Message from the Dean

We begin this spring 2008 semester—and as always, we should keep the SPRING aspect in mind, especially as we plod through increased snows this year—with much to report in the way of change. The formal separation of units in music and theatre arts into the School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance will become official following the February 2008 regents' meeting. On January 9, 2008, Provost Robert Bates announced that, effective July 1, 2008, and with Faculty Senate approval, the School of Communication will become the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, a new college reporting to the provost, separate from the College of Liberal Arts. These changes have been planned and discussed for some time and now offer opportunities for the affected disciplines to achieve their potential. The changes will, of course, require changes to the College of Liberal Arts Plan for 2007–2012. Our College Leadership Retreat January 15, 2008, will include discussion of a drafted revision of the College Plan.

We make these changes while the University is refreshing its 2000–2007 Strategic Plan. We anticipate seeing the first draft of the refreshed plan in January. Discussions of needed revisions included placement of the "Commitment to Quality in All We Do" and the "Trust and Respect" goals in the section on Values, and greater specificity in the Goal for "World Class Environment for Research, Scholarship, the Arts, Graduate Education, and Engagement." University-wide discussions also include a program prioritization process, to be completed this spring, with budget outcomes beginning July 1, 2008, and continuing. Our college has already had the opportunity to discuss our strengths and how best to document those strengths. We look forward to presenting a very strong case not only for the traditional centrality of the liberal arts but for the several specific ways in which our college can contribute to WSU achieving its goal to become a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Finally, WSU will undergo regional institutional accreditation in 2009. In preparation for the team of visitors coming to WSU, all departments, colleges, and other administrative units are preparing self studies. Our reports are due in February 2008 so that a university-wide document may be completed by fall 2008. These reports document where we are, where we wish to go, and especially how we ensure that students actually learn what we believe they will need to know. Given our college's dedication to and effectiveness in teaching—in general education, undergraduate majors, and graduate programs—we anticipate presenting a very positive picture for the accreditation visitors.

As you may know, I will conclude my term as dean of the College of Liberal Arts on August 15, 2008. Provost Bates is currently completing the process to begin the search for the next dean. While there was discussion this past fall about a possible merger of the College of Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts, WSU will not undertake that change at this time. As we progress through this time of change, I deeply appreciate the excellent work of our faculty and staff and our administrators to assist students to become the best people they can be, and to contribute to making our community and our world a better place.

With best regards to all in the New Year,

Erich Lear, Dean
College of Liberal Arts