1981-1982 Senate Document #36 APC Document #30 Track in Weather Forecasting and Broadcasting APC concurs with the recommendation of IDC and recommends against UNCA's application to establish a track in Weather Forecasting within the Atmospheric Sciences degree program, at this time. Rationale: The APC and Faculty Senate recently approved a program concentration in Weather Forecasting within the Atmospheric Sciences Program (See APC Document #12; SD2381). It is felt that this approach meets all of the objectives of the more formal track approach without the additional administrative requirements inherent in gaining approval from the UNC General Administration for track authorization. This seemed particularly relevant as there is no need to seek supplemental budget appropriations for the weather forecasting option nor is there need to formally identify the option as separate or unique from similar programs within the region as there are none. The committee does recognize the possibility that a track request could be advisable at some future date if UNCA requests and is granted authority to offer graduate work in Atmospheric Sciences which might require a more formal delineation of the weather forecasting option. It is the committee's opinion that the issue of graduate offerings and their consequences is a separate issue to be dealt with if and when the possibility becomes a reality. Page 2 RE: ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES TRACK PROPOSAL IN WEATHER FORECASTING  AND BROADCASTING After having examined the proposed track in weather forecasting and broadcasting in terms of its implications for institutional mission and development, the IDC recommends against UNC-A's application to establish such a track at this time. The committee's concerns focus on (1) the advisability of approaching Chapel Hill with a formal track proposal before the original atmospheric sciences program is firmly established, and (2) the apparent intent to broaden the appeal of the atmospheric sciences program by the introduction of a new track, when revision of the original program would be the more direct route. Discussion of these points rendered a numbered of observations. (1) Having been granted authorization for a degree program in atmospheric science such a short time ago, Chapel Hill may very well question the appropriateness of a program expansion during the first year. It would seem unwise to put ourselves in the position of defending the new track by pointing out the low enrollment in the original program. This was the argument presented in the application to establish the forecsting track. If the forecasting track is seen as a means of broadening appeal to students, as it requires fewer correlate courses in the sciences and mathematics, then this same objective could be attained by implimentation of a "program option" rather than a formal track at this time. If the program approach proved successful, track proposals may follow at a later date. (2) As the forecasting track application noted low student interest in the original climatology program as a major factor in the development in the new track, a re-examination of the original program would be in order. It has been argued in the track application that the new track would bring in students, utilize the resources that have been committed to the program, and allow for development of the original climatology program. A revision of the original program, however, would require fewer course offerings than the operation of two tracks. The original program, requiring the student to complete correlate courses in mathematics and the sciences, does not fall far short of requirements for a triple major in atmospheric sciences, mathematics, and physics. It seems that the addition of the new track begs the question of the original program's appropriateness for undergraduates. The IDC's discussion with program faculty and administrators indicates that the original program was heavily influenced by National Climatic Center staff. As Center staff teach in the program, their support is essential. They are apparently greatly committed to the original program and would have severe reservations were that program to be revised. The establishment of an alternative track would maintain committment to the original program, while addressing the low enrollment problem. Page 3 Given the necessity of maintaining the cooperation of the Climatic Center staff, the IDC recognizes the practical appeal of going the track route. The program route, as discussed in point one above, however, would serve these same practical concerns. While the IDC is prepared to support the program route, the committee is concerned that future development of the atmospheric sciences program reflect faculty responsibility for program development. As UNCA moves more in the direction of professional education, it is likely that professionals working in the community will more and more serve as consultants in program development. The IDC urges that while such professional input is desirable, it is essential that UNCA faculty and administration retain reponsibility for the academic program. Page 4 Request for Authorization to ESTABLISH a New Degree Program Track Date: 9/2/81 Constituent Institution: UNC-Asheville HEGIS Discipline Specialty Title: Atmospheric Sciences Title of proposed new degree program track: Weather Forecasting and Broadcasting Title(s) of currently established degree program tracks in the same HEGIS discipline specialty as the proposed new degree program track: Climatology Project enrollment by numbers and race using the chart below: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86 Black 1 2 3 5 White 9 18 31 43 Other 0 0 1 2 Totals 10 20 35 50 I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED NEW DEGREE PROGRAM TRACK A. The Weather Forecasting and Broadcasting track combines a basic curriculum in meteorology with acquired skills in communications. Besides taking all the necessary courses to meet Federal qualifications as a meteorologist, the student will be able to take courses in communications and to actually make recorded radio and TV weather forecasts. B. The new track will qualify a graduating senior as a meteorologist fit for Federal employment. In addition, the courses and actual practice in communications will make the student qualified for positions in broadcast meteorology, one of the fastest growing and most lucrative fields in meteorology. C. No other institution in North Carolina is offering a track in weather forecasting and broadcasting. North Carolina State University has a meteorology program but with other emphasis. D. The original degree track in Atmospheric Sciencs is designed for students preparing for graduate school specializing in climatology. This track requires more mathematics and statistics. The new track will be better suited for students planning on employment after receiving a B.S. degree. There should be little effect on enrollment in the Climatology Track due to the initiation of the new track. Page 5 Career goals would be different for students in each track. II. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROGRAM TRACK A. Traditionally, weather forecasting has been the most popular field in meteorology. The broadcasting aspect hs tremendous appeal for both personal and financial fulfillment. A similar track at Lyndon State College in Vermont has drawn in excess of 120 meteorology majors in a school whose total enrollment is barely 1000. Other schools with similar tracks have been very successful. However, few schools in the country offer such a track. Most universities offering meteorology have programs directed towards graduate work and are not specifically for students just seeking a B.S. degree. The need for qualified meteorologists in broadcasting in North Carolina dn across the country is growing. More and more TV and radio stations are employing qualified people to do the weather. Lyndon State College placed all of its graduates last year with many of them receiving several job offrs. Financial rewards are outstanding. Starting salaries often range from $15-20,000. Weathercasters in top markets make over $100,000 and salaries are increasing. B.1 In the first year, the majority of students will come from western North Carolina. As the program becomes better known by reputation and advertising, we will draw students from surrounding states including population centers such as Knoxville and Atlanta. Enrollments should increase rapidly in the first few years and reach 50 by the fourth year. 2. By the fourth year, 50 majors are anticipated. This estimate is based on the success of similar programs in other prats of the country. It is hoped that 20-25% of the majors will be female. Although only about 8% of current meteorologists are female, employment opportunities are so great, recruitment should be successful. III. FACULTY A. Dr. E. A. Brotak Dr. N. Guttman Dr. J. Koss B. Teaching responsibilities can be handled with the present faculty. No new meteorology courses would be needed; enrollments in existing courses, which are now quite low, will increase. C. No new faculty will be needed for this track. D. There should be little effect on faculty activity. Enrollments in existing courses will increase, but only to acceptable limits. Page 6 IV. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This new track will incur little additional costs. It will just fully utilize the resources acquired for the existing track. Although the climatology Track is essential for the future development of Atmospheric Sciences at UNCA, student enrollments will be low at the beginning due to the strict requirements of the program. A popular option like weather forecasting and broadcasting should bring in enough majors to make the program economically sound in a shorter period of time. V. BUDGET No additional funding is necessary. All of the resources needed have already been provided in the existing program.