Agenda Item No.
AGENDA ITEM BRIEFING
Submitted by:
Flavius C. Killebrew, President/CEO
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Subject:
Approval of a New Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree Program, and
Authorization to Request Approval from the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board
Proposed Board Action:
Approves the establishment of a new degree program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
leading to the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, authorizes the submission of this degree
program to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and certifies that all
applicable THECB criteria have been met.
Background Information:
The proposed Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree program serves the needs of
non-traditional students with formal training in vocational-technical study areas from accredited
institutions. It is especially appropriate for graduates of an Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
program. The BAAS program enables students to complete a bachelor’s degree without the
significant loss of credit that often occurs when they pursue more traditional degrees. Faculty,
administrators, and students of Del Mar College, the university’s main feeder institution, have
requested that TAMU-CC establish a BAAS program. To gauge student demand, a survey of 1260
students and alumni of Del Mar College was conducted in fall 2007. Respondents expressed a strong
interest in pursuing a BAAS degree at TAMU-CC. The BAAS builds on the knowledge and skills of
students graduating with AAS degrees.
Additionally, the BAAS program benefits local and regional employers who have a growing need for
qualified employees with bachelor’s degrees. Although many employees have the technical skills
required for their current jobs, they may lack the education required for higher positions. The BAAS
program offers employees with appropriate formal training in technical/vocational fields the
opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree that will enable them to move into supervisory or higher
paying positions. The attached Program Review Outline provides background information and
addresses need, quality and resources, and costs and funding sources.
The BAAS program was approved by the College of Liberal Arts faculty on 3/30/07. In fall 2007, the
College’s Curriculum Committee reviewed changes and additions, and those were approved by the
faculty on 12/7/08. Subsequently, the Provost’s Council approved the program on 12/18/07, and the
Faculty Senate approved it on 1/18/08. The program is supported by the Provost and President.
A&M System Funding or Other Financial Implications:
Estimated costs for the first five years of program implementation total $519,544. Of this amount,
$132,444 will cover new faculty salaries; $253,531 is for program administration, including student
academic advising; and $91,069 covers clerical/staff costs. Other costs include supplies, library
expenses, and equipment. Sources of funding (an estimated $1,108,300) include designated tuition,
formula income, student fees for academic advising, reallocation of existing resources, and other
state funding.
Agenda Item No.
AGENDA ITEM BRIEFING
Submitted by:
Ray M. Keck, III, President
Texas A&M International University
Subject:
Approval of a New Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering Degree
Program, and Authorization to Request Approval from the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board
Proposed Board Action:
Approves the new Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering degree program, authorizes
submission of the new degree request to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and
certifies that all applicable criteria of the Coordinating Board have been met.
Background Information:
Texas A&M International University proposes to expand opportunities for students in its service
area by the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. The university has
planning authority in its Table of Programs at the bachelor’s level under the academic discipline
code of 14.2701, which was approved by the Board of Regents in March of 2005 and
subsequently by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in April 2005.
The University Curriculum Committee approved the proposed new baccalaureate program in
Systems Engineering on April 20, 2007.
A&M International is hereby requesting approval of the Board of Regents for a new degree
program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering, as summarized in the
attached Program Review Outline.
A&M System Funding or Other Financial Implications:
The estimated five-year costs are $991,646 for faculty salaries, operating expenses
(accreditation) library resources and equipment. The estimated five-year sources of funds
include anticipated new formula income, reallocation of existing funds and HEF.
Agenda Item No.
(INSTITUTION, BOLDED, ALL CAPS CENTERED)
Office of the President
Date of Submission
Members, Board of Regents
The Texas A&M University System
Subject:
Approval of a New Bachelor (of Arts, Science, or other Field of Study as
applicable) Degree Program (with a Major in Field of Study, if applicable), and
Authorization to Request Approval from the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board
I recommend adoption of the following minute order:
“The Board of Regents approves the establishment of a new degree
program at (Institution) leading to a Bachelor (of Arts, Science, or other
Field of Study, as applicable) degree (with a major in Field of study, if
applicable).
The Board also authorizes submission of (Institution)’s new degree
program request to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for
approval and hereby certifies that all applicable criteria of the Coordinating
Board have been met.”
Respectfully submitted,
(CEO’s SIGNATURE)
CEO’s Name, Title
(One or two spaces)
Approval Recommended:
(Three spaces)
(2-inch underscore)
Name *
Chancellor
(Three spaces)
(Other signature blocks, as required)
* See Signature Block Style for current names/titles.
Approved for Legal Sufficiency:
(2-inch underscore)
Name *