Academic Affairs Roles and Responsibilities

Rob Sabal, Interim Provost
Nadine Ashton, Dean of Academic Affairs
Ian Lambert, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Amy Ruopp, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Dan Long, Assistant Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students
Laura Cavanagh, Executive Assistant, Undergraduate Studies
Ashlei Watson, Director of Academic Planning

Assessment – Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of Academic Planning

Accreditation – Dean of Academic Affairs and Director of Academic Planning

Curriculum

Approval Schedule for New/Revised Curriculum – Dean of Academic Affairs
Experiential Learning (inclusive of sponsored projects) – Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Independent Studies – Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
New Degree-Granting Programs – Undergraduate and Graduate Deans, final approval – Provost
New Certificate Programs -Undergraduate and Graduate Deans, final approval – Provost
Research Related to Existing/New Programs – Director of Academic Planning
Special Projects – Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
New Syllabi – Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Faculty

Reappointment and Rank Advancement
- Reappointment/Rank Advancement Inquiries – Dean of Academic Affairs
- File Organization and Access – Director of Academic Planning
Faculty Concerns -Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
- Concerns about Students – Assistant Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students
Development Funding – Dean of Academic Affairs, Provost
Sabbaticals/Course Release – Dean of Academic Affairs, Provost
Scholarly Research, including IRB – Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Oversee Searches
- Graduate – Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
- Undergraduate – Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Training and Orientation – Dean of Academic Affairs, Executive Assistant of Undergraduate Studies, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Director of Educational Technology & Innovation, Director of Library, Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Staff

Concerns
- Academic Affairs/Library/Educational Tech and Innovation – Dean of Academic Affairs
- Graduate – Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
- Undergraduate – Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Development Funding – Dean of Academic Affairs
Scholarly Research, including IRB – Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Searches
- Academic Affairs/Educational Tech and Innovation – Dean of Academic Affairs
- Library – Director of Library
- Graduate – Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Provost
- Undergraduate – Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Provost
Training and Orientation – Dean of Academic Affairs, Executive Assistant of Undergraduate Studies, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Director of Educational Technology & Innovation, Director of Library, Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Students

Concerns
- Graduate – Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Provost
- Undergraduate – Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Provost
- Formal Student Matters – Assistant Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students
Development Funding and Field Trips – Dean of Academic Affairs, Executive Assistant of Undergraduate Studies
Academic Integrity – Dean of Academic Affairs
Graduate Assistantships – Executive Assistant of Graduate Studies, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
Mentoring – Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Retention – Academic Affairs

Budget Planning and Concerns – Provost, Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies

External Representation of the Academic Division/College – All Academic Affairs Staff

Committee Ex-Officio Representation

Faculty Assembly Committees – Ex-Officio
Dean of Academic Affairs – Curriculum Committee, Assessment, Academic Performance
Dean of Graduate Studies and Research – Faculty Review
Provost – Sabbatical and Faculty Development
Dean of Undergraduate Studies – Assessment, Sabbatical and Faculty Development, Faculty Review

Market Research – Director of Academic Planning

Monthly and Board Reports – Director of Academic Planning

Policy/Procedure Development – Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Provost, Director of Academic Planning

Rob Sabal, Interim Provost

Reporting to the President, The Provost is the chief academic officer of the College and is responsible for all matters related to the academic operations including oversight of faculty and curricular matters. The Provost serves as a spokesperson for the College locally, nationally and internationally, working as an advocate for the value of art and design to society.

In close collaboration with the President, and consistent with the College’s strategic plan, provide vision and leadership to maintain and foster academic programs and support services of the highest quality
Promote the College’s national and international reputation during an extraordinary period in the city of Detroit’s transformation
As the College’s innovation leader, guide the development of new academic programs and initiatives consistent with the College’s strategic plan
Work closely with the President and other senior colleagues in strategic planning, goal setting, budget planning and implementation, enrollment management, technology planning and resource development
Enhance the role of interdisciplinary teaching and learning in the College’s educational programs
Foster initiatives to expand research activities and promote scholarship in the creative disciplines
Create a sense of unity and shared purpose within the College
Manage, recruit and advance an outstanding and diverse faculty appropriate to the College’s mission
Supervise the academic departments and student affairs
Manage the reappointment and promotion of full-time faculty, in collaboration with the Deans of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies and the President
Manage the accreditation process and serve as the liaison between the College and the various accreditation agencies
Supervise and annually review the performance of the Executive Assistant to Undergraduate Studies, Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Dean of Graduate Studies and Dean of Student Affairs.
Play an active role in expanding corporate partnerships and integrating industry collaborations into academic programs, where appropriate
Collaborate with the President and the College’s advancement team, in developing resources to support the College’s educational programs
Communicate the vision of the College to prospective students, alumni, foundations, employers, and external partners
Retention and completion
- Collaborate with the Dean of Students and Department Chairs in tracking student retention and developing initiatives to increase retention
- Respond to concerns raised by students and/or faculty, and seek resolution to the issues in collaboration with the Academic Deans and the Dean of Student Affairs.
Recruitment and enrollment
Transfer

