Objective 1.3.3 Strategies and Benchmarks
1.3.3 The University will improve the ratio of baccalaureate to associate degree offerings by reducing its AA/AS degrees, and looking for opportunities to expand baccalaureate programs.
UMA will be guided by the Provost's document, Time Table for Associate Degree Elimination. The "Time Table" must be viewed as a guide to program elimination since we must remain flexible to address needs and seize opportunities to the benefit of Maine citizens. UMA will further be guided by the principles set forth in Appendix B.5 of the Second Report of the UMS Strategic Direction #1 Implementation Committee.
"Expand baccalaureate programs" should not be viewed as strictly or even primarily adding new bachelor degrees to UMA's inventory. During the five years of this Plan, each baccalaureate degree should focus attention on building concentrations where appropriate and feasible. (e.g. Justice Studies could look to add a Security concentration, Liberal Studies could add American Studies, and English could add Writing.) If the demand for specific concentrations becomes high enough we would then consider proposing them as new degrees. However, due to the planning and trial periods related to this approach, one should expect that any new degrees would only be developed after FY '11. Today we are looking to strengthen what already exists and cautiously and deliberately sow the seeds of growth. A target of at least five new concentrations is sought during the duration of this Plan.
There are two baccalaureate degrees already identified that we need to develop. The Nursing program will expand its offerings with the addition of an RN to BSN completion degree. An Intent to Plan will be filed in fall 2006 with the System for approval. The Program Proposal is targeted for approval by July 2008 at the latest. Our offering of the RN to BSN will be done in collaboration with UM and USM, and will necessitate the hiring of a PhD qualified Nursing faculty member. Vet Tech is the second program that will develop an Intent to Plan and a Program Proposal during the five years of the Plan. At this time it is anticipated that a BS in Vet Tech will replace the AS as opposed to augment it.