Rider University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) has experienced tremendous growth as a result of new academic programs and plans to welcome a historically large cohort of new faculty in the fall to accommodate.

On the heels of completing a new strategic plan, Dean Jonathan Millen recently took time to discuss the immediate changes taking place within the College and the long-term plans to capitalize on them.

What are the biggest changes in the immediate future of CLAS?

In September, CLAS will welcome the largest cohort of new full-time faculty in recent history, perhaps ever. Largely due to programmatic growth, positions have been created in chemistry, computer science, filmmaking, health sciences, homeland security, mathematics, psychology and physics. At the same time, we are preparing for a number of upcoming retirements of some of Rider’s most distinguished professors. The result will be a significant change in the make-up of the College.

How is the College preparing for this transition?

We just finished a new CLAS strategic plan, Through 2022. Working with a group of faculty from across the liberal arts and sciences, we identified four focal points to guide us over the next few years: curricular growth, engaged learning, communication and resource allocation. Each of these has been aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan and identifies associated priorities and actions.

Can you give an example of how the Strategic Plan will benefit CLAS?

Sure. Under the focal point of communication, we established the goal of strengthening our sense of community through open and ongoing dialog. Toward this end, we created a CLAS Student Advisory Council that meets twice each semester. Every student club and organization affiliated with the College is invited to send representatives to these informal conversations. It is a great opportunity for the students to learn more about the many resources available to them and for me to learn more about the student experience on campus. Together we have come up with some great ideas to explore moving forward.

Similarly, I have been hosting conversations in my office where small groups of faculty have a chance to discuss the state of CLAS in an unstructured setting. The Student Advisory Council and the faculty conversations are creating a greater sense of inclusivity and engagement throughout the community.

What else would you like to share?

I’d like to share some good — no, great — news. This summer we are beginning a two-year project that will complete the planned renovations to the Science and Technology Center as well as the Health Sciences wing in the Maurer Center. The project includes new classrooms, new laboratory spaces and much needed new faculty offices (see my answer to your first question!). All of this is to position ourselves for the construction of a new wing on the building.

Any final thoughts as the academic year comes to a close?

Yes: I would like to invite all of our CLAS alumni and friends to participate in these exciting times. Whether you would like to visit a former professor or meet a new member of the faculty, arrange for a private tour of our renovated facilities, or sit down over lunch to discuss the future of the College, all you have to do is let me know. I’d love to hear from you. All my best and Go Broncs!