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Regents approve UNL multidisciplinary studies degree after tense debate with UNO over duplication
Summary
The board approved a new multidisciplinary studies BA/BS at UNL intended to aid students with 60+ credits to complete degrees; UNO officials warned the similar program at Omaha, established in 1951, could cause market confusion and asked for naming consideration.
The Board of Regents approved establishment of a multidisciplinary studies Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science at the University of Nebraska'Lincoln (Item 11A12) after extended discussion about duplication with a longstanding University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) program.
Chancellor Lee of UNO told the board that UNO has offered a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies since 1951, serving hundreds of students and awarding more than 200 completions in the last academic year. "I actually appreciate a great intention, but I do believe that that could create a market confusion in explaining to our learners within the state of Nebraska," Chancellor Lee said, asking the board to consider potential confusion if the new UNL program shares the same name.
UNL interim academic leaders said the UNL program would be primarily in-person on the Lincoln campus, with some online options, and is targeted to students who have completed at least 60 UNL degree-applicable credit hours. "The majority of these courses are going to be in person, on our campus," Doctor Button, UNL's interim executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, told the board. He said the proposal had strong support from several community colleges and was intended as a flexible pathway for degree completion.
Regents debated whether to table the item to allow further review or proceed with approval. Some regents suggested the campuses could resolve potential market confusion through a different program name or other branding measures. After a motion to table was made and later withdrawn, the maker and second withdrew the motion and the board approved the program with an understanding that UNL would work with system administration on naming to avoid market confusion.
Regent comments reflected concern for students and campuses. Chancellor Lee argued that "if we have the same name, it will create market confusion," and recommended UNL consider a different name; other regents urged swift action to create flexible degree pathways for nontraditional and community-college students.
The board approved the UNL multidisciplinary studies degrees, with the administration agreeing to work on naming to reduce confusion with UNO's long-standing program. The approval included assurances that the program will rely on existing courses and advising and will not require new faculty hires at this time.
Votes: Item 11A12 was approved by roll-call vote after the board recorded debate and requested further coordination between campuses on program naming and marketing.
