After previously releasing multiple potential models for Kent State’s restructuring plan called Transformation 2028 (T28), university staff and faculty gave feedback on the models after they were shared privately in December. 

Of the plans, advisory committees responded with a general preference: the Gold model, which fueled the configuration of a new model. The Gold model was popular because it aimed to retain many pre-existing academic college organizations and structures. 

What’s in it?

The new model, titled Gold+, divides the university into five divisions while the original Gold model had six. 

While keeping some of the current collegiate structures together, the new plan creates alignments that will allow for shared leadership among colleges with similar focuses. Sharing leadership and staff will help the university reach its budgeting goals for the coming years. 

According to the model, each pre-existing college will continue to have its own dean, but will share other administrative staff. The Gold model’s proposed College of Education and Society appears to be split, with some departments listed under the College of Sciences and Humanities and others are to remain in the College of Education. 

Why it matters

This model reduces the current 10 deans to nine, the assistant and associate dean positions from 28 to 15 and the chair and director positions from 40 to 24. 

Staff and faculty are asked to comment on the latest model, which will be reviewed and voted on by the Faculty Senate on Feb. 10. 

After this vote, the university provost and president will create the final model, which will be brought to the board for ultimate endorsement sometime in March. 

T28’s restructuring aims to cut administrative spending after the university overspent its fiscal year 2024 budget by $18.6 million. In addition to this, administration will also begin consultation within the colleges to find other new ways to reduce costs.

Ari Collins is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].