Greetings,

This is the first in a series of periodic messages aimed at keeping you apprised of pertinent issues, initiatives, and announcements in Academic Affairs here at Kent State University. You will see it change in format over time, but the goal remains the same – to maintain a high level of communication throughout Academic Affairs on issues that affect us all.

First, let me take this opportunity to thank you for your dedication to the success of our students – and ask you for your continued support as, together, we explore and expand upon the pathways that will lead to the success of each and every one of our students.

I take student success as my number one priority. As soon as I knew I would be coming to Kent State, and before even moving into the Provost’s Office, I asked a group of people to meet weekly to work on new approaches that the university could take to better support student persistence to graduation – that is, increase retention. The members of the workgroup, which I joined upon my arrival, now include Debbie Barber, Jim Blank, Terri Christensen, Glenn Davis, Laura Davis, Jim Gaudino, Evelyn Goldsmith, Pete Goldsmith, Geri Hayes-Nelson, Barb Hipsman, Justin Hilton, Betsy Joseph, Sally Kandel, Gary Padak, Wayne Schneider, Darrell Turnidge, and Donna Witter. We also expect an undergraduate student to join the group soon.

This summer, the workgroup planned a program which was carried out by the deans offices advisors. The program aimed at contacting students who did not schedule during priority registration. Currently, the retention workgroup is looking at the possible benefits of a “graduation planning system.” Such systems, as used at other universities, assist students in finding the best path to completion of their major, let them know if courses they register for are part of their declared program, and help them look at alternative pathways toward degree completion. This afternoon, the retention workgroup will discuss with members of Faculty Senate the benefits of further investigating such a system and, if so, how a group to do that work might be composed.

In addition to the formation of the workgroup, other changes have taken place in the area of student persistence. Terri Christensen, Director of the First-Year Experience for Undergraduate Studies, will be joining the Provost’s Office as the Executive Director of Student Success Programs. Terri will transition into her new role while remaining active with Undergraduate Studies for the duration of the semester. In her new position, she will report directly to me.

Terri will lead and coordinate efforts to improve student persistence for first- and second-year students, a critical priority for Kent State University. In addition, she will continue to organize and implement the First-Year Experience, a meaningful and productive program aimed at assisting new students in their transition to Kent State University as a member of the Provost’s Office staff.

At the graduate student level, changes are also occurring. Dr. Daniele Finotello, who has served as Associate Dean for seven years, first in the College of Arts and Sciences, and most recently in the Division of Research and Graduate studies, has returned to teaching full-time in Physics. On behalf of myself and the Division of Research and Graduate Studies, I thank him for his service and wish him well.

Dr. Evelyn Goldsmith, Assistant Provost, will serve as Interim Associate Dean. Dr. Goldsmith has more than 25 years of higher education experience, 15 of which were spent in the administration of graduate education. She has successfully led a graduate school through a conversion into the Banner system and has won three different national awards in the areas of recruitment, admissions, and retention of graduate students of color. Her knowledge and experience will be invaluable during our Banner conversion process and as we work toward achieving our goal of increasing Kent State University’s diversity at the graduate student level.

I look forward to working with you over the coming months and years in achieving the goals that ensure the success of our students.

Sincerely,

Robert G. Frank
Senior Vice President for
Academic Affairs and Provost