Request to Plan

Last updated 1/12/16

Tracking No. GR 16/17 20

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

REQUEST TO PLAN

A NEW DEGREEPROGRAM – ANY DELIVERY METHOD

THE PURPOSE OF ACADEMIC PROGRAM PLANNING: Planning a new academic degree program provides an opportunity for an institution to make the case for need and demand and for its ability to offer a quality program. The notification and planning activity described below do not guarantee that authorization to establish will be granted.

Date:13 September 2016

Constituent Institution: North Carolina State University

Is the proposed program a joint degree program? Yes XNo

Joint Partner campus University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Title of Authorized Program:

JOINT UNC CH N C STATE UNIVERSITY BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT – PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE MASTERS’ DEGREE

Abbreviation:PSM

CIP Code (6-digit): 14.0501 Level: B M XI D

CIP Code Title: Biomedical Engineering

Does the program require one or more UNC Teacher Licensure Specialty Area Code? YesNo__X__

If yes, list suggested UNC Specialty Area Code(s) here ______

If master’s, is it a terminal master’s (i.e. not solely awarded en route to Ph.D.)? Yes _X_ No____

Proposed term to enroll first students in degree program: TermSummerYear2017

Provide a brief statement from the university SACSCOC liaison regarding whether the new program is or is not a substantive change.

(To be coordinated with the assistance of Dr. George Hodge, Assistant Dean for Program Development, The Graduate School, N. C. State University)

Definition: Substantive change is a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution. Under federal regulations, substantive change includes

NO SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES – Questions to be addressed by/for SACS

No. / Question/Change / Yes/No
1 / Any change in the established mission or objectives of the institution / No
2 / Any change in legal status, form of control, or ownership of the institution / No
3 / The addition of courses or programs that represent a significant departure, either in content or method of delivery, from those that were offered when the institution was last evaluated / No
4 / The addition of courses or programs of study at a degree or credential level different from that which is included in the institution’s current accreditation or reaffirmation. / No
5 / A change from clock hours to credit hours / No
6 / A substantial increase in the number of clock or credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program / No
7 / The establishment of an additional location geographically apart from the main campus at which the institution offers at least 50% of an educational program. / No
8 / The establishment of a branch campus / No
9 / Closing a program, off-campus site, branch campus or institution / No
10 / Entering into a collaborative academic arrangement that includes only the initiation of a dual or joint academic program with another institution / No
11 / Acquiring another institution or a program or location of another institution / No
12 / Adding a permanent location at a site where the institution is conducting a teach-out program for a closed institution / No
13 / Entering into a contract by which an entity not eligible for Title IV funding offers 25% or more of one or more of the accredited institution’s programs / No

Identify the objective of this request (select one or more of the following)

☒Launch new program on campus

☐Launch new program online; Maximum percent offered online ______

☐Program will be listed in UNC Online

☐One or more online courses in the program will be listed in UNC Online

☐Launch new site-based program (list new sites below; add lines as needed)

☐Instructor present (off-campus delivery)

☐Instructor remote (site-based distance education)

Supply basic program information for UNC Academic Program Inventory (API) and UNC Online

Minimum credit hours required__34__

Expected number of full-time terms to completion12 contiguous months beginning with 2 summer sessions followed by subsequent Fall and Spring sessions

1.Review Status. (Draft provided to those identified below – awaiting response)

  1. List the campus bodies that reviewed and commented on this request to Plan proposal before submission to UNC General Administration. What were their determinations? Include any votes, if applicable.

Last / First / Title / University / Department or College
Hodge / George / Assistant Dean for Program Development / NC STATE / Graduate School
Larick / Duane K. / Senior Vice Provost for Academic Strategy & Resource Management / NC STATE / Graduate School
Martin-Vega / Louis / Dean / NC STATE / College of Engineering
Byerley / Julie / Vice Dean of Education / UNC / School of Medicine
Goldstein / Eric / EVP & COO, UNC Hospitals, Prof of Medicine / UNC / UNC Hospitals
Guskiewicz / Kevin / Senior Associate Dean / UNC / College of Arts and Sciences
Harkins / Heidi / Professional Science Masters’ Program, Director / UNC / Graduate School
Matson / Steve / Dean / UNC / Graduate School
Schmitt / Stephanie / Associate Dean for Academics / UNC / Graduate School
Thornton / Courtney / Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Education / UNC / General Administration
  1. Summarize any issues, concerns or oppositionraised throughout the campus process and comment periods. Describe revisions made to address areas of concern. No Substantive Issues
  1. Description and Purpose
  1. Provide a 250-word or less description of the proposed program, including target audience, delivery method, hours required, program core and concentrations (if applicable), post-graduate outcomes for which graduates will be prepared, and other special features. For programs with an online component, describe whether the delivery is synchronous with an on-campus course, partially synchronous, asynchronous, or other.

