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Trustees preview two proposed nursing doctoral programs and request funding clarity
Summary
University of Maine System trustees were briefed on a new program-proposal document and told two nursing doctoral programs — a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a PhD — are expected at the April Academic and Student Affairs meeting; trustees asked for clarity on degree type, campus relationships and how the system will fund and sustain expensive nursing programs.
Vice Chancellor Jeff Saint John told trustees the system will present two nursing program proposals to the Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) committee in April, with fuller consideration by the board in July if they advance.
"First and foremost, a look at program development across all 3 phases," Saint John said, describing the document as a life-cycle view that includes intent-to-plan, full proposal, and an intermediate development stage. He said the document highlights collaboration across campuses and criteria trustees can use to evaluate proposed programs.
Trustees learned the proposals include two nursing programs that "will support the R1 mission of the University of Maine," Saint John said, and that nursing leadership has secured letters of support from leaders of the three existing nursing programs in the system.
Provost Paquette clarified the nature of one program under discussion: "this program is actually, unique within the system because it will be a BSN, a bachelor's, the DNP program," and later described the DNP as "a practice focus doctorate, degree" that students can undertake after completing a bachelor's in nursing. The change, Paquette said, responds to recent accreditation requirements for family nurse practitioner degrees.
Trustees pressed for operational detail. Trustee Kates asked whether the DNP is a master’s- or PhD-level credential; Paquette and Saint John said it is a practice doctorate pursued after a BSN. Chair Riley asked how the DNP would relate to Fort Kent and how the system intends to fund and sustain nursing programs, noting nursing programs can be costly to operate even when they meet the university mission.
Saint John said the proposals are live links in the meeting materials and that trustees should expect detailed responses on the DNP’s relationship to Fort Kent and on funding and sustainability at the April ASA meeting. He also warned trustees a large set of program proposals is likely to appear for review in June before full-board action in July and possible program launches in September.
The ASA discussion was procedural and preparatory; no vote was taken on the programs in this meeting. The trustees scheduled the April ASA meeting as the next step to receive full proposals and responses to the trustees’ questions.
