Following two years of study, including extensive faculty and staff input, UNC Charlotte’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences will begin pursuing the path of creating two distinct colleges: one will include the departments of biological sciences, chemistry, physics and optical science, and mathematics and statistics. Additional departments that may join this college, and the constitution of the second college, will be determined soon.
The process will begin July 1.
“This proposed new academic structure will cluster and create coherence among smaller groups of related disciplines,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “Each college can build greater visibility and a shared identity among its departments and other units. A more targeted focus would permit the two proposed colleges to contribute significantly to our strategic plan, particularly in research, engagement and teaching.”
Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jennifer Troyer led the Committee on CLAS Review, which identified possible options for the organization of CLAS, identifying strengths and weaknesses associated with each option and how each option aligned with the University strategic plan.
“Creating two distinct colleges offers an exciting opportunity for each to chart their own unique paths forward,” Troyer said. “The focused, more agile colleges can find innovative and targeted ways to enhance student success, contribute to our goal of expanding and elevating our research, and support faculty and staff.”
Two separate deanships for the proposed colleges will be created to help with the facilitation of the ongoing process. College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Interim Dean John Smail will continue as the interim dean for one of the proposed colleges. Other information about the proposed colleges’ structure and leadership, including the interim dean for the second proposed college, will be forthcoming.