Structured Approach

It’s true that you have a lot on your mind this fall, whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of science, solving tricky people problems or keeping track of  the budget.

But it’s time to put your analytical mind to work on a new task. NC State needs to find the best structure for its academic science programs. A task force working on the issue, a top priority in strategic realignment, wants to pick the brains of faculty, staff and students.

“At this point, we’re interested in hearing from people across campus,” says Dr. Margery Overton, the civil engineering professor who’s been chairing the task force since May. “We’re looking for approaches that will help us remove barriers to collaboration and make the most of our resources.”

The task force has been charged to find new ways of working that will be flexible enough for future needs.

Speak Up

You can share your ideas in the online survey posted on the provost’s website. (You have the option of remaining anonymous.) The questions are open-ended and thought-provoking.

If you prefer to make your voice heard in person, attend an upcoming forum:

• Wednesday, Nov. 2,  3–4:30 p.m., Cox Hall, Room 206
• Thursday, Nov. 3, 3–4:30 p.m., Biltmore Hall, Room 2010
• Friday, Nov. 4, 3–4:30 p.m., Williams Hall, Room 2215

To stimulate the discussion, visit the task force website, which has meeting minutes and related reading. For the visually inclined, there’s a graphic of what’s being called an academies approach, which was shared recently at the General Faculty meeting.

The task force will take input until Nov. 15 before buckling down to work on its recommendations, which will be submitted by year’s end.