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
Laura Cavanagh, Executive Assistant, Undergraduate Studies
Ashlei Watson, Director of Academic Planning

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Assessment – Nadine Ashton and Ashlei Watson

• Student Course Evaluations – Nadine Ashton and Ashlei Watson (will soon transfer to the EdTech)

Accreditation – Nadine Ashton and Ashlei Watson

Curriculum

• Approval Schedule for New/Revised Curriculum – Nadine Ashton
• Experiential Learning (inclusive of sponsored projects) – Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp
• Independent Studies – Nadine Ashton, Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp
• New Degree-Granting Programs – Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp, final approval – Tim Flattery
• New Certificate Programs – Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp, Final approval – Rob Sabal
• Research Related to Existing/New Programs – Ashlei Watson
• Special Projects – Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp
• New Syllabi – Nadine Ashton, Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp

Faculty

• Reappointment and Rank Advancement
  • Reappointment/Rank Advancement Inquiries – Nadine Ashton
  • File Organization and Access – Ashlei Watson
• Faculty Concerns
  • Graduate – Ian Lambert
  • Undergraduate – Amy Ruopp
  • Student Concerns – Dan Long
• Development Funding – Nadine Ashton, Rob Sabal
• Sabbaticals/Course Release – Nadine Ashton, Rob Sabal
• Scholarly Research, including IRB – Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp
• Oversee Searches
  • Graduate – Ian Lambert
  • Undergraduate – Amy Ruopp
• Training and Orientation – Nadine Ashton, Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp

Staff

• Concerns
  • Academic Affairs/Library/Educational Tech and Innovation – Nadine Ashton
  • Graduate – Ian Lambert
  • Undergraduate – Amy Ruopp
• Development Funding – Nadine Ashton
• Scholarly Research, including IRB – Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp
• Searches
  • Academic Affairs/Educational Tech and Innovation – Nadine Ashton
  • Library – Becca Pad
  • Graduate – Ian Lambert
  • Undergraduate – Rob Sabal, Amy Ruopp
• Training and Orientation – Nadine Ashton, Amy Ruopp, EdTech

Students

• Concerns
  • Graduate – Ian Lambert
  • Undergraduate – Amy Ruopp
  • Formal Student Concerns – Dan Long
• Development Funding and Field Trips – Nadine Ashton
• Academic Integrity – Nadine Ashton
• Graduate Assistantships – Jill Davis, Ian Lambert
• Mentoring – Amy Ruopp
• Graduate – Ian Lambert
  • Undergraduate – Amy Ruopp
• Retention – Academic Affairs
  • Graduate – Ian Lambert
  • Undergraduate – Rob Sabal, Amy Ruopp

Annual Student Exhibition – Ashlei Watson

Budget Planning and Concerns – Rob Sabal, Nadine Ashton, Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp

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

Committee Ex-Officio Representation

• Faculty Assembly Committees – Ex-Officio
• Nadine Ashton – Curriculum Committee, Assessment, Academic Performance
• Ian Lambert – Faculty Review
• Rob Sabal – Sabbatical and Faculty Development
• Amy Ruopp – Assessment, Sabbatical and Faculty Development, Faculty Review

Higher Education History, Current State, and Trends – Ashlei Watson

Monthly and Board Reports – Ashlei Watson

Policy/Procedure Development – Nadine Ashton, Tim Flattery, Ian Lambert, Amy Ruopp, Ashlei Watson

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 the Provost, 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

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 Director of Career Development, 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
• Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Institutional Equity and Inclusion to maintain equitable space among all faculty

Budget

• Assist Academic Deans 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 in collaboration with the Academic Deans and the Dean of Student Affairs.
• 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 and Corporate Relations 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 chairs with the chairs, oversee the annual faculty performance evaluation process
• 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 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 chairs in tracking student retention and developing initiatives to increase retention

Outreach

• Enhance the quality, visibility, and reputation of CCS Graduate Programs 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 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
• Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Institutional Equity and Inclusion to maintain equitable space among all faculty

Budget

• Assist 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 and Corporate Relations 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

Reporting to the Provost, the 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 Dean of Students.  The overarching goals of the Dean of Students and the Office of Student Affairs 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 Dean’s 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;
• In Collaboration with the Speakers and Exhibitions Committee, coordinate the Toyota and Woodward Lecture series and other special events.
• 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 and Effectiveness 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