APC #1 SENATE #0187F Approved 5/23/87 _________ REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH A NEW DEGREE PROGRAM The University of North Carolina Date: May 7, 1987 Constituent Institution: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE API Discipline Specialty Title: Liberal/General Studies API Discipline Specialty Number: 24.101 Level: Master's Degree Program Tracks: ___________ __ ___ _______ I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM A. Describe the proposed degree program and associated degree program tracks. The Master of Liberal Arts degree (MLA) is a part-time program designed for mature adults. Whereas traditional graduate programs focus on a narrow specialty, the MLA is interdisciplinary and nonprofessional (that is, it is not specifically intended to train students for a particular vocation, to provide accreditation for a profession, or to prepare students for further graduate study.) It provides a challenging, structured liberal arts curriculum at the graduate level. This master's degree in liberal arts is designed around the theme, "The Human Condition". It explores human nature, human values, and the quality of human life. The theme integrates studies ranging from humanities and the arts to the natural science and social studies. Students will begin the program with a core seminar which explores the historical and intellectual dimension of the human condition. The next segment of the program focuses on three required interdisciplinary seminars and twelve to fifteen hours of elective MLA courses. In these seminars students are introduced to problems of value from the perspective of diverse academic disciplines represented at UNCA: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Students will choose among a range of optional MLA courses for the twelve to fifteen hours of elective classes. The different perspectives developed through each student's program will be brought together in a capstone Page 2 seminar which assesses the human condition in contemporary America. The final requirement in the program is a master's thesis carrying six hours credit or a master's program carrying three hours credit. The total number of credit hours required in the program is 33. Students who choose the 3-hour project option will take an additional three credit hour MLA elective course to complete the 33 hours. B. List the educational objectives of the program. The objectives of the MLA degree at UNCA are to cultivate in the student: l. a deeper appreciation of the general dimensions and possibilities of the human spirit and the human condition; 2. a greater sensitivity to problems concerning values and the process of valuation; 3. an increased ability in critical analysis and synoptic synthesis; 4. a wider appreciation of the interrelations between various disciplines as they relate to the question of our humanity and self-understanding; 5. a greater awareness of the importance of viewing contemporary problems from a variety of perspectives; C. Indicate the relation of the program to other programs currently offered at the proposing institution, including the common use of (1) courses, (2) faculty, (3) facilities, and (4) other resources. The MLA program builds on our strong undergraduate liberal arts focus, particularly the required interdisciplinary sequence of courses in the Humanities. This year faculty from 11 different departments participated in the four course sequence. The MLA program will draw on these and other faculty. While most of the courses for the MLA will be new, the program will benefit from the experiences and resources of the undergraduate Humanities sequence. No special facilities will be required by the MLA program. After initial start-up costs, the operating resources for supplies and equipment will be available through the present university operating budget. D. Identify similar programs offered elsewhere in North Carolina. Indicate location and distance from the proposing institution. Include both publicly-supported and private institutions of higher education. Page 3 Only Duke University and UNC Greensboro in North Carolina presently offer a master's degree in liberal studies. Duke is located approximately 200 miles from Asheville and UNCG is over 150 miles away. Since the program directly appeals to the part-time, local student, there is no anticipated overlap. E. List the names of institutions with similar offerings regarded as high quality programs by the developers of the proposed program. Dartmouth College Georgetown University Duke University Johns Hopkins University Wesleyan University F. List other institutions visited or consulted in developing this proposal. Also list any consultant reports, committee findings, and simulations (cost, enrollment shift, induced course load matrix, etc.) generated in planning the proposed program. Members of the planning committee for the MLA attended conferences of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs in Baltimore in October, 1985, and St. Louis, 1986, and communicated with a number of directors of liberal studies programs from around the counry. Lengthy discussions were held with representatives from Johns Hopkins, Mary Washington College, Brooklyn College, Harvard, and Dartmouth among others. In addition, the committee closely reviewed the liberal studies proposal submitted by UNC Greensboro. Discussions were