THEC UTM Vet Sci BS ELON Approval Website_Nov 30 2020

MIKE KRAUSE Executive Director STATE OF TENNESSEE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION 312 ROSA L PARKS AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37243 (615) 741-3605 BILL LEE Governor TO: President Randy Boyd FROM: Mike Krause SUBJECT: University of Tennessee, Martin Expedited Letter of Notification: Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST DATE: November 30, 2020 Thank you for the revised submission of the Expedited Letter of Notification (ELON) for the Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST program Per THEC Policy A1.6 – Expedited Academic Programs: Approval Process, the ELON is evaluated on the following criteria: alignment with workforce, economic, or other state needs while still assuring quality, student demand, uniqueness, and institutional capacity to deliver the proposed program After reviewing the ELON, I approve University of Tennessee, Martin’s plan to develop the Expedited New Academic Program Proposal (ENAPP) for the Veterinary Science and Technology, Bachelor of Science program It is understood the proposed program will be developed in accordance with the mission of UTM and will meet the Master Plan for Tennessee Postsecondary Education 2015-2025 degree completion and workforce development objectives The ELON projects implementation of an approved Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST program in fall 2021 Please be advised that the approval and the attached ELON evaluation will be posted on the THEC website for public disclosure Attachment cc: Linda Martin Karen Etzkorn Jason Roberts Betty Dandridge Johnson University of Tennessee, Martin Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST Page Tennessee Higher Education Commission Expedited Letter of Notification Evaluation November 30, 2020 The evaluation of the Expedited Letter of Notification (ELON) is in accordance with the THEC Policy A1.6 Expedited Academic Programs: Approval Process The evaluation is conducted by interested parties and THEC staff The ELON is posted on the THEC website for a 10-day period of comment by interested parties Based on the internal and external evaluation, THEC will make a determination to support, not to support, or defer a decision based on a revised ELON Institution: University of Tennessee, Martin ELON Submission Date: Oct 27, 2020 Revised ELON Submission Date: Nov 18 2020 Academic Program, Degree Designation: Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST Concentrations: (1) Veterinary Science and (2) Veterinary Technology Proposed CIP Code: 01.8101 (Veterinary Sciences/Veterinary Clinical Studies) Proposed Implementation Date: Fall 2021 Time Period Posted on Website for Public Comment: October 28 – November 6, 2020 Note: Comments in italics within this document should be addressed in the ENAPP Criteria Letter of support from President/Chancellor Overall comments Implementation timeline Background narrative Comments ▪ A letter of support for the proposed program from Linda Martin at the UT system office is included and dated October 26, 2020 ▪ A letter of support of the proposed program from Chancellor Keith Carver is included and dated October 26, 2020 ▪ The proposed program is a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science and Technology (BVST) with two concentrations: Veterinary Science and Veterinary Technology ▪ It is still unclear what the degree designation is for the proposed program Please clarify if the degree designation should be BS, BVST, or BSVT – all of which are used in the ELON ▪ The intended implementation date for the proposed program is Fall 2021 ▪ Veterinary Science is an existing track in the existing General Agriculture, BSAG with a concentration in Animal Science This is referred to as a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in this section, but according to the active Academic Program Inventory should be a General Agriculture, BSAG – please adjust ▪ Students who complete the requirements for the proposed program will be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician Licensing Exam (VTNE) and subsequent licensure in Veterinary Technology University of Tennessee, Martin Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST Page ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Justification for consideration of expedited policy ▪ ▪ ▪ Existing programs of study at the institution ▪ ▪ Community and industry partnerships The proposed program will consist of 120 credit hours and will be primarily delivered on campus The program is also intended to serve as a pipeline to professional veterinary schools with a focus on the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Science There are only 22 accredited veterinary technology undergraduate degree programs nationwide A standalone program allows the program to offer a more focused curriculum experience, increases the visibility of the program to potential students, and be clearer for graduates to communicate to potential employers The proposed program meets the definition of a high-demand program based on the CIP code (01) falling into the category of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs Currently, there is a national shortage of veterinary technicians According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for veterinary technicians is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029 which is much faster than the average for all occupations The Department of Agriculture identified 197 areas with a shortage of