Focused Working Groups (FWGs) are the foundation of the AP process. There groups are nimble teams typically comprised of fewer than 10 interested individuals focused on developing proposals on targeted topics. If needed, the Project Management Team will help identify group members to best achieve the specific goal. The topics might be new curriculum, majors, academic structures, scholarship initiatives, non-academic office, or university processes. The FWGs are expected to draw on data and research and to consult with others on campus during the development of full proposals.

Topics for the Focused Working Groups surface from two overlapping sources:

1. Topics may be brought forward by any groups within Academic Affairs such as individuals or groups of faculty, departments, Senate, Graduate Council, Deans, or supporting offices. These ideas will first come to the Project Management Team as a short pre-proposal. If viable, the PMT will then assist in developing the full Working Group. If an idea is similar to another existing project, the PMT will help bring the groups together.

2. Topics may be identified by the Project Management Team, Executive Management, the Executive Advisory Committee, Deans’ Council, or any other entity. If viable, the PMT would then work with appropriate groups to staff a Working Group.

Start a Focused Working Group

Focused Working Groups can get started by filling out the Pre-Proposal Form. 

The pre-proposal is a quick way to let the Project Management Team know what you are thinking. The Project Management Team will review the pre-proposal for feasibility and overlap with other projects before you invest too much time. Pre-proposals are quick and easy; just a 500 word explanation of the full proposal to be developed.