January 17-18, 2002

ITEM 114-1005-R0102   Approval to Transfer the Department of Social Work from the College of Arts and Sciences to the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT:  The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana to transfer the administrative home of the Department of Social Work from the College of Arts and Sciences to the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences.

EXPLANATION:  In May 2001, the Board of Regents approved a Level II request for a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program to begin in Fall 2002. The MSW program is in the process of accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. Given the professional nature of the MSW program and the Departments orientation toward issues of health, mental health, social welfare, and the well being of children, families, and communities, the MSW and BSW programs fit appropriately in the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences.

The Board of Regents approved a tuition surcharge for the MSW program, and the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Science has experience in managing this type of funding for its Pharmacy and Physical Therapy programs. This proposed move has received the support of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Graduate Council, and the Faculty Senate. The Council on Social Work Education, the accrediting organization for schools of social work, has also sanctioned the move. The Department of Social Work will continue to teach from a strong liberal arts foundation in the undergraduate program. The Department will maintain and support interdisciplinary links to the College of Arts and Sciences and other professional schools through cross-listed courses, elective offerings, independent study, research opportunities, and faculty participation on thesis and dissertation committees. The administrative move of the Department of Social Work (undergraduate and graduate programs) from the College of Arts and Sciences to the School of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences will take place on July 1, 2002. The existing undergraduate Social Work program requirements remain unchanged.

The completed signature page resides on file at the President's Office, The University of Montana-Missoula.