veterinarians, including 13 counties in Tennessee and according to the USDA, there is a shortage in the supply of veterinarians in rural areas UTM reported that 95 percent of veterinary technology graduates are employed within 60 days of graduation – please provide the data source for this Creating a standalone major will not have an adverse effect on the remaining two original concentrations as both Animal Sciences and Production, Business, and Management have an average annual enrollment of 67 and 20 students, respectively, while graduating an average of six and 10 students each year, respectively Over the past 10 years, UTM has developed partnerships with more than 75 public, corporate, and private veterinary practices that have hosted Veterinary Technology interns and has sent 110 students to 11 different veterinary schools Letters of support are provided by: o Memphis Veterinary Specialists and Emergency o UT College of Veterinary Medicine o Nashville Veterinary Specialists o BluePearl Veterinary Partners o Auburn University o Texas Technological University – School of Veterinary Medicine o Bells Animal Clinic in West TN o VCA Ragland and Riley Hospital in Livingston University of Tennessee, Martin Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST Page ▪ Accreditation ▪ ▪ Administrative Structure ▪ ▪ Enrollment and graduation projections ▪ ▪ ▪ Alignment with State Master Plan and Institutional mission profile ▪ ▪ ▪ Student interest The existing track in Veterinary Health Technology is accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) and the proposed change in structure will not affect this existing accreditation A SACSCOC substantive change will not be needed The proposed program will be housed in the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Dr Jason Roberts will be the program director for the proposed program UTM is basing high enrollment projections off a conservative estimate of percent annual growth in the program UTM cites that the current concentration began in fall 2010 and has grown to 121 students in the fall of 2019 UTM projects as the proposed standalone major becomes more visible, increased growth will continue Based on historical trends at UTM, the Veterinary Science program projects a 30 percent attrition rate, while the Veterinary Technician program is projected to have less than percent attrition UTM cites the high admissions standards as a reason for these projections The proposed program aligns with the THEC Master Plan by providing an avenue for Tennesseans to earn a postsecondary credential in a high-demand field UTM’s mission is to provide a quality undergraduate education in a traditional collegiate atmosphere characterized at all levels by close collaboration among students, faculty, and staff In addition, the university is dedicated to meeting life-long educational needs by providing graduate programs, distance-learning opportunities and other creative endeavors The proposed Veterinary Science and Technology major will allow the institution to continue serving diverse Tennessee populations through undergraduate programming Changing these current tracks into a new major with concentrations was recommended following a comprehensive University Strategic Enrollment Process which identified areas the University could improve in all areas of student recruitment, retention, and success A survey was administered to current UTM students in Animal Science including students enrolled in the Veterinary Science and Veterinary Technology tracks They received 176 responses which indicated: o 75 percent of students strongly agreed that a standalone major will be a valuable addition to UTM o 73 percent strongly agreed that they would be interested in the new program o 65 percent believed that the new pathway into veterinary school was important University of Tennessee, Martin Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST Page Existing programs offered at public and private Tennessee universities ▪ Austin Peay State University offers a BS in General Agriculture with tracks in Veterinary Science and Veterinary Technology ▪ UTM cites existing partnerships with Dyersburg and Jackson State Community Colleges to insure seamless transfer for students Please add this section to the ELON and include in the Table of Contents The information provided concerning the TTP for Animal Science is unclear – will a new pathway need to be developed or will the existing animal science pathway serve as a feeder to the proposed program? No public comments were received Articulation and transfer ▪ ▪ Public comments ▪ Table - Trends for General Agriculture, BSAG: Degrees Awarded Academic Program – Degrees Awarded 201516 201617 201718 201819 201920 Year Average Concentrations 1) Animal Science (4 tracks) 89 92 85 92 104 92 o Veterinary Technology o Veterinary Science 35 34 37 36 39 38 41 40 42 42 38 38 o Animal Science 5 o Production, Business, and Mgmt 13 14 13 10 2) Agricultural Eng Tech (2 tracks) 15 12 12 18 18 15 3) Agricultural Science (3 tracks) 13 10 13 10 4) Plant & Soil Science (2 tracks) 215 12 218 10 205 217 12 247 10 GENERAL AGRICULTURE, BSAG 219 University of Tennessee, Martin Veterinary Science and Technology, BVST Page Expedited Letter of Notification (ELON) Institution: The University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) College: College of Agriculture and Applied Science Department: Department of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources Title of Degree: Bachelor of Science Formal Degree Abbreviation: BVST CIP/THEC Code: 01.8101 CIP Code