Motion to eliminate the Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree
And Comprehensive major in Music Therapy

REPORT FOR THE UNIVERSITY SENATE

University Senate Academic Policies Committee

Brief History of the Issue

The music therapy program was moved from the College of Nursing to the Department of Music College of Arts and Sciences in July 2006 as part of restructuring efforts in the Department of Environmental and Public Health professions and in response to an external accreditation review of the Department of Music and Theatre Arts.   In April 2007, Dean Christian, acting on a charge from Provost Tallant, recommended to the Provost that the degree and program in music therapy be discontinued.   In September 2007, Provost Tallant introduced to the University Senate Academic Policies committee a recommendation to eliminate the music therapy degree and comprehensive major in music therapy. 
The Academic Policies committee reviewed the request over several meetings beginning in September, 2007.  Input was solicited from students, faculty, community members, and other interested parties through meetings of the committee, review of documents submitted, and open hearings.  The motion was withdrawn from the committee on October 30, 2007 in order to provide time for the Department of Music and Theatre Arts faculty to more fully discuss the proposal.  Following action by the Department of Music and Theatre Arts in December, 2007, the motion was placed on the APC agenda and reviewed on February 5, 2008

Points Discussed by Academic Policies Committee:

Given the extended nature of the process, it is not possible to summarize all the questions raised during discussions.  A partial list follows.  Senators are encouraged to seek additional clarification during debate on the Senate floor:

• Appropriateness of bringing a proposal directly to the APC
• Lack of a comprehensive process and criteria  for assessing the academic quality of all programs
• Impact on students currently enrolled in the program
• Contributions of and demand for of the program in region and state
• The role of the APC in cases where the rationale for change is grounded in concerns about resources
• The viability of any program staffed by only one faculty member
• The fit between the program and the department mission and the College of Arts and Science Strategic Plan
• Availability of FTE and related resources from the department and College of Arts and Sciences
• Differing interpretations of reports from external accreditation agencies (National Association of Schools of Music and American Music Therapy Association)

MOTION FOR THE UNIVERSITY SENATE

The University Senate Academic Policies Committee by a vote of 5 votes for and 2 votes against, recommends to the University Senate that the Bachelor of Music Therapy and comprehensive major in music therapy be eliminated.

Implementation Date: On approval
Dr. Robert E. Hollon, chair, on behalf of the University Senate Academic Policies Committee