Teaching and Learning

Act as a change agent for new pedagogical practices and emerging educational trends
Collaborate with Department Chairs to lead curriculum review and the systematic assessment of undergraduate programs
Collaborate with the Dean of Graduate Studies, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Information Technology to develop best practices for online learning
Develop programs to expand summer enrollment with the President, Dean of Graduate Studies, and the Precollege and Continuing Studies Director
Develop new academic programs consistent with the CCS strategic plan
Develop internship, job placement and experiential learning opportunities with the Vice-President Office of Partnerships, Department Chairs, and Corporate Relations and Design Core
Work with the President and Dean of Academic Affairs to ensure compliance with applicable accreditation standards for all programs

Supervisory

Make recommendations to the President concerning contract renewals of department chairs and faculty

Budget

Assist Academic Deans with developing their annual budget submissions and monitor academic department budgets Student Experience

Outreach

Participate in various strategic College outreach activities such as visiting speaker events, exhibitions, open houses, portfolio days, the annual Student Exhibition and Commencement
Collaborate with the Institutional Advancement Office to expand and develop relationships with alumni, corporate, foundation, and research partners, as well as individual donors
Represent the college in the city of Detroit and the region, nationally and internationally
Perform other duties as requested by the President

Nadine Ashton, Dean of Academic Affairs

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of Academic Affairs oversees those policies and practices that affect faculty status, pedagogy and professional development, and advocates for the interest and needs of the faculty. The Dean of Academic Affairs is a member of the College’s leadership team.

In cooperation with the Deans of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, coordinate the hiring of full-time and adjunct faculty in accordance with HR office procedures, seeking faculty of exceptional ability and who share a commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and professional practice.
In cooperation with the Deans of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, oversee faculty reappointment and promotion
Manage the process for the evaluation of faculty and department chairs
Develop and manage a robust faculty professional development process
Maintain an updated file of course syllabi by semester and department
Coordinate with Enrollment Services in tracking student attrition and developing initiatives to increase retention
Oversee the systematic application of the CCS assessment process
With the Deans of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, oversee and confirm compliance with applicable accreditation standards for all programs
Respond to concerns raised by students and/or faculty, and seek resolution to the issues
In collaboration with Enrollment Services, facilitate faculty participation in student recruitment to expand undergraduate enrollment
Participate in various College outreach activities such as visiting speaker events, exhibitions, open houses, portfolio days, the annual Student Exhibition and Commencement
Represent the College in the city of Detroit and in the region
Plan and facilitate New Faculty Orientation, Full-time and Adjunct
Manage faculty sabbatical and course release request process
Approve independent study applications
Maintain the Faculty Handbook and other policy documents relative to faculty status
Provide leadership and guidance on faculty matters, concerns and issues
Serve, ex officio, on all faculty related committees and task forces and the Academic Calendar Committee
Other duties as assigned by the Provost

Ian Lambert, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research oversees all activities and policies related to the graduate programs and scholarly research for the College. The Dean serves as liaison between the Graduate Studies Chairs and the Provost and is a member of the College’s leadership team.

