** A previous version of this update stated August 10, 2017 as the deadline for feedback on Units of Analysis. The correct deadline for feedback on Units of Analysis is July 31, 2017. 

July 26, 2017

Dear campus colleagues:

I write on behalf of the Academic and Administrative Services Prioritization (APASP) Task Force to update you on our progress over the last week.

The Task Force continues to read and discuss campus feedback. In response to comments received, we have adjusted the numbering of the Ranking Categories and made minor adjustments to the Rubrics. We are also considering various suggestions for changes to the Criteria and Metrics, though we are waiting for the pilot process to conclude before we make any adjustments. For example, we are developing language that would help us account for the academic activities of units that are categorized as Administrative Services, such as the Mansfield Library and several Centers and Institutes. We are also considering metrics for out-of-state student enrollment and the impacts of research and service on external audiences. As we move toward finalizing those documents in August, the Task Force welcomes and appreciates additional feedback.

The Task Force will finalize the Ranking Categories, Rubrics & Weights, Criteria & Metrics, and report templates the week of August 14. Feedback on these items will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 10. Current versions of these documents are posted on the APASP website. We encourage the unit leaders of academic programs and administrative services to thoroughly study each of these documents to make sure they will provide a fair platform for evaluation of their units, and provide feedback to the Task Force by 5 p.m. on August 10. After August 10, the Task Force will facilitate the campus’ transition to the author training and report writing phases of the prioritization process.

The Task Force wishes to thank the members of the campus community who have worked tirelessly over the summer to study the prioritization documents and provide thoughtful insight. We appreciate your efforts to ensure that the prioritization process produces a fair and meaningful outcome.

Scott L. Whittenburg
Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship
Dean of the Graduate School
APASP Task Force member