UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

ACADEMIC PLANNING COUNCIL

Bulletin #77

May 1, 2007

I. Recommendations from the Information Technology Guidance Committee

II. Systemwide Academic Planning and Long-Range Enrollment Planning

III. Review of International Education

IV. Update on Other Planning Activities

I. Recommendations from the Information Technology Guidance Committee

Vice Provost Dan Greenstein and Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer Kristine Hafner presented the recommendations of the Information Technology Guidance Committee (ITGC) to the Academic Planning Council in advance of a second round of campus visits and a presentation in May to The Regents.

The ITGC was launched by the Provost in February 2006 to address rapid advancements in technology in the academic areas as well as in administrative and business functions and to identify ways to leverage capacity across the system. The specific charge of the ITGC was to identify strategic directions for IT investments that enable campuses to meet their distinctive needs more effectively while supporting the University’s broader mission, academic programs and strategic goals; promote the deployment of information technology services to support innovation and the enhancement of academic quality and institutional competitiveness; and, leverage IT investment and expertise to fully exploit collective and campus-specific IT capabilities.

The first stage of the planning process included discussions across campuses and across functional groups. Common themes that emerged include the fact that IT is critical and no longer optional; that it makes sense to eliminate redundancies; however, new models for planning and governance will be required to determine best investments in “the commons.

APC members discussed the balance necessary between developing systemwide standards and efficiencies and local needs for custom applications in specific areas. Payroll is a good example of where a common system would be more efficient, but it will take a substantial and sustained investment to put one in place systemwide. There is also a level of mistrust of large systems, which have not always been implemented smoothly.

Members noted that campuses are already sharing applications with each other on an ad hoc basis, and they suggested that more sharing be encouraged to leverage the investments campuses are making in IT infrastructure. There was a suggestion that interested staff and faculty be convened to share information about systems they’ve created or purchased that might be of interest to other campuses (e.g., graduate applicant tracking system, open courseware). They encouraged the Office of the President to pursue common platforms in business areas, but to be cautious in development of systems that affect research and teaching where campus uniqueness is essential.

II. Systemwide Academic Planning and Long-Range Enrollment Planning

Vice Provost Dan Greenstein and Acting Director Carol Copperud reported on their round of campus visits with Provost Hume to identify campus academic plans and planning processes. Provost Hume will report on Systemwide Academic Planning to the Regents at their May meeting.

Common themes that emerged from the visits and from subsequent conversations with Executive Vice Chancellors were a powerful commitment to public service to the state, the region and the world; increasing interdisciplinary efforts in teaching and research; and the need for long-range enrollment planning which will be influenced by the end of Tidal Wave II.

APC members discussed the assumption that growth underlies all planning processes. If UC is not going to grow at the same rate as the past, then it will be necessary to find other ways to fund new programs. Members suggested that fewer resources could be an incentive for campuses to work together to develop new programs and to provide opportunities to graduate students that involve more than one campus. They recommended looking at models of how to create new opportunities within a campus without the infusion of new resources. They also pointed out that while collaboration should be pursued, the healthy competition among campuses should also be recognized and supported.

Nina Robinson, Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Department of Student Affairs, described the process for developing a long-range enrollment plan that extends out to at least 2020. The current plan ends in 2010-11. The University has also been requested to submit a plan to the Legislature by March 2008. The planning process will be developed in consultation with campus representatives and groups, starting with a kick-off meeting in June comprising individuals selected by Chancellors.

III. Review of International Education

Margaret Heisel, Deputy to the Vice Provost, Academic Information and Strategic Services, summarized the interim report of the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on International Education. The Committee recommended more strategic planning for international education at UCOP and at the campuses, particularly as programs other than the Education Abroad Program (EAP) continue to grow. The discussion supported the need to expand opportunities for both students (undergraduate and graduate) and faculty.

Members suggested a broader look at international issues within the University at the next APC meeting.

IV. Update on Other Planning Activities

Acting Director Carol Copperud reported that the Undergraduate Education Planning Group was officially constituted at the end of April. It is an eight member committee commissioned by the APC. UG Deans and UCEP worked together to form this group. Its purpose is to provide ongoing, focused planning for undergraduate education.