also held with the directors of the Duke University program and the Georgetown program. G. Indicate how the proposed new degree program differs from other programs like it in the University. If it is a program duplication, why is it necessary or justified? If it is a first professional or doctoral degree program, compare it with other similar programs in public and private universitites in North Carolina, in the region, and in the nation. The Master of Liberal Arts is the first graduate program proposed by UNCA; it does not duplicate any existing program at the University. The MLA Committee has studied most of the programs offered in the country and has found that they vary widely in structure, rigor and content. The MLA program proposed by UNCA is consistent with the definition of graduate liberal studies programs outlined in article III of the constitution of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs. _____________ ___ ___ _______ II. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROGRAM A. Narrative statement. Describe the proposed program as it relates to: 1) the institutional mission, 2) overall state Page 4 plans, 3) student demand, and 4) the strengthening of the existing undergraduate and graduate academic programs of your institution. Traditionally, UNCA has stressed the liberal arts as the foundation of all majors. While UNCA is primarily an undergraduate campus, the Master of Liberal Arts program offers the opportunity to allow the faculty to develop interdisciplinary courses in the liberal arts, to enhance the liberal arts focus of the university, and provide an opportunity for post-baccalaureate students to pursue an advanced program of studies. The program will serve as a model for integrative courses which could be developed for the undergraduate program. In order to assess student demand the MLA planning committee commissioned a marketing survey conducted by the Communications program under the direction of Dr. Alan Hantz. A telephone survey was conducted of a sample of people in the Asheville area who hold the baccalaureate degree. The list was developed from the mailing lists of various civic organizations and represented a cross section of persons in the Asheville area. Their survey revealed that a substantial number of persons in the community are interested in the Master's of Liberal Arts program. More than a quarter of those surveyed expressed definite interest in the program, while an additional 36% indicated some interest but wanted to know more about the program before making a commitment. Liberal studies master's degree programs at other universities are well enrolled. It is also relevant that significant numbers of people who already have a bachelor's degree currently take liberal arts courses as non-degree students on our campus. Page 5 B. Enrollment (upper division program majors, juniors, and ____ seniors only, for baccalaureate programs): 1. Project enrollment for four years, giving the basis for the projections. The four year enrollment projections are based on the following assumptions: 1) Most of the students will enroll on a part-time basis, typically taking one course a semester; 2) Most students will be from the local area and will be employed during the day; 3) Nearly 40 persons indicated an interest in the program during the survey; a first year yield of 45% of the group is expected, based on the typical UNCA yield rates for new students. 2. Project enrollment by numbers and race using the chart below: ------------------------------------------------------------------ Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 1987-88 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Black 1 1 2 3 White 17 28 35 39 Other - 1 1 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL 18 30 38 44 ------------------------------------------------------------------ _______ ____________ ___ __________ III. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND CURRICULUM A. Admission. List the following: 1. Admissions requirements for proposed program (indicate minimum requirements and general requirements). All students will be required to hold at least the baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, in order to be eligible for admission to the program. Each candidate will be required to submit an autobiographical essay in which the applicant describes his or her pertinent personal and professional experience and education, as well as his or her interests and goals in pursuing the MLA degree. Each candidate will be interviewed by members of the MLA Program Council and the Program Director. 2. Documents to be submitted for admission (listing or sample). Page 6 --- College transcripts --- Letters of recommendation --- Statement of purpose in seeking the MLA degree B. Degree requirements. List the following: 1. Total hours required. Major. Minor. The MLA degree will consist of 33 semester hours. 2. Proportion of courses open only to graduate students to be required in program (graduate programs only). All of the MLA courses will be designed specifically for graduate students, although a small number of seniors, especially in the Honors Program, may be permitted to enroll in some of them. Graduate tutorials (individual directed study) as well as the thesis or project requirement (3-6 semester hours) will be open only to graduate students. 