Ball State Approves New Degrees
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Ball State University Board of Trustees has approved several new degree programs. They include two master's and four new bachelor's degrees in areas like astronomy and Chinese.
May 1, 2015
News Release
The Ball State Board of Trustees today expressed appreciation for increased state funding and approved a policy enhancing faculty accountability.
One million dollars also was budgeted to boost the university's new partnership with the lieutenant governor’s office and Launch Indiana to provide support and expertise in creating a statewide entrepreneurial climate.
“We are grateful to the legislature for recognizing Ball State’s potential to boost Indiana’s business health by providing significant support to the state’s entrepreneurs,” said Mike Goldsby, Stoops Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and executive director of Ball State’s Entrepreneurship Center. “We are excited to be able to work with the lieutenant governor’s office on this entrepreneurial business mission that could touch any small business in the state. The plan is for this assistance to be rolled out statewide over time, and the Fishers location is a great launch point.”
Board Chair Rick Hall articulated trustees’ appreciation for the funding.
“The board genuinely values the General Assembly’s increased investment in Ball State and pledges to provide a healthy return to Indiana taxpayers through quality graduates and impactful engagement with communities across the state,” Hall said.
The board also approved three University Senate proposals involving revised language in the Student Code of Conduct, a policy addressing chronic unsatisfactory performance, and an Anti-Nepotism Policy for faculty and professional personnel.
“The faculty’s incredible commitment is life-changing for our students,” Hall said. “By proactively identifying and addressing instances of unsatisfactory performance, the new policy better enables us to fully utilize the faculty, which is one of Ball State’s greatest assets.”
Also Friday, the board approved new bachelor’s degrees in astronomy, Chinese, Chinese teaching and business analytics, and master’s degrees in quantitative psychology and postsecondary foundational mathematics teaching.
“Ball State is in an excellent position to offer strong degree programs in these areas,” said university President Paul W. Ferguson. “There also is a strong need for students to be prepared for the demands of Indiana’s workforce. Today’s most valued employees have broad skills with knowledge that crosses disciplines, languages and cultures. These programs are an excellent fit for our evolving student-centered curricula.”
In other business, the board approved changing the name of the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science to the School of Kinesiology.
“Kinesiology is an academic discipline that studies physical activity and its impact on health, society and quality of life,” said Provost Terry King. “Ball State has a strong tradition of excellence in exercise science and is known internationally for specific studies within this discipline. The name change is more reflective of the broad scope of study it encompasses.”
Source: Ball State University