In response to the reductions in state appropriations to Iowa State University, the College of Engineering implemented its FY11 budget and reorganization plan this week by informing 22 administrative staff that their jobs have been eliminated or are scheduled for elimination. The college also reorganized several administrative units.
The moves are estimated to reduce the college’s annual budget by more than $1 million, and follow three previously announced program eliminations: the Engineering Policy and Leadership Institute; the Faculty and Staff Portfolio System; and PERUSE (Providing Experiences in Research for Undergraduate Students in Engineering).
“This difficult process was necessary to protect the quality of our educational programs and nationally ranked engineering degrees,” said Jonathan Wickert, dean of the college. “The administrative reductions will allow us to focus resources on the faculty and academic departments that teach our students in the classroom and laboratory.”
Units affected include communications; computing support services; alumni and corporate relations; distance education; graduate and research programs; and academic and student affairs, including international programs.
Wickert also noted that no faculty positions were eliminated during the reorganization, no degree programs were closed, and no academic departments were merged. The administrative changes were approved by the university, and a summary of the university’s plans was presented to the state board of regents on April 29.
Wickert emphasized that the reorganization will enhance administrative efficiency, build collaboration in the engineering college and across campus, and ensure a more coordinated, strategic approach to key services. Even with a leaner administration, he noted, the college will make every effort to minimize any disruption to services that could directly affect the quality of the student experience.
“The college is putting itself on a sound footing for long-term success,” Wickert said. “In the face of declining state appropriations, now more than ever we must ensure that engineering at Iowa State focuses on students and areas where we can excel.”
Contacts:
Jonathan Wickert, College of Engineering, (515) 294-9988, wickert@iastate.edu
Eric Dieterle, College of Engineering, (515) 294-4881, dieterle@iastate.edu