I have been under both sides of the house and see advantages to both
depending on the campus, the current administration and the way the
reporting is structured.
I have been fortunate and have always managed to have funding from both
sides of the house regardless of the reporting structure. I would
caution on setting a standard for all in an area that is as fluid as
learning assistance. Its founding point or base has often been out of a
department from either side of the house (minority studies, library,
instructional or academic support, developmental education, student
life, counseling, reading, retention, enrollment management, math
centers, writing centers, disability services, etc.--my apologies to the
numerous departments not mentioned). It can also be a new area unto
itself.
Philosophically, I prefer to be under instructional or academic
support. Practically, it was moved and we have found that we get better
information about plans and more financial support through the student
services, by not competing for the same funds as money for faculty
positions. I truly believe it should be listed in the chronicle and
everywhere as needing institutional support and/or funding from both
sides of the house to be most effective. Reporting structure should be
that which best serves the mission and goals of the center.
I hope this helps bring yet another perspective to the table.
Rick Sheets
Jan Norton wrote:
> I think Academic Affairs is the logical place for learning assistance, yet it's interesting that the Chronicle lists jobs in our profession under Student Affairs. Does anyone know why that is? If we think that should be different, is there a way to send a unified message to the Chronicle asking them to change how/where they list the jobs?
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Stanton, Mary Jean" <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Friday, August 21, 2009 4:44 pm
> Subject: Re: department structure.
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>> Our services have always been in Academic Affairs and because we work
>> with tutoring, testing, and disability services, I have found it very
>> beneficial to be located under this umbrella. We also teach
>> classes in
>> English, Communication and Math. I think that we've been able to build
>> strong relationships with faculty and good rapport with our colleagues
>> in student affairs. Especially with our alternative testing services,
>> the fact that we are part of the academic affairs unit has
>> helped in
>> building trust with the process. I am also co-chair of the Academic
>> Integrity Committee on our campus.
>>
>> Best,
>> MJS
>> Mary Jean Stanton, Director
>> Academic Center for Excellence
>> Adjunct Faculty of Communication
>> Mount Mercy College
>> 1330 Elmhurst DR NE
>> Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
>> 319-363-8213 ext. 1204
>> email: [log in to unmask]
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Carole J. Basak
>> Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 4:14 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: department structure.
>>
>> Our college is again having the discussion about who Academic Support
>> Services should report to,student affairs or the academic dean.
>> When I
>> first arrived we were under Student Affairs. Currently, we are
>> under the
>> Academic Dean. It would be helpful to know what other colleges
>> are doing
>> and if you have switched from one house to the other, why?
>> Also what are the advantages and disadvantages of your of your report
>> structure.
>> If you would like to respond off list, I can post a summary of
>> responsesin a week or two.
>> Thank you for your help.
>>
>> --
>> Carole Basak, Associate Director
>> Academic Support Services
>> St. Norbert College
>> 100 Grant St
>> DePere, WI
>> 54115
>> [log in to unmask]
>> 929-403-3875
>>
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>
> Jan Norton, Director
> Center for Academic Resources
> University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
> (920) 424-3419
>
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