UNF Board of Trustees
Education Policy Committee Meeting
University of North Florida
April 2, 2003

Approval of a Master's of Arts and a Master's Degree in Biology

Vice President Camp spoke of his pleasure in presenting a proposition for the first master's degree program in the natural sciences, stating that it was a dream of the faculty in Biology. Dr. Camp introduced Dr. Greg Ahearn, UNF's new chair in Biology, speaking of Dr. Ahearn's wealth of experience in graduate education and outside funding. The two degrees (M.S. with thesis and M.A. without thesis) would meet the needs of teachers and professionals working in areas such as healthcare, water management, and other local industries. There would be two tracks in each degree program: ecology/environmental biology and micro/molecular biology. The numbers of positions and hires in the fields in Northeast Florida provided strong evidence of a need for the programs.

Trustee Tony Crawford inquired about the additional resources for funding. Dr. Camp explained that the proposal provided a detailed plan for resources needed and sources for these resources. Dr. Ahearn explained that they were in the process of applying for grants and hiring two additional instructors who would bring grants with them and that the proposed program was likely to increase external grant funding for basic biological research at UNF. Dr. Rossi, Assistant Professor in Biology, explained that he also would be submitting a grant. Trustee Crawford asked if there was any likelihood of receiving funds from the State. Dr. Serwatka stated that some of the funds had already been budgeted by the university for new positions. In addition to funds received from the State, the faculty anticipated the ability to match those funds. They anticipated an enrollment of 6-10 students the first year. The program would eventually enroll approximately 30 students. Full-time students would be enrolled for 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester, students would enroll for 1-3 credit hours. FTE's were based on 34 credit hours per year per student.

Trustee Abdullah asked if there were any technology courses and why there were no database courses. Dr. Ahearn replied that faculty were already using these databases for their research and that as the program expands that was one area where they might be able to add new coursework.

The committee voted to recommend approval of the program.