3. Grades required. An A,B,C,F grading scheme will be followed for the program. The student must have a B average with no more than 6 semester hours of C grades in order to successfully complete the program. 4. Amount of credit accepted for transfer. Because of the likelihood of encouraging students in the MLA program to take some elective courses from other graduate programs offered through the Asheville Graduate Center, 12 semester hours will be allowed in transfer from other accredited graduate programs. Each such request will be reviewed by the MLA Program Council and the Program Director to ensure that the work is relevant to the intent of the MLA program. 5. Other requirements: residence, comprehensive exams, thesis, dissertation, clinical and field experience, etc. Because this type of program appeals to the part-time, older student, no residency requirement will be established. Students will be expected to maintain contact with an assigned graduate advisor to insure that they progress through the program. Students who complete fewer than three credit hours of MLA course work during any academic year will be required to reapply for admission before continuing in the program. A six credit hour thesis or three credit hour project is a requirement of students in the program. 6. Language and/or research tool requirements. There is no foreign language requirement. 7. Any time limits for completion. Page 7 The MLA program proposed is expected to appeal primarily to the part-time graduate student. Some flexibility will be needed in determining time limits for the completion of the degree. Any student who has not completed the program within five years after admission will be dropped from the program. The MLA program committee may grant extensions over this limit where circumstances warrant, upon appeal from the student. C. List existing courses by title and number and indicate (*) those that are required. Include an explanation of numbering system and describe new courses proposed. At present none of the courses required in the program has been taught at UNCA. It is anticipated that some courses (especially interdisciplinary honors courses) may be expanded and upgraded to a graduate level and offered as electives. The following new courses will be required: 1. Two "core" courses--an introductory core course (Hum. 500) and a capstone core course (Hum. 580): ___ _____ _________ *Humanities 500 -- The Human Condition 3 credits Explores the historical evolution of concepts central to the development of civilization and of the human personality, including freedom and authority, aesthetic sensibility, a sense of self and of social relationships, and mastery over the physical environment. (Required of all MLA students.) ____________ ______ *Humanities 580 -- Contemporary Issues 3 credits The different perspectives developed through each student's program will be brought to bear on assessing the human condition in contemporary America. Such issues as the impact of science and technology, professional ethics, the environment, changing values, and international interdependence will be discussed. (Required of all MLA students.) 2. Three distributional seminars (Hum. 510, 530 and 550 [note: the specific topical focus of each of these will change from semester to semester]: _______ __ ___ _____ __________ *Humanities 510 -- Seminar on the Human Experience 3 credits Interdisciplinary seminars on questions of human nature and human values raised in the humanities, but drawing on insights from the natural and social sciences as well. Topics vary. [Required of all MLA students.] _______ __ ___ __________ ___ _______ *Humanities 530 -- Seminar on the Individual and Society 3 credits Page 8 Interdisciplinary seminars on questions of human nature and human values raised in the social sciences, but drawing on insights from the humanities and natural sciences as well. Topics vary. [Required of all MLA students.] _______ __ _______ ___ _____ ______ *Humanities 550 -- Seminar on Science and Human Values 3 credits Interdisciplinary seminars on questions of human nature and human values raised by the natural sciences, but drawing on insights from the humanities and social sciences as well. Topics vary. [Required of all MLA students.] _______ IV. FACULTY A. List the names of persons now on the faculty who will be directly involved in the proposed program. (Include resumes in attachment.) Provide complete information on each faculty member's education, publications, teaching experience, research experience, and experience in the direction of student research, with the number of theses and dissertations directed, in addition to biographical information. Dr. Phyllis Betts, Associate Professor of Sociology Dr. Alan Comer, Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Margaret Downes, Assistant Professor of Literature Dr. Lance Gentile, Professor of Education Dr. Deryl Howard, Associate Professor of Philosophy Dr. Sandra Obergfell, Associate Professor of French Dr. Charles Prokop, Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Gene Rainey, Professor of Political Science Dr. Ted Uldricks, Associate of Professor of History Dr. Robert Yeager, Professor of Literature B. Project the need for new faculty for the proposed program for the first four years. If the teaching responsibilities for the proposed program will be absorbed in part or in whole by the present faculty, explain how this