The University's Board of Visitors' educational policy committee approved reforms Saturday that will merge two graduate programs and dissolve the Applied Mathematics program over the next several years.
University Provost Gene Block, who reported curriculum findings to the Board Saturday, said he recommended joining existing M.A. and Ph.D. programs in the History of Art and Architectural History.
"This is a combining of two schools -- which is novel," Block said.
According to Block, the University currently offers a Masters of Architectural History degree through the School of Architecture. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a Ph.D. in Architectural History, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in History of Art.
With the proposal approved, the University will continue to offer the Masters in Architectural History but will create an M.A. in History of Art and Architecture in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The Ph.D. programs will combine into one program in History of Art and Architecture, to be offered in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Benefits of combining the programs include pooled resources and increased employments opportunities for Ph.D. students, according to a committee report.
The Board also approved a proposal to eliminate the Applied Mathematics program, including B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.
Beginning this month, no new students will be admitted to the programs. Undergraduate students pursuing bachelor's degrees in Applied Mathematics who enrolled in the Engineering School during the 2003-2004 school year will graduate in May 2007. The Engineering School will continue to grant the B.S. degree until May 2008 to accommodate students involved in cooperative programs or internships, according to a committee report.
According to Block, the closures are a result of a recent audit by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia that revealed reduced enrollment figures.
"These programs really no longer have critical mass," Block said.
The Board also discussed expanding the University's research capabilities.
Following Board discussions in February about research-related shortcomings, the University employed the Huron Consulting Group to report recommendations for improvement.
Schandy S. Husmann, managing director of Huron Consulting Group, reported findings to the Board on Saturday.
Husmann said he recommended consolidating planning and support efforts across research ventures and investing money in start-up projects.
"A key advantage is serving those faculty who want start-up" money, Husmann said. "There is a lot to do, this is the first step."
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