The Institutional Development Committee (IDC) has had a series of discussions regarding possible criteria for additional graduate programs. It shared preliminary ideas with Faculty Senate on April 13, 2006.  After continued discussion this fall, IDC suggests adopting the following criteria, based on the 2006 suggestions and those used to establish UNC Asheville’s Master’s of Liberal Arts degree.

IDC documents consulted

(Masters preliminary criteria, April 13, 2006)

http://www3.unca.edu/facultysenate/2007-08/04-13-06%20IDC%20report%20on%20Preliminary%20Criteria%20for%20Additional%20Masters%20Programs.htm

MLA documents consulted

http://www3.unca.edu/facultysenate/y8485/sd0684.txt

http://www3.unca.edu/facultysenate/y8586/sd4585.txt

All proposals for additional UNC Asheville graduate programs will be considered relative to the following criteria, which must all be met for a new program to be considered appropriate.

1. Mission-consistent

            Masters programs should enhance the undergraduate program.

2. Thematic organization

            Masters programs should be interdisciplinary, should not be housed in a specific department, and should be organized around a theme.

3. Unique

            Masters programs should be programs of excellence that UNC Asheville can do better than other universities in the region.

4.  Self-sustaining

            Masters programs should hold promise of longevity and be self-sustaining.

·         Should meet broadly defined community needs; have an identified potential student pool

·         Either require no special facilities or include a plan for the creation of those facilities

·         Should be capable of generating an operating budget to cover their anticipated expenses

In the interest of preserving the university’s undergraduate character, no more than 3% (approximately 100) of UNC Asheville students should be enrolled in masters programs.