will be done without weakening existing programs. The program will require a director, who will also teach MLA courses. The director will be needed at the outset of the program. The balance of course offerings will be absorbed initially by the present UNCA faculty without adversely affecting existing programs. Additional faculty positions, as necessitated by enrollment, will be generated through normal enrollment budget increases. All faculty teaching in the MLA program will be based in regular academic departments and will participate in undergraduate instruction as well. C. If acquisition of new faculty requires additional funds, please explain where and how these funds will be obtained. Page 9 The director's position will be funded through enrollment generated by the program. D. Please explain how the program will affect faculty activity, including course load, public service activity and scholarly research. Participation in the MLA program will enrich faculty members' undergraduate teaching, strengthen the Humanities program, stimulate interdisciplinary work, and promote scholarly research. Page 10 _______ V. LIBRARY A. Provide a statement as to the adequacy of present library holdings for the proposed program. The broad, comprehensive nature of the curriculum proposed for the Master of Liberal Arts degree makes it difficult to identify specific library resources and to analyze the adequacy of the library's contribution to the program. As all academic departments are potential contributors to the program, a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary resources will be needed by students as they explore the central theme: "The Human Condition". _______ _________ Current Resources 1. Holdings in selected areas: ______ __ ______ NUMBER OF TITLES Periodical Circulating Reference _______ ______ __________ __________ Subject Titles Collection Collection History 67 16,125 595 Social Sciences 196 18,000 950 _ Biology Enviro- mental Studies 62 4,200 215 Literature 47 15,500 780 Philosophy & Religion 31 7,575 197 Psychology 67 2,275 37 2. Government Publications As a U. S. Government depository, Ramsey Library holds a wide range of statistical publications from social agencies such as the Justice Department, the Census Bureau, Health and Human Services, the State Department, the Energy Department, and the Department of Labor. The collection includes transcriptions of Congressional hearings covering a wide range of issues since the 1960s. 3. Sampling of Library Holdings __________ __ ___ _______ __ Employing the five volume Dictionary of the History of _____ ____________ __ __________ Ideas and the Encyclopedia of Philosophy as sources of bibliographic citations, all English language books included in the bibliographies appended to the following articles were checked against Ramsey Library holdings: Freedom, Legal concept of Freedom of Speech in Antiquity Liberalism Equality Free Will Page 11 Freedom Individualism, Types of Happiness and Pleasure Perfectability of Man Of the 175 titles checked, the library owned 53%. A number of the books not owned were either older titles long out of print or collected works of which we have variant editions. 4. Bibliographic Data Bases and Interlibrary borrowing The library has on-line access, through the DIALOG Information System, to relevant indexes in the social sciences, humanities, science and technology, medicine, energy and environment, business, education, and current affairs. Ramsey Library is a member of the OCLC on-line Interlibrary Loan System and has access to information sources in libraries throughout North Carolina and the nation. The Western North Carolina Library Network, which will be operational in 1988, will provide on-line access to the holdings of Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Asheville. A planned delivery service will facilitate resources sharing among these three UNC libraries. B. State how the library should be improved to meet new program requirements for the next five years. Explanation should cover needs for books, periodicals, reference material, primary source material, etc. What additional library support must be added to areas supporting the proposed program? The current book and journal resources, although relevant for graduate study, have been selected primarily to meet the needs of undergraduate students in the liberal arts. Fifty-four-thousand-five-hundred dollars spent over the next five years should be adequate to build a core collection of books, periodicls and reference materials for graduate level work. Projections are detailed as follows: _____ 1. Books - Assuming $38 as an average per-volume price for hardcover book over the 5-year period, $38,000 would purchase some 1,000 new titles by 1993. _________ _________ 2. Reference Materials - Some $5,500 should be available to purchase index/abstract services and general reference works. ___________ 3. Periodicals - Assuming an average annual periodical subscription cost of $85.00, over the 5-year period $11,000 would purchase some 20 new periodical subscriptions and needed backfiles. __________ _________ 4. Government Documents - As a U. S. Government depository, Ramsey Library can increase its acquisition of relevant government materials without direct expenditure of acquisitions funds. Page 12 C. Discuss any contemplated use of other institutional libraries. (See Above) __________ ___ _________ VI. