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This memorandum is also available online at: http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/faculty-staff/cpad-info CPAD #22, 2011-12 Date: 24 October 2011 To: All Faculty, Staff and Students in the Faculty of Arts and Science From: Meric S. Gertler, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science Re: Draft Academic Plan for discussion _____________________________________________________________________ In the spring, I indicated that I would be presenting the next draft of our academic plan for consideration by the Faculty community. This latest draft is the result of extensive consultations over the past year. My colleagues in the Dean's Office and I have listened carefully to concerns, questions and suggestions from students, faculty and staff at the many meetings we have attended in departments, centres and institutes, at our two public town halls, in our meetings with student groups, as well as in our many conversations with individual faculty and staff. The attached plan reflects the themes, priorities and many constructive suggestions that emerged during these extensive discussions. The consultations have provided important opportunities for members of the Faculty to express their views on the first draft planning document that was released for consultation in July 2010. A number of the initial proposals involving major organizational changes have been significantly revised, building on constructive suggestions for alternative ways to achieve our academic objectives. I have provided several updates to the Faculty during the past year in the form of periodic memos as well as monthly briefings at Faculty Council meetings, in order to keep everyone apprised of our progress. The attached draft focuses on broad priorities. It also incorporates more up-to-date information on our financial situation and undergraduate and graduate enrolment figures. Ultimately, this plan is a snapshot in time of a process that will continue to unfold over the following months and years. Any specific initiatives arising from the academic plan that require governance approval will, of course, go through the appropriate steps in the university process. Faculty, staff and students have shown great passion and commitment in sharing their thoughts and suggestions to improve the quality of our teaching and research and the experience we offer our students. I look forward to continuing the conversation with this draft plan. As part of our consultation process, I invite you to read the attached draft plan (http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/faculty-staff/academic-planning) and provide your input. We will be discussing the document at the upcoming 31 October and 5 December meetings of Faculty Council (http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/faculty-staff/faculty-governance/arts-science -council). Comments and suggestions can also be sent to planning.artsci@utoronto.ca by November 17. If you would like to meet, please contact us through this email so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Once again, thank you to all those in the Arts & Science community who have participated in the process to date. I look forward to your continued engagement.