--Policy on options (at least half the work in the option must be completed at MU). Revised text reads:

"The word option shall be used for the variety of terms previously referred to as concentrations, tracks, emphasis areas, or areas or interest within the majors and minors. As with minors, one-half or more of the work required for the option must be completed at Millersville."

COMMENT: There was concern expressed at Deans' Council that this policy, although strongly supported by some departments, might prove to be too restrictive for students in certain majors. School deans consulted several department chairpersons to assess the potential impact of this policy and learned that it would adversely affect some majors. Therefore, Deans' Council, in consultation with Acting President McNairy, is proposing an alternative policy for consideration by Faculty Senate, as follows:

"The word option shall be used for the variety of terms previously referred to as concentrations, tracks, emphasis areas, or areas or interest within the majors and minors. Through the normal process for implementing a major curriculum change, departments may request that at least one-half of the work required for an option must be completed at Millersville."

This policy would be permissive in nature and would allow each department to decide whether or not to stipulate that a certain amount of the work required for the option be completed at Millersville. Those departments which see an educational value in requiring their students to complete at least 50% of the option at Millersville are encouraged to submit a request seeking approval through the normal process for implementing a major curriculum change.

The phrases "at least one-half the work" and "one-half or more" are interpreted to mean that a student must take at least 50%, but may take up to 100% of his/her major, minor, or option at Millersville. This refers to what the student must take, not to the variability in what a department may require. Therefore, the policy simply does not address the issue of whether a department can require more or less than 50%.

c: Ms. Frances Axsmith, Assistant Registrar
Ms. Candace Deen, Academic Information Officer
Mr. Mariano Gonzalez, University Registrar
Mr. Colin McLeod, Director of Academic Advisement
Ms. Rachael Wywadis, Associate Registrar
Deans' Council