Description of the Joint UNC CH NC STATE University Department of Biomedical Engineering Professional Science Masters’ Program

  • Members of the Joint UNC CH - N C STATE Biomedical Engineering Department,working in cooperation with:

(a) the Biomedical Engineering Program in the Department of Engineering at East Carolina University;

(b)The Department of Chemical, Biological, and Bioengineering in the College of Engineering at The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; and

(c) the UNC Professional Science Masters’ Program

are in the process of developing a BME Professional Science Masters’ Program (PSM), identified as “TraIn” for Translation of Innovations.

  • At this stage, the program, having a strong innovation and entrepreneurship bias, has two tracks: one focusing on biomedical products; the other on biomedical processes.
  • The detailed product and process work is to be conducted in such a manner to protect the intellectual property of the University and confidentiality of those organizations partnering in the work.
  • Both practical, application oriented tracks are designed to be completed in a single 12 month period beginning with a summer immersion, a Fall Semester emphasizing engineering design, with a final Spring Semester focusing on licensing and/or deployment.
  • The curriculum is tentatively composed of 34 semester hours of course work addressing management, design, business, and focused STEM electives.

There are four components of the proposed program of essential value to candidates, to UNC-CH and NC STATE University, to the economic development of North Carolina, and to prospective employers …

1.Delivers newly “discovered” biotech products and processes to the licensing stage (i.e. having demonstrated proof of concept)

2.Translates “on the cusp” research into IDFs and Provisional Patents to licensing level

3.Prepares masters’ candidates with strong biotechnical/biomedical knowledge to immediately contribute in the biotech/biomedical environment with the following skills and practical experiences: manufacturing, development, management, leadership,design, process enhancement, intellectual property protection, and business assessment and planning

4.Provides a pipeline of experienced early stage biomedical start-up engineering managers

Target Audience

•graduates with 0 to 5 years’ experience

•individuals with BS degrees in STEM curricula

•minimum undergraduate GPAs of 3.2

•non-PhD candidates focusing on practice and industry

•individuals with biases to innovation and entrepreneurship

•high performing individuals who can finance themselves or may be financed by their employer

•professionals recognizing the financial benefits of a one year intense immersion, design, development, deployment, engineering, business, and team leadership experience

Delivery Method

•immersion, shadowing, coaching, mentoring – summer sessions

•conventional classroom – Fall and Spring Semester

•asynchronous lectures with real-time remote and on-site advising, mentoring, and coaching

•year-long product and/or process design or enhancement practicum

Hours Required –34 semester hours + minimum 520 person-hours of immersion/shadowing/observing/discovery

  • Summer Sessions - 9 semester hours -with- 240 person-hours of immersion, shadowing, observing, discovery

•Fall Semester - 13 semester hours– with - 140 person-hours product/process design and pitching

•Spring Semester - 12 semester hours– with - 140 person-hours proof of concept prototype and pursuit of licensing/deployment

Program Core and Concentrations – four key areas identified by industry/economic development demands

•Management & leadership –6 courses/10 semester hours

•Discovery and design–3 course/9 semester hours

•Technology electives - 3 courses/9 semester hours

•Business–2 course/6 semester hours

Post-Graduate Outcomes for Which Graduates Will Be Prepared

•one year opportunity income/cost saved for each candidate

•24%, $17,000 increase in annual income potential (BME undergraduate salary compared to graduate degree)

•potential to start own company

•start with or return to employer with targeted, ready to deploy skills

•enhanced technical, business, management, and leadership skillsessential to success in the technically challenging biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship business environment

