Now that those two components of VCIT have the Virtual College on the verge of launch for this fall, Lambert is taking the advice of the original VCLT and a host of others to give the Virtual College more identifiable leadership.

And, for now, that leadership will report to the Vice President of Administrative Services.

“In order to ensure proper initial planning and coordination of human and financial resources and the provision of essential wrap-around support, I have delegated temporary responsibility for the Virtual College initiative to the Vice President of Administrative Services, Daryl Campbell,” Lambert said in a memo to the campus, adding that the arrangement will stay in place for up to a year. “During this time, he will work closely with the incoming Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, in preparation for an eventual transition of Virtual College responsibilities to the Instruction side of the house.”

Shoreline is also getting a new Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs to take over from John Backes, who is retiring June 30.

“In my judgment, the new VP must be provided ample time to … acclimate to the new role,” Lambert said in the memo. “While temporary management responsibility for the Virtual College is placed under the VPAS, I will direct both the VPAS and incoming VPASA to work very closely together on the Virtual College initiative, to maximize our success and ensure a seamless eventual transition.”

Just who will lead the Virtual College effort has yet to be decided. Lambert has called for a “limited recruitment and appointment process” and said he expects a decision by June 30.