September 27-28, 2001

ITEM 112-2011-R0901   Authorization to Create the Division of Agricultural Education/Agricultural Operations Technology in the Department of Entomology; Montana State University-Bozeman

 

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University B Bozeman to create the Division of Agricultural Education/Agricultural Operations Technology in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture.

 

EXPLANATION: One of the primary recommendations from the Agricultural Education (AGED) and Agricultural Operations Technology (AOT) Focus Group report in May 2000 was to move the AGED faculty and academic programs from the College of Education, Health and Human Development, and merge with the AOT program in the College of Agriculture. This realignment was chosen to more clearly define the delivery of the academic program and teaching assignments. It was also determined that organizational lines would be improved for annual evaluation and promotion and tenure of faculty. This move would better serve students= needs in addressing agriculture issues and in turn, the needs of the agricultural industry.

The departmental infrastructure chosen was to have AGED /AOT faculty and academic programs be named the Division of AGED/AOT in the Department of Entomology and be administered by the Entomology Department Head. The Department of Entomology has strong multi-disciplinary applied research and extension programs that focus on enhancing the efficiency of production agriculture. This arrangement would provide AGED/AOT students with unique opportunities to participate in field studies and extension programming and provide numerous opportunities to interact with field researchers and extension specialists from various disciplines. This alignment will enhance career opportunities and complement sound undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

There are no increased costs associated with moving AGED/AOT faculty into the College of Agriculture as a Division within the Department of Entomology.