The policy statement specifies principles, criteria and procedures to assure that graduate programs at the University of Minnesota remain strong and that they contribute to the overall mission of the University. Restructuring must be accomplished according to accepted principles rather than expediency. The general criteria for judging viability are quality, centrality, comparative advantage, demand and efficiency. No single criterion will dominate evaluation of specific programs. Where indicated, restructuring may be in the form of merger or discontinuation.
Merger means that two or more programs are combined into a single, unified program.
When a program is not deemed viable and a satisfactory merger of a program cannot be effected, it will be necessary to discontinue the program. Such discontinuance will provide satisfactory options for graduate students currently enrolled in the program, or on leave, to complete their work. Brenner acknowledged the need for such a policy. There is a workplan to establish a series of benchmarks to monitor outcomes of new programs. She added that the Board could give guidance to the administration as to when the Board should receive this information.