Council also approves Arabic minor, graduate studies council as part of 21st century initiative

READ the council’s agenda.

The Educational Policies Council approved the creation of a new academic department in the College of Arts and Sciences yesterday.

The department of applied social and behavioral research would focus on studies in rapidly growing areas concerning communities, such as violence, crime and mental illness. This department would eventually link to the prospective School of Public Health, which would concentrate on health trends in the community.

The council, which is charged with academic planning for the university, also passed a measure that would house a master’s program, the applied social and behavioral research major, within the new department. The proposal includes the establishment of 12 new courses under the new major.

“This is an emerging field,” said Tim Moerland, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “This is an opportunity for Kent State to get out in front of something that is becoming very, very large.”

The council passed the proposal for the new academic unit unanimously, with one abstention. The establishment of a master’s program also passed unanimously.

The council also approved the establishment of an Arabic minor, which would require 22 total credit hours, within the College of Arts and Sciences.

After some discussion, the EPC also approved a measure that would allow graduate studies to be included in the council. This proposal would revise the makeup of the EPC so that two bodies – graduate studies and undergraduate studies – would fall under the umbrella of the council.

The council also voted 26-3 to approve the establishment of a statement of the underlying philosophy of an undergraduate education at Kent State. The statement is part of the 21st century initiative from the provost’s office and will be used as a guide for the review of the core curriculum and Liberal Education Requirements. The purpose of the initiative is to define what it means to be a Kent State student.

The one-page philosophy statement focuses on four key areas -ÿknowledge, insight, engagement and responsibility.

“The university embraces the vision that a liberal arts education is foundational for peaceful coexistence, unity, goodwill, respect and justice between and among the citizens and institutions of this nation and other sovereign nations and peoples,” according to the statement.

Frank said he was pleased with how easily everyone agreed at the meeting.

“I thought they would be much more controversial,” he said. “I’m very pleased to get the support. It’s a big step for us. “It’s a good outcome.”

The council also approved the following proposals unanimously:

• The establishment of a gerontological clinical nurse specialist concentration in the nursing major in the College of Nursing.

• The revision of program requirements for the photo illustration major in the College of Communication and Information.

• The revision of program requirements for the combined bachelor of science in nursing/master of science in nursing degree program in the College of Nursing.

• The revision of program requirements for the human services technology major at the regional campuses.

Contact academic affairs reporter Maria Nann at [email protected].