M E M O R A N D U M

							
						May 11, 2010

To:	           Members of the Board of Trustees

From:		Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor

Subject:	Degree Authorization for the College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville
	
	I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution:

Resolved that the Chancellor be, and hereby is, directed to seek the authorization of the Board of Regents for the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville to confer the degree of Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.).


Background

	Approval of this resolution will authorize the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville to confer the degree of Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) subject to the approval of the Board of Regents.  Degree authorization is necessary as the award represents the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville�s first use of the Bachelor of Architecture degree. 
 	
        The Bachelor of Architecture program at the College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville will provide a National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) accredited professional degree. The program will be distinguished by its small, personalized classes, hands-on technical education, and applied learning in a design/build context informed by knowledge of sustainable architecture, architectural history, and structural design theory.  At the core of sustainable architecture are the principles of energy efficiency and conservation, and environmental preservation. Morrisville has an established reputation for its campus initiatives in energy conservation and sustainable practices.  Thus, the Morrisville B.Arch. program is designed to create synergies with existing initiatives, including a recently launched program in Renewable Energy Resources, and benefits from the College�s resident expertise. 
        Architects trained at Morrisville�s new Center for Applied Design, slated to be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold-rated facility, will be immersed in a completely sustainable environment and will live and breathe the transformative potential of �green,� environmentally sound and sustainable materials, techniques and methods of building. Both the program and facility will bring new excitement to the campus while strengthening the institution�s mission and ethos.
        
        Reviewed by a team of external experts in the field, Morrisville�s B.Arch. curriculum emphasizes three major themes: Sustainable Architecture; Applied Learning; and Design/Build construction. Learning outcomes are based on National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) criteria which stipulate that students must demonstrate competency in the following areas: Critical Thinking and Representation; Integrated Building Practices, Technical Skills, and Knowledge; and Leadership and Practice. The community-focused components of the curriculum reinforce lessons learned in the classroom and design/build studio, and will enhance the student�s development as a future professional. Extra-curricular activities, including community service, service-learning and civic engagement in Morrisville and its vicinity, will be supported by the College�s membership in the New York State Campus Compact.  
        
        The B.Arch. program will serve as a catalyst for engaging students and faculty in the crucial challenges facing every community�the challenges that occur at the intersection of science, technology, art, health, and public policy, which define the professional practice of architecture. The College currently offers an Associate in Science in Architectural Studies and Design, and the proposed Bachelor of Architecture program will allow students attending Morrisville to earn the Bachelor of Architecture degree with an additional three years of study. This is a licensure-qualifying program. The College anticipates an initial enrollment of 15 students, growing to 60 in five years. Morrisville�s program will be one of only two B.Arch. degree programs offered by the State University of New York. 
        
        The U.S. Dept. of Labor�s Occupational Outlook Handbook projects a 3.3% increase from 2004-2014 for Architectural and Civil Drafters resulting in 110 positions per year in NYS. Additionally, there is an expected increase of 11.3% for the same time period for Architects, resulting in 150 positions annually in NYS. These increases, coupled with the fact students enrolled in associate-level programs across the State often lose an academic year of credits when transferring to baccalaureate programs in architecture, underscore the need for the Bachelor of Architecture program at the State University of New York�s College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville. 
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Board Resolution	May 11, 2010