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Deans' Council

Purpose & Charge

The Deans’ Council serves to facilitate division-wide collaboration in support of the mission and strategic goals of the University. The Deans’ Council reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) and is charged with providing recommendations to the VPAA on matters related to the development and implementation of academic policies, procedures and initiatives, as well as overall direction and oversight of the division. Additional charges include, but are not limited to:

  1. Sharing information from
    a.  President’s Council
    b.  External sources
    c.  Internal constituencies
  2. Gaining perspective in
    a.  Higher education in general
    b.  Ferris specifically
    c.  Cross-cutting issues
    d.  Current agendas, issues and initiatives
  3. Creating a forum for planning and accountability in support of
    a.  Undergraduate, graduate, and professional education
    b.  Mission advancement
    c.  Financial stewardship
    d.  Strategic targets

Membership

The membership of the Deans’ Council includes the following voting members:  
  • Jason Bentley, Dean, Retention and Student Success and Interim Dean, FLITE Library
  • Randy Cagle, Dean, College of Arts, Sciences and Education 
  • Stephen Durst, Dean, College of Pharmacy
  • Bobby Fleischman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Lincoln Gibbs, Dean, College of Health Professions
  • Stephen Halko, Dean, Academic Affairs, Kendall College of Art and Design
  • Amy Ducher, Executive Assistant to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Steve Reifert, Interim Associate Provost of Academic Operations, Dean, Extended and International Operations
  • Mandy Seiferlein, Associate Provost of Assessment and Accreditation
  • Michael Staley, Dean, College of Engineering Technology
  • Daniel Taylor,  Dean, Michigan College of Optometry
  • Kim Wilber, Director, Academic Budget Management
  • Logan Jones, Dean, College of Business

Responsibilities

The Office of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for preparation and distribution of the agendas, minutes, and supporting materials.  However, it is the responsibility of all members to assure the success of the council through active participation, contributions to agenda development, and sponsorship of items of shared interest. 

Members are expected to attend Deans’ Council meetings whenever possible.  When a member is unable to participate, that individual should be represented by an administrative replacement, such as an associate dean, assistant dean, or department head.

Appropriate sharing of information to promote transparency and communication is expected of all members; protection of confidential information must be followed in accordance with University policy.