Provost FAQs re: SPOT deadline, Chairs and Directors Council, and reaccreditation

Dear Academic Affairs colleagues,

This week I write with updates to the SPOT survey deadline, the Academic Chairs and Directors Council, and reaccreditation.

Update: No Extended Deadline for SPOT

There will NOT be an extension of the Spring 2023 SPOT survey deadline at this time. Extending the deadline to occur after final exams has been recommended by the University Evaluation Committee as a mechanism to increase student participation. I agree with those who believe this invalidates the survey. The UEC faculty chair, faculty senate executive committee and my team are discussing the recommendation and challenges of student participation. I encourage you to share your ideas with UEC, Senate, or Elaine Cole in Academic Affairs at e.cole@tcu.edu.

Update from the Academic Chairs and Directors Council

The Academic Chairs and Directors Council has a new name to better reflect the mission of supporting department chairs and program directors. I encourage all chairs and directors to attend the monthly meetings lead by Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs Francyne Huckaby, to network with other faculty leaders and share your ideas and suggestions. Whether you are a long-standing leader or new to the role, you will find support, insights and professional development opportunities.

At the February 2023 meeting I participated in a Q&A. David Allen, executive director of Institutional Effectiveness, discussed assessment, SACSCOC reaccreditation and the required Quality Enhancement Plan, and qualification justifications for adjunct faculty. The next meeting will focus on ChatGPT with a panel of experts from the Center for Digital Expression and the Neeley School of Business. For more information about meeting dates, times and places, visit: provost.tcu.edu/faculty-resources/chairs-resources.

Reaccreditation Update

We are nearing the final steps in reaccreditation by SACSCOC. The on-site committee will be here March 6-9. The professional development for faculty to embed concepts of the Quality Enhancement Plan, “Finding Ourselves in Community,” is underway and applications will open in March for the next cohort for Fall 2023. Students will begin to take courses marked FSC beginning Fall 2023. I am excited about these developments and thank all of the people who are participating in this vital endeavor.Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs