Briefing Note for the Special Advisory Committee on Changing Academic Structures

Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor
August 17, 2009

Introduction

Academic structure and configuration of faculties is a subject of considerable interest and debate at universities. Typically, a major focus of such interest is the question:

Does the current academic structure help or impede smooth operations and processes that enable the university to better pursue its teaching and scholarly aspirations and goals?

Other questions, that may be more readily associated with one or other academic structures, may refer to efficiency (e.g., services) and accountability (e.g., budget); benefits to students and innovative programming (e.g., interdisciplinarity); and identity, profile and reputation. Structure does not lead an institution, but may serve to increase the likelihood of the emergence of leadership that can help the university create and manage academic processes and innovation.

Challenge and Opportunity

At Trent University, academic structure, which includes departmental and faculty organization, has been discussed and debated for some time, and modest change has occurred as a result of curriculum redesign and new program introductions. However, the basic organization of one large and all-encompassing Faculty of Arts and Science has not changed since the university’s founding in 1964.

In 2009, the future of Trent University will be examined in two strategic activities led by the Vision Renewal Review Committee and the Strategic Directions Advisory Committee. A review of academic structure will accompany these activities.

Does Trent University’s academic structure serve the needs of faculty and students in pursuit of academic goals?

Does Trent University’s academic structure support the development of goals and objectives, actions and targets, that will lead Trent University to realize a dynamic vision for the future?