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT A. Describe facilities available for the proposed program. No special facilities are anticipated for the MLA program aside from standard classroom and seminar space and faculty office space. B. Describe the effect of this new facility use on existing programs. No new facility. C. Indicate any computer services needed and/or available. The only computing needs anticipated in any quantity would be the various library search programs. The UNCA library already is capable of providing this service. Any highly specialized computing could be handled through our connection with the Triangle Universities Computation Center (TUCC). D. Indicate sources of financial support for any new facilities and equipment. The initiation of the MLA program is not dependent on any construction projects. ______________ VII. ADMINISTRATION Describe how the proposed program will be administered giving the responsibilities of each department, division, school, or college. Explain any interdepartmental or inter-unit administrative plans. Include an organizational chart showing the "location" of the proposed new program. Page 13 A part-time director primarily responsible for the academic and staffing aspects of the MLA program will be named. The director will be a faculty member appointed by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in consultation with the appropriate department chairmen. The Director will be released from appropriate portions of his/her normal duties. The Director would report to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UNCA and would be responsible for all programmatic decisions. PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL CHART +---------------------------------+ | General Administration | | UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA | +---------------------------------+ | | | +-----------------+ | Chancellor | | UNCA | +-----------------+ | | | +------------------------------------------+ | Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs | | UNCA | +------------------------------------------+ | | | +----------------+ | Director | | MLA Program | +----------------+ _____________ VIII. ACCREDITATION Indicate the names of all accrediting agencies normally concerned with programs similar to the one proposed. Though it is not a formal accrediting organization, the ___________ __ ________ _______ _______ ________ Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs serves as a clearinghouse and information exchange on the purpose and nature of graduate liberal studies programs. UNCA has requested membership in this association and hopes to advance its own MLA program through close ties with other graduate programs in liberal studies from around the country. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will also be notified that Page 14 the campus is implementing its first graduate program. __________ ______ IX. SUPPORTING FIELDS Are other subject-matter fields at the proposing institution necessary or valuable in support of the proposed program? Is there needed improvement or expansion of these fields? To what extent will such improvement or expansion be necessary for the proposed program? As a liberal studies program the MLA at UNCA hopes to draw upon the expertise of faculty from all the disciplines in the University. UNCA's liberal arts tradition has produced a number of disciplines with excellent faculty. The faculty presently at UNCA are quite capable of offering a high quality MLA program. __________ ___________ X. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Include any additional information deemed pertinent to the review of this new degree program proposal. ______ XI. BUDGET __________ Provide estimates (using the attached form) of the additional _____ costs required to implement the program and identify the proposed sources of the additional funds required. Prepare a budget schedule for each of the first three years of the program indicating the account number and name for all additional amounts required. Identify EPA and SPA positions immediately below the account listing. New SPA positions should be listed at the first step in the salary range using the SPA classification rates currently in effect. Identify any large or specialized equipment and any unusual supplies requirement. For purposes of the second and third year estimates, project faculty and SPA position rates and fringe benefits rates at first year levels. Include the continuation of previous year(s) costs in second and third year estimates. At the beginning of operation an additional clerical person will be needed to assist the MLA director in managing the program. This person would need to serve as an administrative secretary and consequently would be at a higher salary grade. One new faculty position will be necessary in the first year for the director of the program. A minimum of two courses will be offered each semester in the first year of the program. The remaining funds needed for the first year ofthe program are supply and travel expenses normally associated wth the start up of a new program (including office equipment, word processing equipment, descriptive program brochures and other advance expenses). Costs for the second year of the program will be similar to the first year with normal salary and operating budget