UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

Memorandum

                                                                May 19, 2000

TO:                Faculty Senate Representatives

FROM:         William Zaranka, Provost

SUBJECT:    DCB/UCOL REALIGNMENT

As you are undoubtedly aware, the landscape of higher education is changing dramatically. Technology the growing number of adult students, a focus on lifelong learning, and a phenomenal increase in competition and  other forces are rapidly reshaping higher education. Recent developments include the opening of Wharton Direct, a branch facility of the Wharton School in the Denver Tech Center; the announcement of an American unit of the United Kingdom's massive Open University; the growth of corporate and proprietary competitors; and the significant investment of  top U.S. universities in programs for distance delivery of courses, often with private-sector corporate partners.

Although traditional undergraduate and graduate education are--and will remain--mainstays of the University of Denver, it is clear that the University must develop the capacity to allow all of its academic units to succeed in this emerging world. The University needs to develop an organization within itself to deliver this new educational model that combines technology-assisted curriculum with on-campus components. For this model to succeed, it must be market-sensitive, high quality and very fast moving. Two DU colleges--University College and the Daniels College of business--have the experience facilities and /or resources to support extended learning initiatives.

Over the last few months, Chancellor Ritchie, Daniels College of Business Dean Jim Griesemer, University College Dean Peter Warren and I have had discussions about the opportunities for other academic units to partner with University College to increase their scope, reach and revenues. We believe that this is an ideal time to evolve University College into a partner that is prepared to facilitate the interest of all academic units in developing new distance delivery programs or expanding current ones. Peter Warren is also interested in pursuing new challenges that would allow him to explore and develop entrepreneurial and international opportunities for the University.

As a result, the Chancellor and I have asked Jim Griesemer to add the responsibilities of leadership of University College to his current position of dean. The goal is to increase the University's ability to compete effectively in this new arena. Our shared vision is a University of Denver that can succeed in both traditional education, as it does so well now, and in the emerging competitive world of technology-supported extended education.

Over the next 60 days, Jim Griesemer will explore the possibilities for synergies between University College and Daniels that can be tapped and mobilized to benefit all of DU in the future. I have discussed these plans with Faculty Senate leaders, and will continue faculty consultation and address important issues regarding governance procedures during this time. I gave this matter first priority on the agenda at our may 18 Deans' Council Meeting and look forward to discussing this with you at today's Senate meeting and subsequent to that meeting. thereafter, we will begin to implement this new model.

Effective July 1, Peter Warren will take on an expanded, senior entrepreneurial role for University College and other units within the University. Widely recognized for his keen instinct in identifying markets with needs and developing programs that suit them. Peter will have more time to turn his view to the future of the University and to explore new possibilities for distance programs--regionally, nationally and internationally.

University College programs will continue to be separate from Daniels programs, although there will be many opportunities for cooperation and partnerships. While a number of implementation issues remain to be worked out, the task is clear: to develop a new institutional initiative that will broaden the University of Denver's scope, maintain its quality and insure its future vitality. I am very optimistic about the opportunities that this endeavor holds for the University of Denver. over the months to come I look forward to sharing plans and progress with you.