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The Office of Research and Graduate Studies officially became a single entity on July 1, and I began my new role in mid-August. Working with staff in both areas, I look forward to supporting the integration of these complementary groups into a new organization that serves the university's overarching mission of discovery, scholarship, and knowledge dissemination.
RGS doesn’t “do” research or teach graduate students, of course. Our goal is to facilitate and enhance the work of faculty, staff, and students so they can achieve their goals and be successful. That’s the only reason we are here.
At this important juncture, we want a better idea of how well we’re achieving our mission at the level of faculty, students, and staff. So we’ll undertake a series of self-evaluations beginning late this fall to gather input and assess both your expectations and our level of performance in meeting those expectations. This will provide crucial guidance as we make decisions and plan for the future of this new organization.
Meanwhile, the search for a permanent Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies will proceed as the fall semester progresses. All of us have a stake in that process, and I encourage you to support it in every way possible.
Sara Rosen, professor and chair of linguistics, was named Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies in June. Her office is located in Strong Hall. The main RGS office will relocate to Strong Hall later this semester. On one level, that’s a purely practical move. But it’s also symbolic. Our goal is to align graduate education with research, placing both of them squarely where both naturally reside: at the heart of the university’s mission.
I appreciate all the support I’ve received since moving into this interim role. Even though 2007-08 is a transition year, we cannot afford to lose momentum. In a challenging environment for funded research, we seek to grow and enhance the research and scholarly efforts of all faculty. In a challenging environment for graduate education, we seek to strengthen and deepen the scope and quality of master’s and doctoral programs throughout the campus.
We need your help to do this, and I invite your continued input and support as we move forward.
Steve Warren
Interim Vice Provost
Research and Graduate Studies
