Proposal regarding consortium schools calls for input

By John Haeger, President
and Liz Grobsmith, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

We are in the process of receiving comments regarding our proposal to create a College of Nursing and Health Sciences and change the reporting structure of the School of Forestry to be with the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences and the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management to be with the College of Business Administration.

Support is widespread for Northern Arizona University's initiatives to expand health professions as we position ourselves to meet a growing state demand.

At the same time, some questions have arisen about our proposal. We hope to answer those questions and dispel some rumors that have been circulating through campus.

If you have any questions or feedback, please e-mail either of us at John.Haeger@nau.edu or Liz.Grobsmith@nau.edu. We also will meet with any group that would like to discuss the proposal.

QUESTION: Why was a 30-day timeframe for input established at the beginning of February? Is it possible to get more time to respond?

ANSWER: Northern Arizona University already has significantly expanded its nursing program. As a result, we hope to begin our search for an administrator who possesses proficiency in the nursing and health care areas, has experience in fundraising and has established contacts in the health care industry. To lead an effort of this magnitude, the administrator would work with our talented faculty as we begin a new era for Northern Arizona University.

The timeframe is for input only. Afterward, we will be preparing a formal proposal for the deans, chairs, President's Cabinet, Faculty Senate and other interested groups. Once a formal proposal is finalized, it would then be forwarded to the Arizona Board of Regents for approval.

Q: Has the decision already been made?

A: No. We will be accepting input until March 1 and then will prepare a formal proposal to share with campus.

Q: Will alternatives be considered?

A: Yes, we are open to ideas, suggestions and critiques of the proposed initiative. However, we believe that the suggested initiative is the best strategy for academic success of all programs.

Q: Does the funding exist to expand health professions?

A: Immediate funding exists from Arizona's Technology Research Initiative Fund, and the university's proposed state budget requests additional funding for expansion in strategic health areas. Is funding guaranteed in perpetuity? No, but that is often the case with university funding. Sometimes an element of risk is involved, just as when Northern Arizona University moved forward with improving its research infrastructure without guaranteed permanent state funding. By taking a calculated risk with our funds, we were able to complete our new science lab and the Applied Research and Development building. A well-reasoned risk will make us successful in the health professions as well.

Q: What about the possibility of Forestry and HRM losing status or accreditation?

A: The two programs are world renowned, and current curricula and programs will continue. A change in reporting structure will not diminish that status nor threaten accreditation. There is no truth to the rumor that this action will negatively impact any program. We see the proposed change as another positive step for Northern Arizona University.

Q: What is the status of the dean of the consortium?

A: With the resignation of David Patton as dean of the Consortium of Professional Schools and executive director of the School of Forestry, the executive directors of the schools of Nursing, Health Professions, Forestry and HRM will report to Provost Liz Grobsmith.

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