•improved potential for promotion

Special Features

  1. partnering among theN C Biotech Center, North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and East Carolina University
  2. employment multiplier of 3 to 3.4; i.e. adding support jobs to the economy for each graduate
  3. attraction, expansion, and retention of biomedical companies in North Carolina
  4. increased number of viable start-up companies
  5. addresses “management gap” in North Carolina biotech industry staffing needs: individuals with management/leadership, business, engineering, and BME specific technology skills
  6. partnering across multiple organizations at UNC CH and NC STATE together with NC A&T and ECU
  7. deliver viable IDFs to UNC CH and/or NC STATE Technology Transfer Offices
  8. supports key strategic education and economic development plans
  9. UNC System – Our Time Our Future
  10. UNC CH - Innovate at Carolina
  11. UNC CH School of Medicine – Strategic Plan for the UNC School of Medicine
  12. NC STATE University - Pathway to the Future
  13. NC Biotech Center – Bridging the Gaps
  14. leverages existing co-operative programs with other colleges and universities, e.g. Elon, Furman, Campbell, etc.
  15. brings “on-the-cusp” research from the lab to IDF and Provisional Patent Application
  16. Regenerative medicine
  17. Unltrasound imaging
  18. Pharmaco-engineering
  19. Rehabilitation engineering
  20. Biomedical Micro- and Nanodevices
  21. Other heath and health care STEM disciplines
  22. provide demonstrated new and/or improved key process to clinical and biomedical manufacturing partnering organizations
  23. How does the proposed program align with system, institutional and unit missions and strategic plans?

System – NC Constitution 1776–“All useful learning shall be duly encouraged and promoted by one or more universities.”

Our Time Our Future – UNC COMPACT: The Commitment to North Carolina - 2013

No. / Commitments / Alignment (H, M, L)
1 / Academic excellence and the opportunity for success for all students / H
2 / Value for students and for North Carolina / H
3 / Solutions to North Carolina’s biggest challenges / H
4 / Connection and engagement with North Carolina communities / H

Institutional

UNC CH –Mission –“to serve as a center for research, scholarship, and creativity and to teach a diverse community of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to become the next generation of leaders. Through the efforts of our exceptional faculty and staff, and with generous support from North Carolina’s citizens, we invest our knowledge and resources to enhance access to learning and to foster the success and prosperity of each rising generation. We also extend knowledge-based services and other resources of the University to the citizens of North Carolina and their institutions to enhance the quality of life for all people in the State.”

UNC Innovations – 2010

No. / Recommendations / Alignment (H, M, L)
1 / Prepare faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, staff, and the broader Carolina community with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to translate new ideas into innovations / H
2 / Collaborate with diverse groups on campus and beyond to explore issues, options, and creative approaches that may lead to innovations / H
3 / Translate important new ideas more expediently and at an increased volume into innovations that improve society / H
4 / Align people, incentives, resources, and processes to strengthen an intentional culture of innovation at Carolina / H
5 / Catalyze innovation at Carolina by facilitating the work of faculty, staff, and students as they put important ideas to use for a better world / H

UNC CH – School of Medicine

The mission oftheSchoolof Medicineand theHealthCare Systemis to advancethehealthofthepeopleof NorthCarolina. Both plans sharean emphasisonquality,innovation and efficiencyin thedeliveryofmedicalcare.KeyelementsoftheHealthCare Systemstrategicplanthatare not addressedin theSOMstrategicplanincludeclinical networkdevelopment,identificationofcorebusinessopportunitiesasameansto strengthen the networkand reducecosts(includingintegrationof certainbusinessfunctionsacrossthe HCS)and information servicesrelatedtohealthcaredelivery.

Focus and Strategy / Alignment (H, M, L)
Research
SP1.SettranslationalandmultidisciplinaryteamscienceasavisionforUNCresearch,andprovidethetools neededtofostersuccessfulteams / H
SP2.Stimulateteam-based,translationalresearchwith targetedinvestmentsinkeytranslationalresearchareas / H
SP3.Streamlinetheorganizationandmanagementoftheresearchinfrastructuretoensureit is bestpositioned tomeetthefutureneedsofSOMinvestigators / L
Education
SP1.Restructurethecurriculumtopreparestudentstobeleadersof21stcenturymedicine / M
SP2.Optimizestudentrecruitmentandadmissionpracticesandprogramstoprovidephysiciansneededforthe
StateofNCandthenation / N/A
SP3:Developandsupportinfrastructurethatwillensureourcontinuedabilitytotrainphysicians,bothwithin
ChapelHillandacrossthestate / M
ClinicalCare
SP1.EstablishaUNC HCS-widequalityprogram,buildingonexistingefforts,toensurethegreatestpossible patientsafetyandhighestqualitycareforall / M
SP2.Establishamechanismforinnovationandentrepreneurshipinclinicalcaredeliveryandfinancing / H
SP3.InstituteacrossSOM-HCSinformaticsstrategytoenablehighestqualitycareandinnovation / L
Faculty
SP1:Enabledata-drivenmanagementbydefiningandsystematicallytrackingperformanceatboththe institutionalandindividuallevel / L
SP2:Alignfacultyperformanceexpectations,evaluationsandrewardssystems / N/A
SP3:Establishtheconditionstohelpfacultysucceed,bothgenerallyandforspecificsub-groups / L

