J. Flanagan introduced Dr. Patricia Marshall, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
P. Marshall presented and discussed the new academic program, M.S. Construction Management, for consideration from the Engineering Technology Department. 

The following introductions were made:
Dr. Jennifer Hanselman, Dean of Health and Natural Sciences
Dr. Becky Copper-Glenz, Dean of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education
Dr. Nirajan Mani, Department Chair, Engineering Technology

P. Marshall thanked them for their effort and hard work in putting this proposal together. She next talked about the processes and procedures in submitting a new program for approval to the Department of Higher Education. Once it leaves the campus, it will be submitted to the DHE where there will be an opportunity for the public to make comments. After the public period, the DHE will work with universities to align with system equity goals. Typically, this will
be fast tracked. She discussed the program highlights, demand, mission, intent, academic content, enrollment projections and projected costs.

J. Hanselman talked about what constitutes construction management, and that the program goal is to prepare students at a high level. There is a growing need in this field. The program aligns with the Strategic Plan. There is already an undergraduate major, so this new program creates the potential for 4+1 program offering. This program meets the demands of an expanding market and will be affordable.

N. Mani reiterated that there is significant demand and that Fitchburg State would be the only institution offering this program in the public higher education space in Massachusetts.
J. Flanagan talked about the mission of the program and that it has a two-path option. The program itself has many complexities. Students will be engaged and able to apply to real-world problems.

N. Mani discussed the program requirements. J. Flanagan discussed the enrollment projections that are tied to the budget. B. Copper-Glenz stated the program would be flexible and affordable and completely online. It is expected that the first year will be the most difficult and slight financial losses are expected. The five-year plan estimates steady growth.

There was a discussion on the course completion expectations, partnerships, admissions requirements, advertising and the decision to offer the program online.

There was a discussion regarding the current undergraduate construction management program.