Office of Academic Affairs
 
Academic and Student Support Unit Strategic Plans

Appendix:  What’s in a name?

School of Continuing Education (SCE)

In large, diverse organizations such as Central Connecticut State University, the name of a department/unit is of paramount importance in that it:

· Identifies the tasks performed by the unit to individuals outside the organization.

  • Allows individuals to contact the department they are seeking on their first attempt as opposed to increasing their frustration level by being bounced from office to office.

· Establishes an expectation of services offered based on the name’s connotation.

  • Proper naming eliminates the possibility that individuals will simply not contact a particular office because they have already formed an assumption that the office does not do or have what they want.

· Clearly delineates the responsibilities of the unit within the organization.

  • Limits "scope-spread" and keeps the unit focused.

· Establishes authority of the office within the institutional hierarchy.

  • Having a Dean as head of the School of Continuing Education lends more credibility within the University setting. It offers direct access to and partnership with CCSU’s management and Academic Deans, providing an improved flow of information.

The School of Continuing Education is uniquely poised to be the gateway ifor those not currently involved in the University. In order to clarify the function of this Office both internally and externally a clear distinction is proposed between Enrollment Center and Continuing Education. Continuing Education would be the umbrella under which the Enrollment Center is housed. Ultimately, Continuing Education would become the School of Continuing Education.

School of Continuing Education: Seeks to provide innovative, flexible programs and services responsive to the learning needs of the university community and external communities. In response to needs of the city, the state, the region, and the global community, the SCE will expand and extend the strengths of the University as the provider of choice for the lifelong learning essential to economic development and quality of life.

Enrollment Center: The infrastructure that provides services associated with course registration and payment.

One of the shifts that must occur in order for the enhancement of Continuing Education to be successful is the redesign of resources of and services provided by the Registrar’s Office and the Enrollment Center, with particular attention to changing the current structure. Presently, the functions associated with registration and enrollment are split between the two offices; leading to a most confusing situation for students, staff and faculty. It is believed that the issues of affiliation can be resolved with minimal financial impact to either the Registrar’s Office or the School of Continuing Education. This concept has the initial support of both the Registrar and the Director of Continuing Education.

· A shared front (i.e.: smart portal) will be created with the relocation of Registrar’s to Willard Hall.

· A comprehensive, documented, easily accessed volume of policy and procedure must be developed as a guide to ensure the consistent application of said policies and procedures by both offices.

· Cross-training of staff in both offices, an essential element to ensure the success of this plan, will result in efficient use of existing resources and the consistent application of University policies and procedures.

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Tuesday, 04. November 2008