Yes, to enable maximum resources to support our core academic mission, all operating units of the University are being reviewed. As we seek to reduce our expenditures on administration and institutional support, it is imperative that we take an all-university view of positions, processes and infrastructure. By looking holistically at our campus we will be able to design and deliver better support at a lower cost, thereby enabling greater investment in our core academic mission.
A special microsite has been established to allow the community to track the progress of the project (smu.edu/OE2C). Periodic updates will be made to the campus regarding the progress of OE2C. In addition, there will be informational meetings offered over the next several months.
Established groups, like the Faculty and Student Senates, Staff Association and Council of Deans, will be visited for a presentation and dialogue about the project. Every faculty and staff member will be invited to periodic meetings for updates so that we can reach everyone who is interested in participating.
Interviews are starting at the leadership level in every vice president’s administrative area, the college and schools. From those interviews, we are branching out to many others referred to us. Several hundred will participate.If you would like to provide feedback on the project or process, please email comments to the OE2C office at oe2coffice@mail.smu.edu or contact the project coordinators: bdetwile@smu.edu (8-3237) and msweidel@smu.edu (8-4811).
SMU’s role is to provide open access to information, historical context and perspectives on what would or would not work in our culture. You can help with this role through the process of interviews, focus groups, surveys and other interactions. You also can help by refraining from speculation or repetition of rumors.