The China connection was established more than 10 years ago by the Chicago school. Richard Ward, dean of the Sam Houston State College of Criminal Justice and former executive director of the Chicago program, said the courses in China will focus on comparative criminal justice, with an emphasis on legal development and the justice system, and students will also be exposed to language and cultural activities. The program coordinator in the United States will be Ward, who has visited China more than 50 times as a consultant and trainer in the areas of human rights and law enforcement. Students and faculty from throughout the United States as well as Sam Houston State University are expected to participate. The project also faces review by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating board, and actual renovation is not expected to begin until at least the 2000 fall semester.
Several options are still under consideration to minimize disruptions.
The regents also approved the employment of F.E.U.L.S. Facility Engineering of Austin to design renovations for the Smith-Hutson Business Building's Mafrige Auditorium. The project will update electrical and communications components and replace air handlers.