December 7, 1995
1. Prospectus for University Extension Part-Time Degrees
On behalf of UC's Council of University Extension Deans, Berkeley's Dean of University Extension Mary Metz introduced
a draft prospectus describing the rationale and potential for using University Extension (UNEX) in new ways to
deliver degree programs to students not now served by UC. The Deans are preparing it for discussion in response
to an invitation from the APC's Advisory Committee on Policy for High Fee Part-time Professional Programs. The
prospectus is intended to promote Academic Senate and administrative comment on the concept. Actual proposals for
new degree programs would emerge only if a new policy permitting them is put in place after consultation about
this prospectus.
The Deans believe that UNEX could expand access for working adults to UC-quality degrees in two ways:
a. Academic departments could work cooperatively with UNEX to deliver currently authorized programs in formats
geared to the needs of part-time students; current policy permits this kind of collaboration, though there are
often procedural barriers on the campuses.
b. UNEX could be authorized to offer non-duplicative special degree programs, geared to groups not served by regular
programs; however, UC policy prohibiting UNEX from offering degrees would have to be changed for this to happen.
In discussion, Dean Metz described the degree programs currently provided by continuing education divisions at
such universities as Harvard, Stanford, and Washington. She pointed out that UC was unusual among its peers in
not offering similar opportunities. Dean Metz stressed that if UNEX were authorized to offer degrees, those programs
must operate with Senate review, approval, and oversight.
APC members advised that the rationale for these new roles must convincingly answer the following questions:
What is the demand for such programs?
Who offers such programs now and why should UC enter these markets?
Given the demands of traditional programs, what incentives are there for faculty to participate in offering UNEX
degrees?
What potential impacts might such degree programs have on the regular undergraduate and graduate programs of the
University and on its missions?
How would such programs affect public perceptions of the University's priorities?
APC members asked that a revised prospectus highlight the difference between self-supporting programs, as proposed
by the Deans, and high fee programs. An APC subcommittee will advise on revision of the prospectus, to be followed
by full Universitywide review, initiated through the Council of Vice Chancellors and the Academic Council.
2. UC's Influence on California's Economy and Society
APC student member Welner presented the UC Student Association resolution calling on UC to increase incentives
for faculty and others in UC to help the K-12 schools improve the education of traditionally underrepresented students.
Though the UCSA adopted the resolution almost a year ago, it remains pertinent as UC seeks new ways to reach out
to students of all ethnic backgrounds. APC members warned that expectations of how much UC can really do should
not be exaggerated; nevertheless, the call for increased service, especially to improve preparation in K-12, echoes
both the recommendations from the University's 1993 planning retreat and many national reports. The Office of the
President will shortly be issuing a compendium of UC efforts to assist and sustain K-12. This and related reports
will inform continued discussion at the January APC meeting.
3. On-going Activities
a. Reports on Systemwide Planning Issues in Progress among Administrative Groups and Senate Committees
APC members who represent Universitywide groups and committees are now being asked to report monthly on the chief
planning issues before their groups. This allows the APC to improve information exchange among groups and identify
planning priorities not yet being addressed in the system. Among this month's reports were many items already being
actively pursued, and two developing issues that APC members felt deserved attention by the appropriate bodies:
the new Pew Trust report calling for reductions in health sciences programs in light of changes in the health care
environment, and
the large unfunded increase in demand on our campuses for disabled student services.
b. Further Work on the APC Statement of Purpose and Priorities for 1995-96
APC members also continued to debate and refine the concept of systemwide academic planning, expressed through
the APC Statement of Purpose.
c. Announcement
Provost King announced that Richard A Clarke, former chair of Pacific Gas and Electric, will join him in co-chairing
the Regents new UC Outreach Task Force. The Task Force is to advise on ways to increase the pool of minority and
low-income students eligible for admission to UC.
The next meeting of the APC will be held in Oakland on January 31, 1996.