The University Curriculum Council at Ohio University accepted the seven-year review of the Bachelor of Specialized Studies and Associate in Individualized Studies with one council member in opposition.
The review brought up administrators' criticisms of the programs.
One problem with the program is that it does not offer proper feedback to the different colleges about the two areas of concentration (that students choose)
said Anita James, associate director for undergraduate studies in the College of Communication.
Others were also concerned that the review did not address another problem: students can choose any concentration they want because administrators who approve their specialized study do not receive follow-up information as to the student's final decision.
The current system can easily be abused by students, James said, adding that making data on the student's concentration available to administrators would also help the students get into classes because they are unable to get the preference a major and minor would.
After this discussion, the review was accepted given David Descutner, dean and associate provost for Undergraduate Education in University College, supplies data feedback to administrators who approve specialized study programs. Other debate about the program focused on council members saying the major was a way for students to avoid specific classes.
In my experience (with BSS students) I saw students who just wanted to get a degree easier said Marvin Fletcher, individual course committee chair.
Some committee members said they saw the potential for the BSS program to align with Vision Ohio, the university's comprehensive plan for the future, because it promoted diversity on campus by accepting some non-traditional students.
The need to align curriculum with the goals of Vision Ohio will be merged into the review process, said Scott Sparks, UCC review committee chair.
Reviews of the industrial technology, human service technology, equine studies and travel and tourism programs were also accepted during the meeting.
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