International Update

BUDGET UPDATES: The Budget Systems Review Committee has surveyed the deans of each college and school for input on the current system. The committee will use this feedback to inform its improvement strategies and expects to have a final draft of its recommendations to the provost and chief financial officer by the end of April.

SOCIAL JUSTICE: The Social Justice alliance will debut its first collaborative research initiative in East Cleveland. Mark Chupp, project director and assistant professor at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, will establish the overall direction for the project, which aims to expand cooperation between the university, city and other organizations.

ENERGY: The Energy alliance is looking to hire new faculty in the area of energy economics and policy. Expanded expertise in this area helps the university create stronger grant proposals with more quantitative data on commercial potential for research and supports other collaborations with state, regional and national partners.

LEAD ON: A leadership development program designed for department chairs will be fully implemented this year. It includes an orientation for new chairs, as well as programming for seasoned chairs regarding conflict resolution, change management and other administrative best practices. The next forum will be June 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. and will feature Richard Boyatzis, a professor of organizational behavior. Boyatzis will discuss leading with emotion, the cycle of leadership sacrifice and renewal, and renewing the passion for leading.

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR: The Office of the Provost has revamped the way it appoints distinguished university professors by developing a new set of nominating criteria. Learn more about how to nominate a faculty member for this honor.

ACTION AGENDA: The action agenda for 2011 is being drafted. It will include several new initiatives, as well as continuing action items from this year. The draft will reflect outcomes from the November Strategic Planning Leadership Retreat and subsequent Plan Action Committee meeting in January.