University of Central Oklahoma
THURSDAY February 17, 1994
The Student Voice Since 1903
Regents denies MPA program for UCO By Roy Howe Staff Writer
Although the proposed Master's in Public Administration (MPA) program at the university was fine-tuned to assure that it did not overlap a similar one offered at the University of Oklahoma, an on-site team to
study the matter for the State Regents recently recommended against it. "Although we appreciate their enthusiasm and commitment, we do not believe the administration and faculty of UCO have adequately estimated the academic depth required to develop and sustain a quality MPA program," a letter from the on-site
team to the chancellor of higher education states. "Nor have they demonstrated a compelling need for a new program," the letter continues. The State Regents for Higher Education are yet to act on the committee's recommendation against the University of Cen-
G & J Painting employee, J. E. Mayfield plugs holes on the water tank east of the campus in order to waterproof it. The procedure will be completed in about a month , says Mayfield. Mayfield works daily on a scaffold which hangs 25 to 30 feet above the ground. (Photo by Chris Smith)
tral Oklahoma's proposed MPA. But even if denied this time, George Avellano, graduate dean, said the program could resurface again. "The door is still open for us to come forward at a later date," Avellano said. "At this time regents are concerned with duplications and budgets. "We may resurrect the concept in a few years," he said. "It depends on the economy." The program was examined by a threemember out-of-state team to see if it duplicated an MPA offered at the University of Oklahoma. State Regents warn against duplicating programs. "A well-qualified, nationally recognized faculty at the University of Oklahoma is currently offering the MPA degree in Oklahoma at several locations with different modes of instruction," the team said. Carl Reherman, director of UCO' s Nigh Institute of State Government,has said that the graduate program in public administration at OU should not be a factor for approving this university's. He said the program at UCO would focus on state government while the program at OU is an international program. "Even if the programs are similar in many ways, there is room for more than one program in the state," Reherman said prior to the on-site team visit. He said that Kansas has three MPA programs, Arkansas has three programs, Missouri has five MPA programs and Texas offers 11 programs. The on-site team's letter to the chancelYSee MASTER'S, Page 5
UCO involved in Higher Education Day By Michelle Peller Staff Writer
Faculty, student leaders, deans and vice presidents from the University of Central Oklahoma attended the Higher Education Alumni Council of Oklahoma (HEACO)
Education Day Feb. 9 at the state capitol. HEACO represents a higher education state organization. The day included addresses from the Honorable Robert Cullison, president pro tempore of the State Senate and Chancellor Hans Brisch, state regent for higher education and meetings with various legislators
"This is the first time it's been held statefrom districts, said Ed Pugh, assistant to the president of UCO. wide," he said. "It was a good showing." "Higher education institutions across the The purpose was that "the economy like state attended, but UCO had one of the it is, there is a possibility of a cut for higher education," Pugh said. largest delegations," Pugh said. They had gone to the capital to say they This was the first time this was at the capitol. In the past years, the Higher Edu- wanted to maintain the budget like last cation Day has been held regionally. V See EDUCATE, Page 5
INSIDE TODAY Editorial 2 Letters to the Editor 2 World Wrap 6 Around Campus 1 1 Comics 11
Last Dual
Two Cents
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Terris Two Cents is a column of opinion and thought.
UCO professor Doug Duke has an award renamed after him.
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The UCO Broncho Wrestling team defeated NebraskaOmaha last Friday. See details inside.
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