Regent concerned new UA degree mirrors AIC focus

"I think this could hurt AIC in their efforts," said Student Regent John Platt. "The U of A will be competing right next door with their bachelor degree."

Provost Paul Sypherd told the board that since AIC has a liberal arts focus, it will be able to work together with the UA.

"There is a need at the U of A for a liberal arts program," he said. "Roughly half of freshman come in undecided and are looking for an arts and sciences education."

Although both AIC and the new program would focus on liberal arts, the two would be different, said UA President Peter Likins.

"The program won't create new courses, but will just package together existing courses," Likins said. "In the case of AIC, they started from scratch and designed brand new courses."

Regent John Munger said he was concerned AIC and the new program would be too similar, but was more comfortable after talking with Likins.

The board decided in October to move the AIC to the main campus in June. The UA will serve as an incubator for the fledging branch campus until it receives enough funding and enrollment to relocate.

The regents gave the UA the go ahead to plan the degree, which will emphasize additional general education courses. The degree will involve a minimum of 120 units. That plan will require final approval from the board.

It also approved planning for an agricultural systems management bachelor's program, a Mexican American studies master's program and a conflict analysis and resolution minor program.