Board of Trustees approves new degrees, building namings and campus physical-development framework

The University of Utah Board of Trustees approved multiple academic program proposals, donor naming recognitions and a campus physical development framework at its March meeting.

Trustees voted to approve a new undergraduate degree in medical and health humanities and authorized new graduate degrees in neuroengineering (master's and Ph.D.). Dr. Gretchen Case, faculty director of medical ethics and associate professor of theater, said the proposed medical humanities major "helps prepare the best health-care providers" by combining ethics, arts and social sciences. James Tabery, professor of philosophy, told trustees the program will be administered through the Department of Philosophy and emphasized growth in student demand for medical-humanities coursework. The board voted in favor of the medical humanities degree proposal; no opposition was recorded during the roll call.

The board also approved a proposed neuroengineering training program that will offer stackable credentials ranging from undergraduate certificates to a Ph.D., backed by industry input and the Utah Deep Tech Initiative. Jake George, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, said the state has a growing neurotechnology industry and cited local companies and the "Utah Array" legacy as reasons to expand training at the university. Hansok Kim, chair of electrical and computer engineering, and George described proposed graduate MS and PhD degrees; trustees approved those degrees.

Heidi Woodbury, vice president for advancement, presented donor namings for the Applied Science Building and the Kim and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center. The board approved naming the Crocker Science Complex and Crocker Science Plaza in recognition of $8,500,000 in gifts from the Crocker Catalyst Foundation, the Willard L. Eccles Observatory and observation deck in recognition of a $500,000 gift from the Willard L. Eccles Foundation, and the Edward J. and Marilyn W. Zipsear Auditorium in recognition of a $500,000 gift from the Zipsears. Trustees also approved naming a second-floor space in the Kim and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center the "Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation Healing and Innovation Floor" following a $3,500,000 gift.

President Randall presented a campus physical development framework that divides the campus into planning "districts," highlights a central "College Town Magic" neighborhood, and recommends further study and actions. Trustees approved the framework and then passed four motions that direct campus leaders to: (1) adopt the framework and guiding principles; (2) explore alternative sites for the John M. Huntsman Center and return recommendations with estimated financial investments by September; (3) conduct a comprehensive parking, access and traffic study and present recommended locations and investments for new parking by the June board meeting; and (4) direct the campus master-planning committee to develop metrics tied to the framework's guiding principles and report back by September. Chair Gardner and President Randall emphasized that the framework is guiding policy, not approval for any specific project; detailed project approvals will follow the established capital-planning process.

Ending: Trustees approved the items during the March meeting and will receive follow-up reports and formal action packets on capital projects and parking at specified future meetings.