Much discussed in the report are the new research centers and interdisciplinary programs, organized to support significant research and build on research strengths in separate departments and schools, especially in the biological and chemical sciences but in many other cross-disciplinary fields, as well. Proposed institutes and initiatives under discussion would cover the humanities, policy studies, biological sciences, chemical sciences, and information and communication technology. Also envisioned are an urban initiative, a women and gender institute, an environmental institute and a neuroscience initiative. Headrick notes that some doctoral programs are likely to be consolidated. In many areas, he points out, higher education is producing too many Ph.D.s for the number of academic jobs available.
Some doctoral programs ought to be restructured so that graduates can pursue non-academic careers.
Yet Headrick said in June that he was surprised by the relatively small group of people who have reacted thus far. Two May hearing panels organized for faculty input into the proposed reorganization of the arts and sciences drew only three speakers. To say, 'We've taken a good hard look at ourselves and appraised our strengths and our weaknesses. And the plan at that point will be specific enough to be a meaningful guide to future action. Not that UB won't vary the plan over time, because institutions do change.