Reorganization of University of Hawaii System Administration

Dobelle presents systemwide reorganization plan to university's Board of Regents

University of Hawaiʻi
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Posted: Nov 19, 2002

During a special informational session of the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents on November 14, President Evan S. Dobelle presented his proposed plan for reorganizing the system administration. The Board is expected to take action on the proposed plan at their regular monthly meeting. The November meeting will be held on November 21 and 22 at Kauaʻi Community College.

In December of 2001, President Dobelle initiated an evaluation of administrative and non-instructional practices to examine how the University of Hawaiʻi System could best meet its goals and objectives. With that purpose in mind, and remaining true to the Strategic Plan, the reorganization focused on realigning reporting lines and responsibilities to increase effectiveness and establish direct communication with each campus.

"Although reviewing the structure and organization of the university system has been a lengthy process, the end result will yield more effective leadership throughout the institution," said Deane Neubauer, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs. "This plan solidifies a genuine university system with multiple opportunities for all students."

Student achievement is central to the restructuring plan. Students will experience significant benefits through better coordination and facilitation of distance learning programs, increased utilization of the student information system, and greater emphasis on international experience through study abroad programs, and an increased international enrollment. One of the most important goals of the reorganization will be to produce a greater coherence in articulation and transfer of credits from one campus to another.

The reorganization will focus on eliminating some of the bureaucratic layering that has plagued the university system as well as creating more opportunities for innovation and continual adaptation to changing social and economic conditions. This configuration also permits campuses greater autonomy in fulfilling their portions of the strategic plan. The plan will be funded through system reallocation and elimination of vacant administrative positions.


UH Reorganization Highlights

· Creates Office of the President — Approved by the Board of Regents in July 2001. For the first time in 20 years, the dual function of President of the system and Chancellor of Mānoa is eliminated.

Creates or changes the following positions:

· Vice President for Research — responsible for system-wide coordination of research and training, policy compliance, and economic development.

· Chief of Staff — chief organizing agent for senior administration with particular attention to non-academic issues.

· Vice President for International Education — responsible for increasing emphasis on international experience and education through international partnerships, programs and international student enrollment.

· Community College Chancellors — redefines Community College Provosts as Chancellors and eliminates the Office of the Senior Vice President and Chancellor for Community Colleges.

· Council of Chancellors — reports directly to the President, with consultative lines of communication to the Chief of Staff and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

· Vice President of Student Affairs — relocates from Mānoa to the university system.

· Vice President for Policy and Planning — relocates from Mānoa to university system.