The Division of Academic Affairs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs has announced a series of changes aimed at improving support for faculty members. These updates are intended to make the university more responsive and collaborative in its use of resources and talent.
A new Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) has been established, led by Interim Vice Provost Emily Skop. The office’s first communication outlined its vision and what faculty can expect moving forward. Faculty members have been invited to participate in a survey to share their ideas, concerns, and priorities for the OFA, with the survey open until October 15.
The university plans to launch a website for the OFA later this semester. The site will provide access to forms, policy information, process guides, and other support materials. Additionally, a search is underway for a Staff Director who will provide operational support to the office.
The Faculty Resource Center (FRC), directed by Dave Anderson, will now report directly to the OFA. This change is designed to align faculty development and retention efforts with OFA’s priorities on growth, development, and recognition. The FRC continues to offer resources such as Canvas guides, technology instructions, teaching events calendars, and professional development programs through its website.
Provost Fellow for Policy David Weiss will also now report to the OFA. He provided an update stating: “During the 2024-2025 academic year, multiple academic and research policies were approved through shared governance. Many thanks to the various policy leads and committee members as well as EPUS and Faculty Assembly for your participation in policy governance.” Weiss encouraged review of summaries sent previously from Academic Affairs and noted that full policies are available on VCAF.
Recent policy approvals include those related to faculty assembly governance, assignment of academic office space, differentiated annual workload evaluation, distribution of recovery funds from externally sponsored programs, principal investigator eligibility on sponsored programs, and guidelines on chairs’ responsibilities.
Faculty governance is expected to vote soon on additional significant policies concerning professional rights and responsibilities, faculty grievance procedures, and program discontinuance. Updates about ongoing policy development will be communicated regularly.
The Office of Faculty Affairs is developing new resources including a dashboard and infographic that explain policy processes and timelines.
According to university leadership: “The additions and adjustments to the structure and policies for faculty affairs are intended to support the faculty, programs, and staff that create the academic affairs and instructional experience for students.”
