Kansas State University

From Provost Mendez: New academic innovation structural framework update

Submitted by Jesse Perez Mendez

Dear colleagues, 

I write to you with an update on the operational excellence framework for academic innovation and the Office of the Provost. As was previously shared last December, this new framework integrates and realigns functions and resources within Global Campus and the Office of the Provost to better support growing enrollment across all student and learner populations, as well as drive academic innovation and excellence across all programs, regardless of modality. 

Our first priority in this transition has been our people, ensuring employees know what units they are joining and how their responsibilities are continuing, shifting and/or expanding as we enter the new fiscal year. Newly integrated structures are in place as of this week for the Office of the Provost, Academic Affairs and Innovation, Academic Success and Student Affairs, and Enrollment Management to eliminate siloes and elevate numerous functions that support our learners and faculty. I want to thank the many employees, supervisors and leaders who have been working together over the spring semester to set up the new structures and teams while continuing to provide outstanding service in the midst of a major organizational change. 

As with any transition, getting our people set up for success is only the first step. Over the next two months, the new teams will work on integrating functions, systems, processes, workflows and websites to ensure our learners and university community at large continue to be well served. Updating policy and guidance to reflect the new alignment of functions and services will also be a priority. Broadly communicating the changes will be a major focus as well. 

Given the ongoing nature of this transition work, we understand that you may be looking for information as to where to seek out specific services or assistance. 

• Advising, student success/support efforts for online and non-degree students and online testing and proctoring are now integrated within the Division of Academic Success and Student Affairs. You can reach out to the team at studentsuccess@k-state.edu. 
• Online student recruitment and admissions, registration, graduate recruitment, student financial assistance efforts, including online student scholarships, and enrollment-focused communications have been realigned under the Office of Enrollment Management. You can direct questions about specific services to vpem@k-state.edu.
• Online program advertising is housed within the Division of Communications and Marketing, working in close collaboration with the Office of Enrollment Management, where these teams are working together to build an integrated advertising plan that showcases the breadth of options available, regardless of a learner's modality of choice.
• Market intelligence and analysis, instructional design support, the Online Course Development Institute, noncredit program development and management, online course development grants, and microcredential launch support will all be supported under the new Academic Affairs and Innovation unit, specifically within the Center for Academic Innovation. The website for this area of the restructure is currently in development, but the people you have always worked with in these areas remain dedicated to the work — please reach out to them to access these services or email academicinnovation@k-state.edu. 
• Business functions previously housed within Global Campus will now operate directly out of the Office of the Provost. You can reach the business office team at afadmin@k-state.edu. You can also expect to see a new website for the provost's office by the start of the fall semester. 

The search for our inaugural vice provost for academic affairs and innovation is advancing forward with campus interviews being scheduled over the next two weeks. View additional details regarding the interview dates and open forum schedules. 

With transformational change comes incredible opportunity. By integrating our functions and bringing our people together with aligned work for the different audiences we serve, we are strengthening our teams and the way we serve our students and faculty. Change often also comes with questions while the path forward is being forged. Your patience, grace and willingness to ask those questions is greatly appreciated as we move forward together as "One K-State." 

As we come together to move beyond our past approaches, accelerate academic innovation, and most importantly of all, meet the changing needs of our learners and faculty, we are poised to chart a new path forward that meets our Next-Gen K-State aspirations. We are undoubtedly building the future of this institution together, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of this journey with you.

Go 'Cats! 

Jesse Perez Mendez
Provost and executive vice president