NC STATE – Mission – “dedicated to excellent teaching, the creation and application of knowledge, and engagement with public and private partners. By uniting our strength in science and technology with a commitment to excellence in a comprehensive range of disciplines, NC STATE promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world.”

The Pathway to the Future – Strategic Plan 2011 – 2020

No. / Goals / Alignment (H, M, L
1 / Enhance the success of our students through educational innovation / H
2 / Enhance scholarship and research by investing in faculty and infrastructure / L
3 / Enhance interdisciplinary scholarship to address the grand challenges of society / H
4 / Enhance organizational excellence by creating a culture of constant improvement / H
5 / Enhance local and global engagement through strategic partnerships / H

Unit

Joint UNC CH NC STATEBME Department – Mission Statement

Current–“to improve human health and quality of life by educating and training students and conducting cutting edge research that integrates engineering, biology, and medicine.

Proposed – “Combine engineering and medicine to improve lives”

Joint BME Strategies and Initiatives

No. / Strategies and Supporting Initiatives / Alignment (H, M, L
1 / Create a transformative inter-institutional model
a / Create BME charter / N/A
b / Enable joint departmental personnel and students / H
c / Reposition the department externally / H
2 / Grow global impact
a / Educate a high quality workforce / H
b / Accomplish high-impact, innovative research / N/A
c / Translate and transition technology / H
3 / Secure resources to enable strategy
a / Establish a BME endowment / H
b / Grow industrial partnerships / H
c / Create new revenue-generating programs / H
  1. What student-level educational objectives will be met by the proposed program?

Masters Level Objectives Met by Program

Professionals successfully completing the program:
will have practical, "in the field", behavioral and performance level experience in 1 or more of the following
1 / starting up an innovative entrepreneurial med-tech company
2 / prioritizing and taking technically proven research ideas to license
3 / designing and delivering clinical processes enhancing both health and financial benefits for Accountable Care Organizations and others
4 / designing and delivering manufacturing processes of high value
will have received classroom, "on the job", formal explicit and tacit training in each of the following areas
1 / acceptable culture and behavior in a healthcare, medical, and/or FDA compliant manufacturing environment
2 / managing cross-functional professionals in a deliverable driven, business team environment
3 / design and delivery of effectively functioning real healthcare devices and/or processes
4 / business assessment and planning for new products and processes or improvement thereof
5 / new technical skills
will have presented, pitched, and documented their observations, analyses, and designs, often in a competitive environment, to competent, practical professionals seeking to benefit from the work products of the candidates, including
1 / selected angel investors
2 / key venture capitalists
3 / key UNC CH and N C STATE officers, at the Vice Chancellor level, responsible for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development
4 / executives of leading biomedical manufacturing organizations
5 / recognized expert leaders in healthcare inside and outside of the UNC and N C STATE organizations
6 / leading legal and regulatory experts
Partner benefits
1 / carefully prepared, attractive ROI, IDFs and Provisional Patent Applications reflective of sound legal, market, regulatory, reimbursement, and technical considerations
2 / receipt of well vetted business investment proposals
3 / improved operational capabilities - manufacturing and/or clinical processes
4 / "first-look" assessment of prospective professional employees
5 / advancement of technically proven, laboratory assessed, inventions to license
6 / development of a cadre of university professionals and graduates that may substantively contribute to the economic development of NC
  1. Student Demand Provide documentation of student demand. Discuss the extent to which students will be drawn from a pool of students not previously served by the institution.

Current and Projected Demand

The Graduate Program in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering currently has over 100 graduate students enrolled, with an approximate 80/20 split between PhD and MS students. Historically, there has been a greater emphasis on the recruitment of PhD students into the program, which has been driven by a number of factors to be addressed later in this section.

Unlike the thesis masters, the PSM provides a meaningfully different offering to a typical MS applicant. It has