Board approves degree programs in film, science at MU, sick leave amendments
The UM system Board of Curators voted to approve two new degree programs at MU this morning.
After a brief recap of yesterday's discussion in the Academic, Student and External Affairs Committee by Vice Chairwoman Judith Haggard, the board voted by a count of 8-0 for the addition of both a Bachelor of Arts in film studies and Masters and Doctorate programs in clinical and translational science.
Yesterday, Vice President of Academic Affairs Steve Graham pitched both of the new degree programs to the Academic, Student and External Affairs Committee.
In his written proposal, Graham said the MU curriculum was falling behind due to the lack of a film program.
"This is a glaring gap in our curriculum, one that puts us at a disadvantage with respect to our comparator schools," Graham said.
The board also approved four amendments to the university's Collected Rules and Regulations in regard to sick leave and holidays for system employees. One of these amendments will allow employees to use sick leave time in smaller than eight hour increments. The amendment will also require employees to use their personal leave for the first three days of their injury. In light of current flu situations, the board also passed an amendment to lift the traditional twelve day sick leave limit per year.
Following up on business from yesterday's meeting of the Finance Committee, the board voted 8-0 to allot over $1 million for turbine maintenance at MU's power plant.
Stay tuned for comments from the curators' post-meeting press conference.