Teaching and Learning

Act as a change agent for new pedagogical practices and emerging educational trends
Oversee Graduate Studies in alignment with the College’s strategic plan
Encourage and facilitate the development of interdisciplinary offerings among all graduate and undergraduate departments/program
In collaboration with the graduate chairs, lead curriculum development and assessment planning to provide the best and most relevant education to students
Working with the Dean of Academic Affairs, ensure compliance with applicable accreditation standards for all academic programs

Supervisor

Supervise the Graduate Studies Chairs and administrative staff
Conduct annual performance evaluations of the Graduate Studies Chairs and staff
Develop a sustainable growth strategy for CCS Graduate Studies
Hire and develop faculty to deliver industry-leading education
Respond to concerns raised by students and/or faculty, and seek resolution to the issues
Drive the development of new programs in a range of appropriate fields and strengthening education offerings
Engage faculty, students, staff, and alumni in shaping the culture and student experience in the Graduate School

Budget
- Assist Graduate Department Chairs with developing their annual budget submissions
- Monitor academic department budgets
- Make recommendations to the Provost and President concerning contract renewals of department chairs and faculty

Student Experience

Collaborate with the Dean of Students and Graduate Chairs in tracking student retention and developing initiatives to increase retention

Outreach

Enhance the quality, visibility, and reputation of CCS Graduate Programs locally, nationally, and internationally
Expand enrollment in collaboration with department chairs and Admissions Office
Working closely with the Institutional Advancement Office and Design Core, expand collaborative relationships with industry and research partners, as well as individual donors
Working with Office of Partnerships, develop and expand internship and job placement programs

Research

Oversee the Institutional Strategy for advancing scholarly research in art and design
Mentor faculty in the development of written and practice-based research output
Facilitate research workshops
Liaise with IA in generating research income (applications for research grant and scholarships)
Oversee IRB procedures for faculty and graduate student research
Oversee the dissemination of research activity across the institution
Support faculty attendance at conferences, symposia, and workshops
Support hosting conferences, symposia, and workshops
Develop research partnerships with external bodies including other colleges and universities.

Amy Ruopp, Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Reporting to the Provost, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, is an integral part of the Academic Affairs team and provides support in all areas of the day-to-day management of the college’s departments.

Responsibilities of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies:

In close collaboration with the Provost and the Dean of Academic Affairs, and consistent with the College’s strategic plan, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies will assist the Provost’s vision to foster and maintain academic programs of the highest quality and enhance their visibility and reputation nationally and internationally.

Teaching and Learning

Act as a change agent for new pedagogical practices and emerging educational trends
Collaborate with Department Chairs to lead curriculum review and the systematic assessment of undergraduate programs
Collaborate with the Dean of Graduate Studies, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Information Technology to develop best practices for online learning
Develop programs to expand summer enrollment with the Provost, Dean of Graduate Studies, and the Precollege and Continuing Studies Director
Develop new academic programs consistent with the CCS strategic plan
Develop internship, job placement and experiential learning opportunities with the Director of Office of Partnerships, Department Chairs, and Corporate Relations and Design Core
Work with the Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs to ensure compliance with applicable accreditation standards for all programs

Supervisory

Supervise Undergraduate Department Chairs, including chairing the regularly scheduled chairs’ meetings
Oversee the annual faculty performance evaluation process in conjunction with Department Chairs
Conduct the Department Chairs’ annual performance evaluations
Make recommendations to the Provost concerning contract renewals of department chairs and faculty
Leads and oversees faculty recruitment, retention, growth, mentorship and evaluation in collaboration with Department Chairs and the Dean of Academic Affairs

Budget

Assist Undergraduate Department Chairs with developing their annual budget submissions and monitor academic department budgets

Student Experience

Collaborate with the Dean of Students and Department Chairs in tracking student retention and developing initiatives to increase retention
Respond to concerns raised by students and/or faculty, and seek resolution to the issues
Participate in various strategic College outreach activities such as visiting speaker events, exhibitions, open houses, portfolio days, the annual Student Exhibition and Commencement

Outreach

Collaborate with the Institutional Advancement Office to expand and develop relationships with alumni, corporate, foundation, and research partners, as well as individual donors
Represent the college in the city of Detroit, the region, nationally, and internationally
Perform other duties as requested by the Provost

Dan Long, Assistant Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students

Reporting to the Provost, the Assistant Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students oversees the departments of Residence Life, Student Engagement, Wellness Center, and Center for Tutoring and Writing as well as other student support and conduct functions. The First Year Experience course is also managed by the Assistant Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students. The overarching goals are to provide valuable co-curricular experiences, impactful student support services, and opportunities for personal student development. Issues of student safety and crisis are traditionally managed through the collaboration of offices within Student Affairs.

