E-Insight

July 2005

University News

Dr. Sandra Woods Appointed Interim Dean of College of Engineering

Dr. Sandra Woods has been appointed Interim Dean of the College of Engineering while a national search is conducted to permanently fill the position. Dr. Woods, head of the Department of Civil Engineering and Interim Vice Provost for Special Projects, began her new post July 1.

"Dr. Woods is an excellent leader who is clearly dedicated to the University and devoted to improving the College of Engineering," said Dr. Anthony Frank, Senior Vice President and Interim Provost. "I am confident that her dedication and experience will serve the college well during this time of transition."

Colorado State recently conducted an engineering dean search, but based on feedback from the process, University officials decided not to offer the permanent position at the present time. Dr. Frank will appoint a new search committee during the summer and re-advertise the position in the fall.

Dr. Woods joined Colorado State in 2001 as a Professor and Head of Civil Engineering, and has additionally been serving as Interim Vice Provost since February 2004 as well as providing interim leadership in the Office of International Programs since July 2004. Dr. Woods serves on the Council of Deans, Diversity Coordinating Council, Commission on Women and Gender Equity, and the College of Engineering Executive Committee at Colorado State. She came to Colorado State from Oregon State University, where she was an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering.

Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Named

Dr. Tom Gorell has been named Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at Colorado State. Dr. Gorell, who had been serving as Interim Vice Provost since February 2004, took his new post on July 1.

"Dr. Gorell does an outstanding job addressing the needs of the colleges, departments and faculty surrounding a myriad of faculty issues," said Dr. Tony Frank, Provost and Senior Vice President. "I look forward to my continued work with him and congratulate him on behalf of the University for his appointment."

Dr. Gorell, who recently served as Director of the Center for Life Sciences, has been at Colorado State since 1975 in various faculty and administrative roles including Professor of biology, Admissions Counselor and Associate Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. As Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Dr. Gorell is overseeing all faculty affairs issues such as faculty searches and appointments, annual evaluations, supplemental pay and sabbatical leave requests. He also is involved with assessment and accreditation, academic program reviews and honorary degrees, and he will continue as the director of the prestigious scholarship initiative.

Board of Governors Approves Budget, Raises Undergraduate Tuition 15 Percent

The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System has approved a budget for 2005-06 that includes an 11.9 percent increase to the University's total tuition revenue, a total approved by the Colorado State Legislature earlier this year. The Board approved the $313.6 million budget, including a new tuition plan for Colorado State University.

"Our primary concerns are access and opportunity. We are doing our very best to keep increases in tuition to a minimum to ensure Colorado students have access to their own state university and the opportunity to obtain a world-class education here," said Dr. Larry Edward Penley, Chancellor of the Colorado State University System. " Colorado is a low-tuition state, and Colorado State University is an excellent bargain for students desiring a top-quality education. That's something we're determined to preserve."

The new tuition plan will increase base tuition for Colorado State University resident undergraduates $441 per year or 15 percent, resident graduate students $304 or 9 percent, and non-resident undergraduate and graduate students $814 and $849 respectively or 6 percent

"The majority of the proposed tuition increase will permit Colorado State to cover mandatory and necessary increases to its budget for the coming year and, most important, enable the University to avoid making additional cuts for fiscal year 2005-06," said Penley. "The plan also will allow us to begin making critical investments to enhance the quality of academic programs and undergraduate education, allow Colorado State to maintain its world-class status and competitiveness with other leading universities, and strengthen the value of a Colorado State University degree to employers."

Reduced funding over the past few years has led to fewer faculty members and increased class sizes, as well as difficulty in adequately compensating faculty and staff, resulting in faculty departures and difficulty in hiring top professors. During that time, the University made significant budget cuts including the elimination of more than 240 positions, including 52 regular faculty positions, 24 other faculty positions, 118 state classified positions and 50 administrative professionals in addition to significant reductions in support to programs and facilities.

"Raising tuition is not our first choice, but at this point, it is our only choice. In light of drastic cuts in state funding over the past few years in conjunction with growing enrollments, Colorado State must take this action now to eliminate any additional cuts and ensure the top-quality academic environment and education that make a Colorado State University degree such a valuable asset," said Dr. Penley. "We have fallen further behind our peers in recent years, and now have the opportunity to begin taking steps to make certain we remain competitive and continue providing an outstanding education to our students."