Beginning the New Academic Year

September 5, 2013

Dear Colleagues,

The rhythm of the academic year brings to us the juxtaposition of the abrupt start of the fall semester and the slow departure of the longer days of summer. Students and faculty sense a renewed commitment to teaching, learning, and scholarship, and the staff is energized by new students and their optimism that is a hallmark of our College. We are here because we share the common belief that knowledge and understanding matter.

This year we welcome 59 new faculty in our three schools. In some cases they replace faculty who have chosen to depart or retire, but the number includes new faculty lines that were enabled by our compact with students that provided the funds to do this.  The faculty who join us this year represent more than ten per cent of the total full-time faculty.

Last year Baruch adopted a five year strategic plan that is both ambitious and carefully grounded. Our goals are straightforward:  1. selectively expand and enrich academic programs; 2. enhance the student experience; 3. deepen our engagement with the world; 4. build a coordinated, collaborative organization; and 5. strengthen our finances and infrastructure. Our College is already moving forward to enact this plan.

• In Academic Programs, the CUNY Board of Trustees has designated Zicklin as the named college for awarding doctoral degrees in business within CUNY. We will be offering a Zicklin School of Business Ph.D. on our campus in accounting, finance, information systems, marketing and management. We have also announced the formation of a Center for Teaching and Learning under the leadership of Luke Waltzer, formerly employed at the Schwartz Institute. CTL will initially support faculty in the development of on-line and hybrid courses.
• Vice President Ben Corpus and I will continue the work on engaging students and faculty on the issue of academic integrity as part of the student experience. This is a critical issue to ensure fairness and equity as well as pride and identity among our students. Plans are also in the works for enhancements to the 25th Street Plaza as a focal point for student life.
• Weissman Dean Jeff Peck also serves as Vice Provost for Global Initiatives. He has formed a steering committee that will set an agenda for action related to our goal of engagement with the world. School of Public Affairs Dean David Birdsell is serving as Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Effectiveness. This is a direct response to our goal of better coordination and collaboration. We have started with training sessions, and based upon the feedback of our staff, we will develop a list of specific projects for implementation this year, in particular the implementation of CUNYfirst.
• Finally, we are conducting an international search for the new Kooyker Dean of the Zicklin School of Business. Myung-Soo Lee continues to serve with distinction in his interim role. We have engaged a professional search firm with deep experience in identifying candidates for this very attractive business school leadership position. We will also conduct a more focused search for a replacement for Associate Provost Barbara Lawrence, who has chosen to retire after a career of distinguished service.

I look forward to what promises to be an exciting academic year at Baruch.

I hope you enjoy the Fall semester.

Regards,

David P. Christy