Issue date: 11/18/04 Section: News

University of West Florida President John Cavanaugh discussed the University's legislative agenda for the upcoming year at a town hall meeting attended by approximately 100 faculty, students and staff members on Nov. 10. The speech was held at the Conference Center and was Web cast by WUWF.

Cavanaugh outlined many issues facing the University in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.

"We've come a long way, but we still have a tough road ahead," Cavanaugh said.

He also asked for patience, "as we work through the extended semester calendar, work to regain students who withdrew, work through funding issues and the physical repair of our campus."

Cavanaugh gave an update on what he called "system-wide" issues, such

as enrollment and policies, tuition fees and a proposed salary increase of 2

percent. Cavanaugh said the increase would leave the state in the position of

"picking up other costs" such as health care benefits.

Cavanaugh turned the floor over to Carl Backman, organization administrator for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and associate vice president of Academic Affairs.

Backman spoke about the organization's efforts regarding the Quality Enhancement Plan.

"Our highest priority is providing students the opportunity to be actively engaged in the highest quality academic programs and related student affairs activities and programs so that, as graduates of UWF, they are knowledgeable about the content of their chosen disciplines," he said.

Backman defined the enhancement plan as "a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses a well-defined issue or issues directly related to improving student learning."

Following Backman's presentation was Michael F. Dieckmann, associate

vice president for Information Technology, who discussed IT's current initiatives and plans for the future.

Dieckmann said ARGUS, a Web portal, provides role-specific views and is now fully operational, replacing older Web systems such as COMPASS.

"This extends an electronic identity to provide services to students, faculty and alumni," Dieckmann said.

To access information on ARGUS, go to www.argus.uwf.edu. The ARGUS Channel Guide shows all channels available in ARGUS. Searches are accessible by keyword.

Dieckmann also discussed programs that he said bring high capacity research capabilities to the University.

"It is the key to containing costs," he said.

Plans for "UWF Air" Wireless Network, eLearning classrooms, Web

improvements and campus network upgrades were among the other topics

Dieckmann addressed.

Cavanaugh thanked all the organizations and staff for their hard work and diligence through trying times. He said he was optimistic about the future of UWF, despite the setbacks caused by the hurricane.

"This doesn't mean that our work is done," Cavanaugh said. "We're going to see the effects of Ivan for many, many months to come."

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