If you missed the Academic Senate meeting on March 11, 2024, or need a refresher, then keep reading for the highlights from the meeting. For more information on the Academic Senate, click here.
Debate Calendar
Combined Program Proposal: Educational Psychology B.A./B.S. and Instructional Design and Educational Technology M.Ed.
Kirsten Butcher, Ph.D., and Julia Hood, Ph.D., presented the following:
The combined (B.A. or B.S./M.Ed.) degree in Educational Psychology and Instructional Design and Educational Technology in the Department of Educational Psychology will allow undergraduate students to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years, one year earlier than if they completed the degree programs consecutively. Organizations hiring instructional designers and technology trainers typically prefer candidates with a master’s degree in the field. Students who graduate with a combined degree have the advantage of specialized training and an advanced degree, providing them with a competitive career advantage and advanced earning potential upon leaving the University of Utah and entering the job market.
As learning and training increasingly take place in online contexts, there is a strong and growing
need for instructional technology designers and developers who can create high-quality, interactive, and engaging online experiences. Job opportunities for instructional designers/learning specialists with online development expertise abound across academic organizations and the industry sector. Master's students not only develop foundational knowledge in learning theory and instructional design, but they also develop meaningful skills in designing and implementing effective learning experiences in digital contexts. A combined program in Educational Psychology and Instructional Design and Educational Technology prepares our students to engage and advance learning in multiple modern contexts.
Program Change: Kinesiology, B.S. and Emphases
Janet M. Shaw, professor in health and kinesiology, presented the following:
This proposal aims to reinstate the B.S. in kinesiology, a STEM degree, with three emphases, titled Pre-Health Professions, Exercise in Health and Disease and Movement Sciences.
Program Change: Community Health Promotion and Education, B.S., with four emphases
Anita M. Leopardi, director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Health presented the following:
The Department of Health and Kinesiology seeks to launch a new major in Community Health Promotion and Education. The purpose of this degree will be to train students in health professions, research and direct employment in in Community Health Education, Worksite Wellness and Nuclear Medicine Technology.
This subject area of this new degree are currently three emphases in Health and Kinesiology. These emphases will be retired after the approval of this degree.
Emergency Medical Services Degree Proposal
Chris Stratford, M.S., BSN, RN, NRP, director of Emergency Programs for the University of Utah Center for Emergency Programs, presented the following:
Current students seeking a bachelor of science degree in health and kinesiology have the option for an emphasis in Emergency Medical Services. Many students are unaware an Emergency Medical Services related degree is available at the U. We are proposing the College of Health offer a B.S. in Emergency Medical services, with an emphasis in one of four areas:
- EMS Management
- Wilderness and Technical Rescue
- Community Paramedicine
- Occupational Safety and Health
Offering a B.S. in EMS is believed to provide more growth in the degree, will meet the need for more EMS providers in the community. It also provides a more clear degree for pre-professionals to use when applying to medicine or physician assistant programs.
Information & Recommendation Calendar
Professors Emeriti Presence at the University of Utah
Dr. Herta Teitelbaum, president, and Dr. Ken Jameson, past-president, of the Professors Emeriti Club presented the following:
The first iteration of the Emeriti group was in 1946 under President Leroy E. Cowles.
The organization now has 1,272 members, including spouses/domestic partners.
In the last four years, donating emeriti have committed on average over $5 million per year and given almost $2.5 million per year to the U for a variety of programs. Over 900 emeriti contribute annually.
The results of a survey of emeriti indicate that after retirement they remain professionally active. 55% of respondents had published a journal article, 46% had served on PhD or MA committees, and 26% had mentored or served on committees for junior faculty, thus supporting the DEI efforts of the U.
The Emeriti Club collaborates across the University, e.g. with the VP for Advancement, the AVP for Faculty, the AVP for Research, the President’s Office, University Information Technology (UIT), and Human Resources. For example, they are supporting an Osher course that will broaden out the retirement counsel new retirees receive beyond the usual financial matters.
The club contributes to the lives of emeriti by sponsoring monthly luncheons with noted speakers, organizing a weekly hiking group, and facilitating other interactions with the university community, e.g. the “Grandparents Are In, Giving Advice,” which allows informal contact with undergraduate students several times per month.
We look forward to welcoming the members of the senate when they retire.