Response to UW System 'Blueprint for the UW System Beyond COVID-19'
SOMERS – University of Wisconsin-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford called the “Blueprint for the University of Wisconsin System Beyond COVID-19” a new opportunity to explore operational efficiencies and program enhancements.
“Our mission is to meet the needs of all students in southeastern Wisconsin and beyond,” Dr. Ford said. “We have responded to our communities for 51 years, serving a diverse student population and a majority of first-generation students – we will continue to do so. We are creating new academic programs and our budgeting model ensures resources are continuously allocated to programs that address the evolving needs of our students, and the region.”
Dr. Ford noted that during the past five years, the university has revised or created more than 65 academic programs, concentrations, minors, and certificates, including 10 new master’s programs. Master’s enrollment has more than tripled in just the past five years. “We continue to work with UW System Administration on the development and refinement of each academic offering,” she said.
Regarding institutional operations that may align with UW System shared services, Dr. Ford said that UW-Parkside continues to follow opportunities to further a number of existing partnerships. “Human resources, IT, and business services are all sharing various levels of operational responsibilities with UW System Administration,” she said.
The blueprint recommends more strategic online education delivery in partnership with UW Extended Campus. According to UW-Parkside Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Rob Ducoffe, UW-Parkside participates in 10 of the 13 UW Extended Campus collaborative programs. “Over the past decade, we’ve developed the infrastructure, technical support and instructional design support to deliver online classes,” he said. “We’ve trained more than 100 faculty and instructional academic staff members in effective online course development and delivery.
“We’re very pleased to have new and innovative programs such as the UW Flexible Option bachelor of science in business administration. The opportunity to expand these offerings is exciting and will benefit both UW-Parkside students and faculty.”
Chancellor Ford acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 on strategic planning for UW-Parkside and the UW System. “Our learning community is responding and adapting to the challenge presented by this unprecedented global health emergency,” she said. “Without question, our university will be repositioned as we emerge from the pandemic.”
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