Academic Affairs Revitalization

Purpose

Academic Affairs operates within rapidly evolving educational and healthcare environments, yet its organizational structure has developed incrementally, leading to fragmentation and limited opportunity for efficiencies and alignment across programs that could advance learner success. To meet SMPH’s academic mission and strategic priorities currently under development, Academic Affairs aims to realign its operational areas — or the major areas of work that define how we organize responsibilities, expertise and services. Academic Affairs would like to strengthen cross‑unit collaboration and modernize processes and systems (e.g., admissions, data dashboards, and educational innovation). A more data‑informed and connected Academic Affairs will support long‑term excellence and sustainability for learners, faculty, staff, Wisconsin communities, and beyond.

Line drawing of Health Sciences Learning Center

Engaging in Revitalization

The success of this effort hinges on your involvement and your expertise. To date, we’ve surveyed Academic Affairs staff and faculty, interviewed leaders from across the organization, the university, and our statewide campus, conducted multiple focus groups, conducted two large-group gatherings, and held an all-staff retreat.

So far, we’ve heard:

You’re proud of the organization’s strong mission-driven, student-centered culture.
You experience structural friction (silos, unclear roles, uneven support).
You see opportunity to improve coordination, balance, and shared infrastructure.

There’s more to come as we review design models, data from peer institutions, and organizational options. Stay tuned and stay engaged.

Project leadership

Academic Affairs leadership and the Office of Strategic Consulting are leading the Revitalization effort in close collaboration with the Office of the Dean to ensure alignment with SMPH’s mission and strategic planning priorities.

A message from Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Elizabeth Petty

Our mission in Academic Affairs has always been focused on providing excellent programs and services that support our education mission at the School of Medicine and Public Health with the shared goal of optimizing health for patients and populations across Wisconsin and beyond. To continue providing outstanding programs amid shifting learner needs, technology advances, and a dynamic landscape impacting higher education and health services, we need to advance effective strategies that help us shape the future of education. That means increasing collaborations across units and programs, identifying priorities and building partnerships.

Your insights will be instrumental in shaping this work. I am grateful for your willingness to engage in open conversations and to share your ideas that are grounded in learner needs and aligned with our mission of academic excellence. With your expertise and support, I am confident that we will help revitalize our school in ways that will make us stronger for our learners and for healthier communities in Wisconsin and beyond.

With appreciation for your time and talents,

Liz

All-Staff Retreat

Academic Affairs attended an all-staff retreat June 5 to discuss feedback, affirm priorities, and review organizational design principles.

Objectives

Define operational areas

Define the essential operational areas of Academic Affairs to improve coherence, reduce fragmentation, and strengthen alignment with SMPH strategic priorities.

Improve coordination

Improve coordination across programs (including admissions, student services, curriculum, and statewide partnerships) to streamline work and enhance quality.

Use advancements to improve education and support learners

Build capacity for innovative teaching, assessment, and technology‑enabled learning.

Leverage data

Establish consistent metrics, reliable data systems, and shared analytic practices to support decision‑making, accreditation, and continuous improvement across programs.

Steward resources wisely

Develop principles and approaches for allocating financial and human resources to ensure long‑term viability and educational outcomes.

Deliverables

1. Recommendations

Clearly articulated and refined operational areas and an organizational structure that support coherence and strategic fit.

2. Findings and themes from employee and partner engagements

A synthesis of feedback that identifies strengths, barriers, opportunities, and priorities, and positions Academic Affairs as an early adopter of the SMPH strategic plan.

3. Strategic roadmap

A time‑phased plan outlining priority actions, decision points, and considerations to ensure successful implementation and the success of Academic Affairs and its employees.