Regents approve recommendation to create UNT Honors College

The unanimous approval of a recommendation from Provost Howard Johnson to restructure the University Honors Program into an honors college was a highlight of the Feb. 11 meeting of the UNT System Board of Regents. The measure also makes a provision to add $157,528 to the honors college budget for fiscal year 2006.

With the regents' authorization to create a UNT Honors College, Johnson can take the concept — which was previously approved by the University Curriculum Committee, the Council of Deans, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and the Faculty Senate — to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for approval.

According to Johnson's recommendation, the honors college will design and implement a two-tier system to maximize opportunities for UNT students to participate in honors education at any point in their undergraduate academic careers. The goal of the college is to enroll 5 percent of all undergraduate students.

In citing the ways an honors college will benefit the university, Johnson included: elevating UNT to the top level of honors education in the United States; improving UNT's ability to attract, recruit and graduate outstanding students; improving the university's ability to compete with peer institutions in Texas for the best students; and enhancing UNT's prospects for establishing a Phi Beta Kappa chapter.

In other actions, the regents approved new planning authority for three new degrees in the College of Education, six new degrees in the College of Engineering and one program in the School of Visual Arts.

With preliminary planning authority, UNT may begin submitting specific program proposals to the Coordinating Board.

The board approved planning authority for a master of science degree in athletic training, a master of science degree in sports management and a doctor of philosophy degree in child and family policy development and family studies in the College of Education.

In addition, the board granted planning authority for doctor of philosophy degrees in computer engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering; a bachelor of science degree in materials science and engineering; and bachelor of science and master of science degrees in biological and environmental engineering in the College of Engineering.

Regents also approved planning authority for a master's level museum certification track in the School of Visual Arts.

In addition, proposals were authorized to change the name of the School of Community Service to the College of Public Affairs and Community Service and to seek Coordinating Board approval of the change, to negotiate a renewal contract with Follett College Stores to operate the university bookstore and to reaffirm the UNT mission statement.

Finally, the regents approved an honorary doctor of humane letters degree for William O. Hunt, who led the Campaign North Texas: An Act of Leadership fundraising effort to more than $200 million in pledges to the university.

BY RODDY WOLPER rwolper@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• Libraries conducting survey to measure service
• UNT to commemorate advances and sacrifices of women during March
• Hospital plans to reopen as non-network service provider
• Faculty Senate members meet the newly appointed faculty ombudsman
• Music sales support tsunami relief
• Lace up your walking shoes for Denton Relay for Life
• Organizing the office made easier with time specifically dedicated to the task
• Tips to tame the challenges of the clock

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