Graduate School Survey

As you may know, at Provost Murphy’s behest, Dean Ghali has appointed a committee to examine the role of graduate education at WWU. Committee membership is provided in an attachment. It is the charge of the committee to examine how graduate education is contributing to, and is consistent with, the goals of the University as set out in the Strategic Action Plan. Our intent is to develop a document that addresses a number of strategic questions regarding the present status of graduate education at WWU and its future. This document, to be produced by the end of Spring Quarter, 2009, will provide the basis for campus-wide discussions during Fall Quarter on the proper role that graduate education should play at WWU.

It is important to emphasize that our objective is to look broadly at graduate education rather than to assess specific programs, the latter being the proper role for the Graduate Council. While resource allocation is, of course, always a consideration, we are determined to take a long-term strategic approach rather than dwell on current issues regarding the budget. Given that there will always be ups and downs in institutional budgets

• what are WWU’s obligations as a public university to provide post-graduate education opportunities?
• What are the pedagogical considerations and values of doing so?
• How do graduate programs affect the undergraduate experience? faculty productivity and satisfaction? recruitment and retention of faculty?
• Is there an optimal size for a graduate program?

These and many other questions are appropriate for the university community to consider and our role as a committee is to develop information and present a preliminary assessment for consideration by the broader community.

To assist us in this endeavor, we are seeking advice from various constituencies at WWU. One such avenue for advice and information is the survey questionnaire that can be accessed by faculty. We would greatly appreciate the involvement of WWU faculty. Please access the questionnaire and submit your responses on-line as instructed by May 6. I can assure you that we will take your advice and information seriously as we proceed with our deliberations.

Thank you.
Steve Sulkin,
Committee Chair