University of Illinois Board of Trustees to discuss academic program changes

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The University System Board of Trustees is set to meet Thursday, and will vote on several changes to academic programs.

The University is seeking official approval for the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, after receiving a large donation from Thomas Siebel earlier this year.

The Board will consider renaming the Master’s in Biology and Doctorate in Philosophy for Biology programs. The proposed new names are: Doctor of Philosophy — or Master’s — in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior. In addition, the proposal would eliminate the program’s specialization of Ecology, Ethology and Evolution. Leaders note the new name helps match other degree names in the college and attract prospective students.

UIUC officials are also asking the board to eliminate the Master of Science in Special Education, as the university offers a Master’s in Education in Special Education program and officials want to cut down on redundancies. They note the last students in the program were enrolled in Fall 2019 but moved to the Master’s in Education and graduated.

Additionally, several committees are meeting Wednesday, including the University Healthcare System Committee and the Academic and Student Affairs Committee.

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