Every day, on campus and off, people come up to me and volunteer feedback on our proposed reorganization. Feedback has also come in through hundreds of emails and the nearly 70 meetings with faculty and other stakeholders I have had so far. I value all of it, positive and negative. While I always hope that…
Category: Chancellor Carlo Montemagno
Posts by Chancellor Carlo Montemagno
Students lead the Saluki pack
I have said before that a comprehensive university needs to offer its students more than career training. It needs a core curriculum that provides students with a broad base of knowledge and a wide range of electives to help students specialize their skills. This is true. But, to be a truly comprehensive university and produce…
From reorganization to revitalization
Over the last couple of weeks I have been meeting with faculty in potential new schools that might result from academic reorganization. The conversation is constructive, the questions are thoughtful and the commitment to SIU is clear. Many faculty are excited about the opportunities that reorganization will present. They recognize that reorganization is the vehicle,…
Outstanding people make an outstanding university
If you look at the budget for any institution of higher learning, you will notice the biggest expenditure is on personnel. At SIU, almost half of our total expenditures go to pay our faculty, staff, student workers and administrators, and for good reason. Our people define what SIU is. That’s why I am always thrilled…
Bleeding maroon while staying green
I recently spent some time traveling with my beautiful grandchildren. I can’t tell you how much I value getting to watch them play, laugh and learn. And, while I watch them grow and discover the world, I can’t help but think about the ways I can improve the world they will inherit. That is one…
What it means to be a comprehensive university
I believe that a comprehensive university does more than offer a wide range of disciplines. It’s also one that pays attention to the whole student, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded in terms of knowledge, competencies and skills including and beyond their chosen fields of study. The results of the Vision 2025 survey conducted in the…
Making the Video: SIU Day of Giving
When I came to SIU, I didn’t expect to get my big break into show business. But here I am, starring in my very own video to help promote SIU’s Day of Giving, March 7. I don’t know that I am ready for Hollywood quite yet, but it may be time to start working on…
Status quo is still not an option
In 2012, an SIU committee looking at programs raised a number of questions related to “complimentary practices and academic efficiencies.” They included: Are there programs that could be combined administratively to eliminate redundancies? Are there programs that would be better suited in another college? Are there course redundancies that could be eliminated by requiring that…
Planes, robots and cyber security
In my state of the university address, I suggested that intercollegiate competition adds to the complete student experience. Students gain hands-on experience – as well as teamwork and leadership skills – that will make them winners throughout their careers and lives. Successful teams help build the university’s reputation in the academic world. At SIU, our success…
A look at another institution’s reorganization
Welcome to the chancellor’s blog. I plan to use this space to keep you updated about campus activities and initiatives, including academic reorganization, the subject of this first post. A major goal of reorganization is to create scholarly communities that give faculty greater ownership of their programs. We can do this by changing how resources…