University of Virginia Library

CHANGES IN THE PLAN OF UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATION

The President reported on the results of his studies of needed alterations in the plan of
organization of the University. He had given this matter first priority since assuming office,
and was now prepared to report his proposal to the Board for criticism and suggestions. The
major changes which he proposed to make were three in number: (1) the creation of the position
of "Chancellor for the Branch Colleges" and the discontinuance of the office of Provost, (2)
the creation of an Office of Admissions to be headed by a Dean of Admissions who would be responsible
for supervising all admissions to the undergraduate schools of the University, and
for the administration of student aid as it affects undergraduates entering the University,
and (3) the creation of the position of "Assistant to the President for University Relations
amd Development" with primary responsibilities for general supervision of the public relations
programs of the University, the dissemination of public information, and the coordination of
contacts by University personnel with foundations and businesses for grants and other types
of financial support. The position of Chancellor for the Branch Colleges, the President explained,
would be concerned with the administration of Clinch Valley College and George Mason
College. There would be no change in the status of the Chancellor of Mary Washington College,
who would continue to report to the President.

The remaining alterations of consequence, the President explained, are (1) provision that
the Director of Athletics report to the President, (2) re-institution of the President's direct
responsibility for relations between the University and the Alumni, (3) combination of all
matters relating to students under the Dean of the University, and (4) a change in the title
of Assistant to the President to "Administrative Assistant to the President."

The Rector stated that he had consulted with the President on two occasions concerning
the plans for changes in the University plan of organization and believed that these changes
were needed and would enable the President more effectively to discharge the duties of his
office. He emphasized in his comment the need for greater attention to both the fields of
public relations and public information.

A discussion followed during which no objections to the President's plan of organization
were heard.