New Academic Unit Structure Proposed for the College

Dean McPheron recently presented a draft plan for a new academic unit structure in the college. His proposal reduces the number of academic units from 12 to 9, and would have a dramatic impact on the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. If this plan is implemented the crop and turf science faculty would merge with Horticulture to form a new Plant Sciences unit, while the soil science faculty would merge with the School of Forest Resources to form a unit call Forestry and Ecosystem Management. Details of the proposal are posted at http://agsci.psu.edu/ag-futures/comments.

There is only a brief window for public comment so it is important to state your opinion as soon as possible. Please review the proposal (click on "draft plan" to view, print, or save) and provide feedback by Tuesday July 5. 

Following the public comment period, the Dean will consider the feedback and finalize the proposal for delivery to the Provost in July.  The Provost will submit the proposal to the Faculty Senate in early August for Senate committee evaluation in August and September. The Board of Trustees could consider the proposed academic structure at their November meeting with implementation of the approved academic structure occurring by July 1, 2012.

Provide your input on the Department's future

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences is a multifaceted teaching, research, and extension organization with the goal of improving the understanding, design, and management of terrestrial ecosystems that are the foundation for food, fiber, and bioenergy production, sports and recreational activities, and environmental quality. We have more than 5000 alumni and cooperate with a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, parents, farmers, industry representatives, non-profit organizations, and state agencies. A copy of our strategic plan is available for your review at http://cropsoil.psu.edu/documents/department/css-strategic-plan.pdf.   

The College of Agricultural Sciences is currently engaged in an Ag Futures Process (http://agsci.psu.edu/ag-futures) and over the coming months we will be making important decisions about our future. We are carefully considering what we do and how we do it, seeking to find efficiencies where possible and prioritizing our efforts as we move forward. Many of the issues facing us are complex and we welcome your input. I hope you will use this blog space to interact with the Department. I look forward to receiving a comment from you!