PPB-21 Cycle Assessment
The PPB-21 initiative funded seven projects over an 18-month period. Project leads submitted assessment reports detailing accomplishments such as launching new centers and programs, organizing academic and cultural events, implementing technology platforms, and expanding community engagement. Feedback from faculty and project participants, including Dean Cheryl Wilson, shaped recommendations for improving future cycles.
Project Summaries
Black Studies Center (PPB21-21)
Funding: $27,000 | Sponsor: Cheryl Wilson
The BSC aimed to serve as a centralized hub for Black/African American/Diasporic Studies. From February 2023 to April 2024, the Center hosted collaborative panels, webinars, artist talks, exhibitions, dance/drum performances, and educational programs. Additional highlights included a student logo contest, the development of branding graphics, student field trips, and the launch of "The Shout Back Podcast." The assessment noted the departure of key faculty, raising concerns about long-term capacity and continuity.
Media Innovation Center – Diversity in Media & Journalism (PPB21-25)
Funding: $67,000 | Sponsor: Cheryl Wilson
This initiative supported efforts to diversify media and journalism by organizing mentorship events, highlighting alumni, hosting BIPOC professional screenings, and rebranding the Center. A notable deliverable was the creation of a Grant Tool Kit and Calendar. Despite extensive activity, external funding had not yet been secured, prompting prioritization of a grant writer. Plans included public speaker events and career chats to further engage underrepresented communities.
Performing Arts Pilot Project (PPB21-01)
Funding: $54,500 | Sponsor: Cheryl Wilson
The PAC aimed to enhance Performing Arts through interdisciplinary events and curriculum development. It introduced a Performing Arts Minor with three new courses, funded campus-wide arts programming, and launched a website and shared equipment repository. Governance was formalized through an ad hoc committee. A Performing Arts Coordinator role was proposed but unfunded. Consultant input contributed to the curriculum design and strategy.
Engage Platform Implementation (PPB21-41)
Funding: $57,317 | Sponsor: Gail D’Sabatino
This project successfully transitioned student engagement operations to the Engage platform. Within one year, over 1,100 active users were recorded, with more than 10,000 check-ins across 1,336 events. Club leadership tracking was introduced, and a user satisfaction survey is scheduled for May 2024 to inform future updates and training needs.
School of Education Summer Institute (PPB21-12)
Funding: $43,324 | Sponsor: Diana Sukhram
The 2023 Summer Institute focused on preparing teacher leaders for culturally responsive classrooms. It attracted 56 participants and offered 28 CTLE credit hours. Evaluation tools included pre-surveys, participant feedback, session observations, and testimonial videos. The program also generated registration income and received community support through sponsorships.
Projects Pending Full Assessment
- Expand the Honors College (PPB21-34)
- The Panther Cure (PPB21-04)
Feedback and Recommendations
Feedback from the School of Arts & Sciences faculty, led by Dean Wilson, emphasized refining the PPB process in the following areas:
Budget Guidance
Participants advocated for clearer budget planning support, including feedback loops with the Business Office during proposal development.
Eligibility Criteria
Clarification is needed on the funding eligibility of continuing versus new initiatives and how they align with strategic goals.
Sustainability Support
There is interest in embedding sustainability into project planning from the outset. Faculty proposed that the Cabinet could serve as an incubator to strengthen institutional capacity.
Institutionalization Strategies
Projects would benefit from guidance on transitioning to permanent initiatives or understanding limitations when institutionalization is not viable.
Strategic Alignment
Aligning projects with campus-wide priorities would improve coherence and long-term impact.
PPB Pilot Review
Feedback opportunities on the PPB Pilot process were welcomed as a way to improve future iterations.
These insights, along with internal observations—such as faculty retention challenges at the BSC and platform enhancement strategies in Engage—will help inform the continued development of performance planning efforts.