Provides intake and formal ADA Accommodations to all undergraduate and graduate students
Is the chief judicial officer for the College managing the Student Judicial Process and Procedure
Maintains the Code of Student Conduct
Chairperson of the Behavioral Intervention Team which examines and responds to student safety concerns and concerns regarding the behavior of students
Responsible for the coordination and implementation of CCS Commencement Ceremonies
Maintains records for semester Student Assemblies
Oversight of the First Year Experience course content and structure
Responsible for the management of Institution wide external student surveys, eg. the Student Satisfaction Inventory, HEDS Diversity Climate Survey, Healthy Minds Study
Chairs the MICU Student Accommodations and Accessibility Working Group
Institutional committee membership:
Co-Chair Strategic Planning
Chair Behavioral Intervention Team
Cleary Compliance Committee
Privacy and Security Committee
Crisis Management Team|
DEI Advisory Council
Academic Calendar Committee
Board of Trustees Education Subcommittee
Tuition and Fees Committee
HLC Quality Initiative Committee

Laura Cavanagh, Executive Assistant, Undergraduate Studies

Act as the Provost’s and Deans’ primary support person, including keeping calendars, fielding calls, coordinating workflow, communications, processes, and procedures to ensure that projects and various assigned tasks are being handled in a timely manner
Maintain Undergraduate Studies files and records, often of a highly confidential and critical nature, including faculty files, strategic initiatives, etc.;
Coordinate special projects and assignments including gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports and summaries, keeping files and making recommendations;
With Human Resources, oversees search details for Undergraduate Studies full-time faculty candidates;
Administer the Academic Affairs budget, assist with department budget preparation, this includes annual budget review and spreadsheet of updates for Undergraduate Studies and submission to the business office;
Coordinate with the Dean of Academic Affairs the management of the Academic Affairs development fund requests, approvals, and account reconciliation;
Facilitate communication with the Deans, Chairs, Faculty, Program Managers, administrative department staff and students, including keeping general calendars for support meetings, workshops, conferences, etc.;
Coordinate travel arrangements and itineraries for the Provost, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Undergraduate Dean and CCS visitors;
Facilitate the selection process for the Imre J. Molnar award.
Represents the Deans at Program Manager meetings;
Participate as assigned in various College activities such as visiting speaker events, exhibitions, open houses, portfolio days, the annual Student Exhibition, and Commencement, as well as functions related to sponsored projects and other activities;
Maintains and orders office supplies for Academic Affairs.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Provost, Dean of Academic Affairs, and the Undergraduate Dean.

Ashlei Watson, Director of Academic Planning

The Director of Academic Planning manages continuous improvement initiatives in the academic division. The Director is focused on the development and refinement of practices, policies, work flows, and procedures to ensure institutional effectiveness and through this practice, assists with College planning and decision-making, program assessment, accreditation, curriculum development, and staff training. The Director collaborates extensively with College staff, faculty, and administrators to ensure system-wide understanding of decisions and effectively communicates complex, often nuanced information to a variety of audiences.

Work with the Academic Deans to facilitate curriculum development
Analyze opportunities and develop studies to test new processes and refinements to existing operational flows, ensuring optimal response to current and projected College need
Document processes and procedures, utilizing both process diagrams and flowcharts, as well as user-oriented diagrams
Collect, organize, verify, and clean data from a variety of data sources, including benchmarking peer institutions, for analysis and reporting, and
Develop and implement techniques to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of data collection, research, and reporting activities.
Develop graphical and narrative reports and research projects to facilitate campus- and unit-level decision-making in the pursuit of attaining strategic and operational goals
Participate in the design and development of an archive for institutional data
Support College accreditation and assessment efforts
Serve as a resource in College‐wide initiatives and conduct special projects for the College’s leadership
Monitor national trends and follow current events relevant to higher education
Produce and distribute the Academic Affairs Monthly and Board of Trustee Reports
Maintain an updated file of course syllabi by semester and department
Ensures attendance compliance for the first two weeks of classes in collaboration with faculty
Serve, as assigned, on College committees
Other duties as assigned by the Academic Deans