollments for Fall 2002 and Fall 2001 indicated that on average 53% of seats were at the 100 level, 27% at the 200 level, with just less than 10% each for 300 and 400 level classes.

Initial discussion focused on the question of remedial education (see details in point 3, below). An attempt was made to situate relative priorities (e.g. serving our majors and minors as a higher priority than general education), and dividing our main tasks into three levels of priority (rather than ranking each in an exact position). The outcome of the debate was as follows, in terms of levels of priority (which should guide our allocation of resources), with individual items not ranked within levels unless otherwise noted.

First Level of priority

• Academic programs for majors and minors in Arts and Sciences, and subject area majors for Education students
• Interdisciplinary programs and the Honors Program
• Research, scholarship and faculty development
• MA and MS Programs

Second level of priority: 

• General Education courses for students in all university programs
• Methods courses for teacher certification and provision of other service courses to other schools
• Academic and cultural enrichment through conferences, speakers, and productions

Third level of priority:

• Remedial English and Math

This ranking was a consensus among all participants, though it was noted that we will need to review details of the ranking, add other items not discussed, and consider the budgetary implications at further Chairs' meetings.