| Contents |
Home |
Archives |
Feedback |
New programs may be given waiver by CHE
By Jeff Vinson
Campus Editor
UK President Charles Wethington is staying away from speculation about the Council on Higher Education's decision concerning the approval of academic programs, which will come during the body's May meeting.
The CHE decision will follow the Committee on Equal Opportunity's recommendation last week that would give UK the go-ahead to start new programs.
The recommendation came despite UK's failure to meet state-set goals for affirmative action.
Wethington, however, remains guardedly optimistic about getting the council's final approval. He said CHE takes the recommendation by the Committee on Equal Opportunity seriously.
"The University of Kentucky has certain new programs it would like to implement," Wethington said. He added that the programs would offer more opportunities to students. Going by the strict letter of state law, universities that fail to meet the affirmative action goals are not allowed to start new academic programs. The council can approve the programs by giving the UK a waiver.
The new programs include starting a master's degree in historic preservation architecture and a doctorate program in gerontology. UK should also get CHE's approval, students would have the opportunity to work toward bachelor's degrees in agricultural biotechnology and natural resource conservation.
The committee's report said UK has made strides in the area of recruiting black faculty and efforts to recruit black students. But the University is still falling behind the pack. Black student retention rates are lower than white students and the number of black administrators was not enough to satisfy the committee.
Wethington said UK has made a good effort to improve these areas and will continue to work to meet the goals. If the council approves the waiver, the new programs could begin next year.
| Contents |
Home |
Archives |
Feedback |
© Copyright 1996, Kernel Press Inc. All Rights Reserved