Faculty in programs related to Earth sciences discussed eliminating the duplication of similar classes in different departments yesterday, a possibility that could free up faculty members to conduct research and perform service.

The meeting was the first in a series of public focus groups that will consider possibilities of streamlining programs related to Earth studies and environmental programs.

The meeting, deemed a study group, was created by President Peter Likins and Provost George Davis as a part of Focused Excellence.

Likins and Davis identified Earth studies and environmental programs as a broad academic discipline that could benefit from reorganization.

The group asked for attendance and input from those who would be directly affected by changes in departments and university organization.

Many of the faculty, who came to see what the study group was working on, were interested in the idea of creating areas where studies could be crossed without eliminating programs.

For example, if two departments within the field offer a similar class on global warming, the study group suggested the two classes be combined. This would allow one of the professors to work on another area the UA has not yet explored, or allow this person more time for research or projects.

The faculty at the meeting were concerned what would happen to them if their classes were determined to be duplicates and combined with another department.

Jonathan Overpeck, the director of the Institute for the Study of the Planet Earth, said that during the elimination of duplicate classes, the faculty who are freed up could spend their time working on projects with federal and state agencies and the private sector.

Brenda Ekwurzel, assistant professor of hydrology and water resources, said the more work the UA does with outside agencies and companies, the more these types of groups will turn to Arizona for help.

"People are used to thinking of Stanford or Columbia for these projects, this would help us get noticed," Ekwurzel said.

This will have an impact on students because it directly contributes to their education, Ekwurzel said.

"If we are able to garner (outside) resources, it will benefit students with more choices, more coordination between departments," Ekwurzel said. "It will eliminate duplication and allow for more specialized courses."

A faculty with more research opportunities would also gain more recognition among peers and could bring more grants to the UA, she said.

"The faculty will be stimulated because the relevance of their research will be at the forefront of their minds," Ekwurzel said.

Overpeck said the ESEP study group's vision is to move the earth science and environmental programs at the UA to the top of the national programs, while still meeting the needs of Tucson and local communities.

In order to do this, the group has pinpointed seven "thematic areas" that could be part of the new organization on campus.

The first five areas, which the group identified as strengths, are: