Maroon

              The MAROON Vol. 61, No. 15 Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118 January 27, 1983 SCAP studies academic priorities By Cindy M. Hebert We must do fewer things better. The elimination of some Loyola degree programs is being considered. In a plan submitted today to the Board of Trustees, the Standing Council on Academic Planning calls for a 21-month study of existing programs with input from department chairmen, program directors and faculty. SCAP presented a preliminary plan to the University Senate last Thursday suggesting an in-depth study of the academic state of affairs. Also under consideration is the reallocation of resources to various departments, giving more to those programs which have shown significant increases in student enrollment. The SCAP report, Planning for the Future: Loyola University the Next Decade, states, "We can no longer provide the breadth of programs that we currently offer if we want to provide significantly improved quality academic programs to our students. We must do fewer things better." Dr. Robert Preston, vice president of Academic Affairs and chairman of SCAP, said the shifting of funds is necessary to keep up with students' interest, "to get ourselves in a competitive situation to really offer quality education." Preston cited the decline in enrollment of traditional college age students, plus the decreasing interest of women in traditional fields, as factors in a shift to more career oriented programs. Preston said some people will feel the proposed 21-month time limit to study the programs is too short, but "it is a long time to keep the faculty and students upset.'\ "We have no preconceived notion of what is going to happen," he said. Preston said if some programs are eliminated or the numbers of new students in a program reduced the committee will decide how to handle the procedure. • I The proposal outlines options for tenured faculty members affected by the reduction or elimination of programs. The options include first refusal or acceptance rights for future vacancies in a suitable position, sabbatical leave, placement in an administrative position, early retirement, severance salary, part-time employment and "other reasonable options." The faculty member may request a hearing before the University Rank and Tenure Committee. Arbitration is possible if the university and faculty member cannot agree upon the op tions. Non-tenured faculty members would "get at least a year's notice or we would try to find other positions for them," Preston said. Dr. Charles Winters, associate professor of City College and a member of SCAP, said the proposal is a "good example of sound institutional planning," adding that a college has to provide the programs that prospective students want. Joseph H. Fichter, S.J, acting chairman and professor emeritus of sociology, sent a memorandum to the University Senate stating that "this is a business proposal that emulates the sales pitch of Avis, McDonald's, Winn-Dixie and other hucksters who vie for satisfied customers. With a focus on vocational training, it is a drastic switch from the centuries-old Jesuit tradition of humanistic learning, or liberal arts education." Richard Greene, associate professor of music and a member of SCAP and the University Senate, feels Fichter's response indicated a ". . .lack of understanding of what SCAP is doing in this evaluation process," adding that the language of the proposal may have caused the misunderstanding. "We are concerned about the university as an entity," he said. "The health of the university is paramount." Greene said he has received fa'vorable responses from faculty members but some are concerned as to the range of the final recommendations and the soundness of the evaluation method. "The concern is not so much are we doing something to hurt somebody, but are we doing it right," he said. Craw '5 ey* view? In preparation for the new Communications/Music Complex ground breaking ceremonies, to be held Feb. 18, m test pile-driving program has begun. This complex is one of the first steps toward urbanization of the university. „ t „ J —Photo by John kedmann Programs lose majors despite job availability By Andrew Moreau MRS I IN A SFRIFS The medical technology curriculum will be broadened next year, Cretini said. Electives in business and computer science will be added to the program. Although salaries for jobs in medical technology were low in the past years, Cretini said, they are expected to improve greatly in the next three years and should help attract more students to the department. Loyola is one of four area universities offering a degree in medical technology. Xavier University, Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans offer degrees in this area. "Loyola has the highest tuition and could be losing students because of this," Cretini said. According to Dr. Ben Levy, dental hygiene chairman, new opportunities for women, lack of advertising and the economic slump contribute to the decrease in enrollment in dental hygiene. Both Cretini and Levy see promising opportunities in their fields. "I don't think there will ever be a point where they [medical technologists] cannot find a job," Cretini said. Editor's note: This article is the first in a series exploring present trends in degree programs. Two programs that have suffered significant losses in the number of majors are featured this week. Enrollment in medical technology and dental hygiene has decreased, despite increasing job opportunities in both fields, according to department chairmen. These two departments have shown the largest decreases in the number of majors; however, other departments have also shown significant losses both proportionately and numerically. In 1979-80 there were 67 medical technology majors and 39 in 1982- 83. Dental hygiene also experienced a decrease in the number of majors. There were 124 majors in 1979-80; and in 1982-83, the number stands at 92. According to Barbara Cretini, chairman of medical technology, low salaries in the field and competition from other universities are factors contributing to the reduced enrollment in the department.