Hi Applied Arts,
My apologies that this update is a little late in coming. And belated Happy New Year! to anyone I haven’t touched base with yet.
Before getting to some news items, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for handling the craziness of this term’s start-up with professionalism and top-notch problem-solving skills. From our admin assistants finding ways to keep things moving despite Banner going down more than once; to Brent, Hiedi, Norm, Amanda, and Victoria running an impromptu program advising session for a large group of international students; to the ASC scrambling to plan for added academic supports for the same group of students; to a bunch more examples I’ve likely not even heard of yet, this division’s ability to meet unforeseen challenges is amazing—and appreciated.
CAQC Evaluation Team’s Report
After a nerve-wracking wait, we finally received the report from the Evaluation Team that was here in late November to review the Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance degree. The report reiterates the suggestions we heard during the exit meeting of the site visit, so no huge surprises. Among the areas for improvement, there were many things to be proud of—this line for example: This program “has the potential to become a future hub of practical and theoretical indigenous self-determination studies.” We rock! The College has until Jan. 26 to respond to the report, and then the degree will be on the agenda of CAQC’s February meeting.
Northern Review Launch Event
The Northern Review’s special literary issue, guested edited by Maureen Long, Jamella Hagen, Eric Heyne (UAlaska Fairbanks) and me, has been released. There will be a launch event in the Bistro on Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 5-7 pm. Please come along and help the NR celebrate.
Welcome Back Veronica Verkley
Veronica Verkley has returned to SOVA this term to teach the 2D and 3D studio courses. Veronica taught at SOVA for several years, so we’re very happy she was able to work with our students.
2018-19 Budget & 2017-18 Full-Year Forecast
No new news on next year’s budget; hopefully, more specifics will be coming soon. Regarding this year’s budget, we are currently working through the full-year forecasting process. How Carolyn manages to keep all backstories on the numbers straight is beyond me!
Take care,
Andrew