To: University Senate

From: Senate Planning and Review

Frances Jackson, Chair

RE: Master Degree in Information Systems

SPRC received a proposal for the above named program. This degree is designed to teach specialized knowledge related to
the design, development and engineering of information systems. According to this proposal, no MS in ISE exists in Michigan
and there are only 12 in the entire country.

This program requires 32 credit hours. Students will take 12 credits from the core requirement, 4 hours from the breadth
requirement, and 16 credits in ISE. Four new courses have been developed for this program. No new faculty are requested at
this time, however, they may use adjunct faculty for some courses. If enrollment projections are met, an additional faculty
member and graduate assistant will be needed in 3 years. No additional classroom or lab space is required and no new
equipment is needed.

SPRC supports this proposal. We are persuaded that there is a need for this degree. However, we have two concerns. The
proposal does not address plans to recruit underrepresented minorities, nor does it have an evaluation plan. We urge the
Senate to require submission of these plans before final approval of this program is adopted.

Last, discussions with engineering faculty and SBA faculty would seem to indicate there is some overlap between this proposal
in ISE and a new proposal from SBA in Information Systems that appear to provide opportunities for collaboration between
the two programs. In fact, we have a suggestion along those lines. There are some on this campus who feel that the Banner
system leaves something to be desired. This could provide a prime opportunity for SBA and SECS to work together solving a
problem for the university as well as modeling how two distinct but related disciplines can work together for the greater good.
Just a thought.