MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University Libraries and the Teaching and Learning Commons reorganization details were released Friday.
WVU Provost Maryanne Reed said within the Libraries there will be nine voluntary separations and seven other workers who will either work until the end of the 2023-24 academic year or the 2024 fiscal year, depending on their eligibility. The adjustment will save 5.8 percent of the annual budget or an estimated $790,000.
Reed said students and faculty will not experience a drop in service due to the reorganization.
“The resources and support provided by our Libraries are critical to the success of students, faculty, staff and the community, so we worked closely with Dean Karen Diaz as she and her team created a plan that reflects our continued commitment to quality services,” said
The mission of the Teaching and Learning Commons will shift slightly to focus on the development and support of teaching across all modes of instruction, continuous faculty training and training for graduate teaching assistants in the delivery of instruction and assessment of student learning, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
As a result, nine non-classified staff members will move to WVU Online to begin support functions and instructional design and micro credentialing efforts. Seven non-classified staff members will transition to WVU Information Technology Services to support classroom and other technology functions. One classified staff member will transition to Academic Affairs to provide support to the Testing Center and nine other non-classified staff members will be employed through the end of the current fiscal year.
Reed said Academic Affairs, faculty will design the new unit and manage its operations.
“With strong faculty engagement and an emphasis on the classroom experience, the redesigned center will focus on the comprehensive promotion of excellence in teaching and student learning — with the ultimate goal of improving student success outcomes,” Reed said.
Next, a faculty committee, chaired by Associate Provost for Faculty Development and Culture Melissa Latimer will determine the functions of the reimagined unit, leadership and staffing structure. The new unit will launch by the Fall 2024 semester.