Last summer, I formed the IT Advisory Committee to assess the organizational structure, infrastructure, and service model of the University's information technology operations. One of the recommendations contained in the Committee's January 2011 report concerns the location of the e-Learning initiative within the University. Historically, this function has been housed in several locations; presently, the Director of the Center for eLearning reports to the Vice President for University Systems and Information Technology.

In its report, the IT Advisory Committee recommended that the Center for eLearning be transferred from the Division of University Systems and Information Technology and be positioned under the Provost within the academic area of the University. I have decided to accept that recommendation for two principal reasons. First, eLearning programs are developed and taught by faculty in accordance with academic standards. Second, as an academic function, eLearning also requires ongoing assessment of course relevancy, quality, and learning outcomes - tasks that are best performed by the University's faculty and academic administrators.

Therefore, effective May 15, 2011, the Director of the Center for eLearning will report to the new Vice Provost for Academic Planning.