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Provost Workman stated that approval was being sought for this new program, which would be the second of such program in the State of Florida. There were three such programs in the southeast and 16 in the United States. |
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Provost Workman presented justification for the new program, stating that there was anticipation that new licensing requirements would require a bachelor’s degree and approval of this program would put UNF ahead of the curve. He said that UNF would build on existing strengths within the department. |
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Provost Workman discussed possibilities for the future of the program, stating that it was currently integrated with a two-year program at community colleges and had the potential to integrate with the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. This would provide internship opportunities for students. |
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Provost Workman said that this program was consistent with UNF’s mission – to serve the needs of the public and the region. He said that this program particularly demonstrated all of the positive aspects in other language studies programs, by focusing on the culture of speakers of the language and on the language itself. |
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Trustee Klostermeyer asked if there would be a role for the graduates from this program in
K-12. Provost Workman stated that K-12 would be the largest employer of these graduates and internships would also be provided to these students. |
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Trustee Crawford asked about licensure – would this be similar to nursing. Provost Workman stated that licensure for this program would require a state board exam. He also stated that 17 states already required a license to work in the field. |
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Vice Chair Crawford asked for a motion to approve the Bachelor of Science in Sign Language Interpreting. The motion was offered, seconded and approved unanimously. This program will be presented to the Board for approval at their April 26th meeting. |
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