Re: mission statements

[Robert W Barnett <rbarnett@spruce.flint.umich.edu>]

Jeanne,

In addition to working with students from across campus, we work with 
developmental writing students, whose Writing Cener visits are linked to 
a credit bearing course. So, yes, you're exactly right; an 
academic/nonacademic merger seems dubious. The first time 
they tried this, our curricular issues defense is what saved us.  The 
confrontation, however, went all the way to the chancellor and his 
cabinet, who made the final decision. The chancellor, by the way, is 
trying to create a "seemless web of cooperation" between units on campus. My 
guess is that the student services director is smart enough to realize that 
a failed second attempt at merging would mean political disaster for her, 
especially in an already unstable? political environment. This makes my 
preparation for the confrontation even more crucial.  

I appreciate your good advice. Thanks.

Bob Barnett
U.of Michigan-Flint
Barnett_R@crob.flint.umich.edu



On Thu, 4 Jan 1996, Jeanne H. Simpson wrote:

> Bob
> 
> If you really want to preserve your academic identification, put some
> reference to curriculum into your mission statement.  Generally speaking,
> student affairs isn't allowed to patty-dabble in curricular issues.
> I'd suggest something like "supporting the general education curriculum
> and providing assistance to students completing their majors" or some such
> language as that.
> 
> Jeanne Simpson
> csjhs@eiu.edu
>