Mark Minor, Mechanical Engineering Curriculum Committee chair, presented on the following:

The MSSE degree is a coursework only degree focused on core curriculum related to systems engineering, engineering and general electives to provide additional breadth and depth, and a culminating experience applying knowledge gained in the program. A main campus degree is the primary focus of this proposal, but online course offerings are being developed with the goal of offering an online degree in collaboration with University Connected Learning.

Dr. Mark Ludlow, DMD, M.S., section head for digital dentistry, Marjean Nielsen, director of education, and Jaron Smith, masters and certificates program manager presented on the following:

The Digital Dentistry Program is designed to provide dental professionals the opportunity to explore and receive training in utilizing digital dentistry equipment and software. The Certificate in Foundational Digital Dentistry offers a broad overview of the digital dentistry landscape and focuses on the areas of radiology, prosthodontics, restorative and implant dentistry, and implementing these technologies into a dental practice. Students also have the option to continue into or matriculate directly into, the Master of Digital Dentistry Program, which focuses on more advanced application of digital dentistry technology. Advanced topics include implants and prosthetics, endodontics, orthodontics and oral surgery. The Digital Dentistry Program provides students with faculty-mentored learning experiences that increase their knowledge and skills in digital dentistry, setting dental health care providers apart for meeting the needs of their patients, as well as fostering research in oral health care.

Jennifer Coombs, PA-C, Ph.D., director of Graduate Studies of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies, presented on the following:

We are pleased to propose a dual degree program that combines the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) with a Master of Public Health (MPH). The program is tailored to provide students with a distinctive skill set that can enhance their capacity to serve patients in primary care clinical settings, particularly in underserved areas and simultaneously contribute to public health efforts.
The proposed curriculum includes core courses in both MPAS and MPH. Students will also complete clinical rotations and public health practicum experiences, providing them with valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
This dual degree program offers numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities and a broader understanding of health care. The program is designed to attract a diverse group of students who are committed to improving health care and making a difference in their communities.

Both the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) and Master of Public Health (MPH) programs have received high rankings by U.S. News & World Reports, further solidifying the exceptional quality of education that students can expect from this dual degree program.

Jason P. Perry, vice president for government relations and director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, presented the results of the 2023 legislative session.

Edmund Fong, chair of the Division of Ethnic Studies, presented on the following:

The Division of Ethnic Studies proposes to establish four new emphases within its major. These emphases are an Asian American Studies emphasis, an American Indian Studies emphasis, a Latinx Studies emphasis and a Migration and Diaspora Studies emphasis. These emphases will allow our majors to showcase on their transcripts that they have developed a particular expertise within a particular group and/or within a specific theme relevant to the field of Ethnic Studies.