Academic Plan 2011-2015 (PDF 524kB) - SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College: Academic Plan 2011 - 2015 41Programs and InitiativesHuman services extends across undergraduate curricula preparing students at professional level(bachelor’s) and paraprofessional level (associate) through individually planned concentrations, acollection of studies offered through individualized study, and weekend/thematic residencies. Moststudents prepare concentrations that are professional, thematic or problem oriented. The identificationof curricular themes can support a more deliberate focus on interdisciplinary preparation that weavesthrough themes of globalization, sustainability, health care and business.A number of potential initiatives within this theme could be explored for their feasibility and fitwithin the mission of the college, resource availability, growth potential and community needs.These initiatives might include, but are not limited to:• A planned transitional path for students interested in policy to our graduate program inSocial Policy• Students interested in graduate work, who now have to turn to external institutions. Based onstudent interest and occupational growth trends, the college might explore paths to graduateprograms in such areas as human services, social work, gerontology, public health and mentalhealth. Both an online model and/or a blended model would be very appealing to workingadults. Current programs and proposed graduate initiatives in business and health care couldprovide an opportunity for combined graduate degrees, for example an MSW/MBA or Master’sin Human Services/MBA.• Selective certificate programs that offer another path of access for students to increase theirknowledge and skill level within a particular area; open additional employment opportunities;and support community organizations in upgrading employees’ professional skills. Plannedcertificates can serve as a pathway for students into higher education or transition from theassociate degree to a bachelor’s degree or graduate education.• Examination of the present AOS in Community and Human Services to determine howbest to address the challenges to professional/occupational identity, and degree programdevelopment and review – presented by the increased number of concentrations inenvironmental health and safety, public safety, emergency management, homeland securityand law enforcement. For example, in response to these challenges, discussion is underway for a new AOS in Public Affairs.GlobalizationDescription and ScopeA leading commitment of the college is to foster critical reflective inquiry that encourages activeengagement in the local and the global community. The function of the college education includesprograms that encourage the participation and contributions of students and faculty to a globalcivil society and to a global economy to impact positive social change. This thematic thread movesthroughout the college, from increasing global awareness in individual studies, through concentrationand programmatic directions, through specialized residencies, international travel, specializedinternational programs and international faculty collaboration. The globalization theme could haveseveral key dimensions: globalization and faculty/professional interests; globalization and our academicprograms; globalization and our student population; and globalization and a connected community.