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Dean Accepts Implementation Recommendations
College Ombudsperson
Dr. Sabine Loew
Dean Olson accepted each of the recommendations of the Faculty Retention Implementation Committee to enhance diversity, recruitment, and retention in the College. Recommendations address issues of partner/spouse hiring, new faculty welcoming and transition, structural and administrative changes, and enhanced support for faculty professional development. Overall, the recommendations stress developing partnerships within the Bloomington-Normal community to enhance faculty experience. In particular, the committee recognizes the community can be instrumental in developing a pool of resources for employment-seeking partners, facilitating new faculty transition, and welcoming and integrating new faculty into social events during orientation, mentoring, and other transition support programs. In terms of faculty professional development, the committee suggested increasing start-up packages, instituting mentoring programs to support tenure/promotion and grant processes, and participating with the Academic Senate in discussions of the Faculty Code of Ethics and consideration of a statement on collegiality. “The Implementation Team had some very honest, insightful, and creative discussions about actions the College could take that would have an impact on faculty recruitment and retention," said Associate Dean Sam Catanzaro. "Even though we were very serious about our task, our meetings were enjoyable because they were so constructive. I am pleased with the work we've done, and I appreciate the integrity with which the Committee answe

 

 

The Committee was comprised of representatives from throughout the College: Sam Catanzaro, Associate Dean; Valerie Hackstadt, Student, Physics (Vice-Chair of College Council); Adam Hall, Student, Foreign Languages; Gardenia Harris, Faculty, Social Work; Sean Limon, Faculty, Communication; Maria Pao, Faculty, Foreign Languages; David Malone, Chair, Geology-Geography; Thomas Simon, Faculty, Philosophy (College Council representative); George Seelinger, Chair, Mathematics; and Nancy Tolson, Faculty, English (College Council representative).

Dean Olson empanelled the committee in response to the Underrepresented Groups Task Force initiated by former Interim Dean Roberta Seelinger Trites in 2003. Charged to investigate formally concerns about departmental climate and reasons for faculty attrition, especially in relation to traditionally underrepresented groups, the task force submitted a report of its findings, which was then distributed to the departments. Departments responded by identifying programs and procedures already in place to tend to some of the issues in the report, suggesting other ways of addressing concerns, and setting departmental goals. The Implementation Committee worked with these documents to plan specific actions for the College to take and was charged by Dean Olson to develop “concrete actions” the College can take.

In process are initiatives to support mentoring, funding, and diversity. Olson immediately acted on one such action—to appoint a College Ombudsperson—and appointed Sabine Loew, Associate Professor of Evolutionary and Conservation Biology. Known for her willingness to mentor her students and stand as a professional role model in the classroom, Loew has a reputation among faculty for good judgment. “I’m delighted she has agreed to serve,” said Olson. “I asked for recommendations among Chairs and others in the College, and the response for Sabine was overwhelming.”

Loew will serve as a neutral advisor when faculty have conflicts they are trying to resolve. “I appreciate the confidence placed in me by my colleagues and Dean Olson, and I believe an ombudsperson will significantly contribute to the positive working environment within our College," Loew said. "After 10 years at ISU as a researcher, teacher, advisor, and mentor, I feel well prepared to provide confidential and informal advice, feedback, and assistance to my colleagues."
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