increases. Page 15 In the second and third year it is expected that additional faculty positions will be required to cover the additional enrollment expected. The additional funds for the Library will be necessary in order to bring the collections up to a level appropriate for the MLA program. A detailed budget for the first three years is attached. __________ ____ XII. EVALUATION PLAN All new degree program proposals and degree program track descriptions must include an evaluation plan which includes (a) the criteria to be used to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the program, (b) measures to be used to evaluate the program, (c) expected levels of productivity of the proposed program/track for the first four years of the program (numbers of graduates), (d) the names of at least three persons qualified to review this proposal and to evaluate the program once operational, and (e) the proposed plan and schedule to evaluate the proposed new degree program prior to the completion of its fifth year of operation once fully established. Several years ago UNCA initiated an "Academic Audit" program in which academic programs within the University were reviewed from several varied perspectives. Each year two programs are selected for review using previously specified criteria. More recently we have incorporated learning objectives into this process, and ultimately expect to add external reviews as well. The underlying theme of this evaluation model at UNCA is that of program improvement. The emphasis on program improvement would include perceptions of the MLA planning committee that has formulated the present proposal, the various administrators directly involved in the program, the faculty who will be participating in the program as well as those outside the program, and the students in the program. The approach to evaluating the MLA program will follow this previously established model. For example, not only will the state goals and objectives of the program be reviewed, but also the impact of the program on other areas of the university, its contribution to the enhanced quality of instruction at UNCA, etc. Objective and subjective criteria will be used in the evaluation process; all with an eye toward program improvement. The UNCA Graduate Council will be primarily responsible for the oversight of the evaluation project. PROGRAM EVALUATION FORMAT A. Criteria to be used to evaluate the proposed program: -- QUALITY OF PROGRAM Page 16 Faculty Students Curriculum Support services (Library, Computing, Program Admin. LRC, etc.) -- NEED OF PROGRAM Centrality of Mission of the University Value of program to students and greater community Comparative Advantage __ DEMAND FOR PROGRAM Present and projected demand Success of graduates -- COST Cost effectiveness Indirect cost/benefit B. Measures to be used to evaluate the program: -- QUANTITATIVE MEASURES UNCA introduced an "Academic Audit" procedure for the quantification of academic programs. In this procedure multiple dimensions are examined ranging from class size to credit hour ratios to scholarly productive measures of the faculty. Each of the criteria noted above will have an appropriate objective measure associated with it. -- QUALITATIVE MEASURES An important dimension to UNCA's program evaluation model is that we recognize and incorporate into the process the inherent subjectivity of evaluation. Thus activities such as student evaluations, interviews, and classroom observation are directly assessed. In relation to the MLA program the judgments of the various "audiences" (students, faculty, administration) will be considered along with the perceptions and judgments of external reviewers. C. Projected productivity levels (number of graduates): level Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 ___________________________________________________________ Master's 0 0 0 17 22 NB: Since the program is expected to appeal to part-time adult students the graduation rates from the program are expected to be low for the first few years. D. Recommended consultant/reviewer: names, titles, addresses. May not be employees of the University of North Carolina. Dr. William Kemp Director of the MALS Program Mary Washington College 1301 College Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5358 Page 17 Dr. Phyllis O'Callaghan Assistant Dean School for Summer and Continuing Education Georgetown University Washington, D. C. 20057 Dr. Mary G. McBride, Dean College of Liberal Arts Louisiana State University at Shreveport 8515 Youree Drive Shreveport, LA 71115 E. Plan for evaluation prior to sixth operational year. Annual program reviews will be conducted each year focusing primarily on the "Academic Audit" type of quantitative information. Informal "audience" perceptions will be reviewed on an annual basis as well. At the end of the third year a more formal assessment will be conducted as outlined above, if possible including external reviewers. The purpose of this review would be for Program Improvement. At the conclusion of the fifth year a formal assessment would again be repeated with particular attention paid to the relative implementation of suggestions from the previous assessment. Date proposed degree program was authorized for planning: August, 1985 Proposed date of initiation of proposed degree program: August, 1988 _____ _______ _______ Chancellor: David G.Brown 5/23/87