Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1990 [PAGE 526]

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514

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[April 9

A continuous demand exists for persons with a doctorate in Spanish due to the importance of Spanish as a curriculum in colleges and universities. In the last two decades, Spanish language, culture, and literature have gained curricular importance at all levels of education in the United States. In 1986, nearly half of all enrollments in foreign languages were in Spanish. That number may be close to two-thirds of all enrollments at the present time. Between 1982-83 and 1987-88 institutions requiring foreign language for graduation has increased by more than 22 percent. The increase of people competent in the Spanish language has brought with it accompanying requirements that more courses be offered in the areas of Spanish and Latin American culture, linguistics, and literature. The result has been a growth in undergraduate and graduate enrollments across the curriculum in Spanish departments. This is explicitly borne out by UIC's experience, both in local/state comparisons, as well as in regional ones. UIC produces a high proportion of all baccalaureate degrees in Spanish in Illinois, and considerably more master's degrees than any other institution in the surrounding seven-state area. National demand for Ph.D.s in Hispanic Studies is growing, with increasing emphasis on emerging fields of research. And, locally, the large and growing Hispanic population in Chicago, a population heavily represented at UIC in all areas and at all levels, and the growing importance of Hispanic studies nationwide, warrant the addition of Spanish to UIC's roster of Ph.D.-granting departments. The national projections foresee a shortage of college professors in the 1990s, particularly in the humanities. The proposed degree at UIC, with specializations in Hispanic literatures, cultures, and linguistics, will help to ease the growing shortage of Ph.D.s in Spanish. The Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies requires the completion of 96 semester hours of approved course work beyond the baccalaureate, including four core courses and 36 semester hours in a specialization. In addition, students must successfully pass a preliminary examination, complete a doctoral dissertation, and take appropriate course work in supporting fields. All students will serve as teaching assistants for a minimum of four semesters and will teach sections of elementary and intermediate Spanish. Faculty and staff requirements for the Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies can be met by the existing faculty and staff of the department for the first three years. In the fourth year, the department will require two new faculty members to support the growth of the program and as the first students reach the dissertation stage. Therefore, new State resources in the amount of $80,000 are being requested for year four to fund the two faculty positions plus a graduate assistant. The vice president for academic affairs concurs in this recommendation. The University Senates Conference has indicated no further senate jurisdiction is involved. I recommend approval, pending further action by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

On motion of Dr. Bacon, this recommendation was approved.

BOARD MEETING RECESSED FOR PRESS CONFERENCE

After considering the first nine items, the board members were joined by Governor Jim Edgar. The board recessed at 11:45 a.m. to receive the governor and to join him in a press conference.1 The board reconvened in regular session at 12:15 p.m. to continue discussion and to vote on the remaining agenda items. By consensus, the board agreed that one roll call vote would be taken and considered the vote on each agenda item nos. 10 through

1 Governor Edgar announced the release of funds for the repair and remodeling of facilities at the Chicago campus.