Title: Veterinary Sciences/ Veterinary Clinical Sciences Proposed Implementation Date: August 2021 Academic Program Liaisons: Karen Etzkorn, Director of Academic Affairs 711-F Andy Holt Tower University of Tennessee System, 37996 Phone number: 865-974-2104 Email: etzkorn@tennessee.edu Jason Roberts, Program Director Veterinary Technology 256 Brehm Hall University of Tennessee at Martin, 38238 Phone number: 731-881-1011 Email: jrober29@utm.edu UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology Table of Contents UT Administration Letters of Support Proposed Implementation Timeline Background and Overview .6 Background Narrative .6 Justification for Consideration of Expedited Approval 10 Existing Programs of Study at UTM 10 Community and Industry Partners 11 Accreditation 14 Administrative Structure 14 Enrollment and Graduation Projections 15 Institutional Alignment and Demand 16 Institutional Mission Profile Alignment 16 Statewide Alignment 16 Student Interest 18 Existing Programs in Tennessee 19 THEC Evaluation of ELON 20 Response to LON Evaluation 25 Appendix A: Letters of Support 29 Appendix B: Student Interest Survey 39 UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology UT Administration Letters of Support UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology Proposed Implementation Timeline ELON & ENAPP Site Visit & Response Approval Launch Program UTM ELON 11.18.2020 • Complete ELON: Nov 15, 2020 • Submit ENAPP: Dec 15, 2020 • Conduct site visit (virtually) by Jan 31, 2021 • Respond to reviewer & THEC by Mar 1, 2021 • University of Tennessee BOT: June 2021 • Seek approval from THEC: July 2021 • Implementation: Fall 2021 with current students • Begin recruitment/marketing for external students BS Veterinary Science and Technology October 5, 2020 Dr Jason Roberts and Dr Wes Totten University Tennessee at Martin Department of Agriculture, Geosciences, and Natural Resources Martin, TN 38238 Dear Drs Roberts and Totten, On behalf of Nashville Veterinary Specialists, we support your team’s proposed B.S degree in veterinary science and technology at the University of Tennessee at Martin We have experience graduates from the current veterinary science and technology options in animal science and support converting these options to concentrations in veterinary science and veterinary technology within a new veterinary science and technology program As you know, it is certainly a challenging time to attract and hire qualified graduates in veterinary technology and veterinary science It is difficult to attract qualified applicants in most locations, but it is particularly difficult to attract graduates with an agriculture background and an interest in large animal practice and rural communities Graduates from UT Martin are well suited to help fill these needs Without a doubt, this new program can help prepare graduates to fill these needs in Tennessee and surrounding states immediately, and for years to come As a veterinarian and business owner, I can attest to the growth in job opportunities for welltrained veterinary professionals Demand currently outstrips supply This program will be a valuable addition to the department while providing needed graduates for the industry I fully support this new program Sincerely, Harry Boyd House III (Beau) UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 32 UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 33 UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 34 UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 35 UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 36 UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 37 UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 38 Appendix B: Student Interest Survey UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 39 Student Interest Survey for Vet Sci and Tech Major - Dashboard 87.13% 176 Completion Rate 268 202 Viewed Completed 26 Started Average Time Dropouts 600 Response Distribution + - Countries Responses US 100.00% Total 100.00% What is your current major? Other : 0.57% Agriculture : 7.95% Agricultural Business : 1.14% Animal Science : 10.23% Veterinary Science : 39.77% Veterinary Technology : 40.34% Answer Count Agriculture Percent 14 7.95% 1.14% Animal Science 18 10.23% Veterinary Technology 71 40.34% Veterinary Science 70 39.77% 0.57% 176 100% Agricultural Business Other Total UTM ELON 11.18.2020 20% BS Veterinary Science and Technology Student Interest Survey for Vet Sci and Tech Major 40% 60% 80% 100% 40 A major in veterinary science and technology (instead of the current major in agriculture with options in veterinary science and technology) will be a valuable addition to UT Martin Disagree : 0.57% Neutral : 6.82% Agree : 17.61% Strongly agree : 75.00% Answer Count Strongly agree Percent 132 75% Agree 31 17.61% Neutral 12 6.82% Disagree 0.57% Strongly disagree 0% 176 100% Total 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 60% 80% 100% I would be interested in a major in veterinary science and technology if offered at UT Martin Strongly disagree : 0.57% Disagree : 0.57% Neutral : 11.93% Agree : 13.64% Strongly agree : 73.30% Answer Count Strongly agree Percent 129 73.3% Agree 24 13.64% Neutral 21 11.93% Disagree 0.57% Strongly disagree 0.57% 176 100% Total UTM ELON 11.18.2020 20% BS Veterinary Science and Technology Student Interest Survey for Vet Sci and Tech Major 40% 41 I would tell friends about a new major in veterinary science and technology at UT Martin Neutral : 7.95% Agree : 27.84% Strongly agree : 64.20% Answer Count Percent Strongly agree 113 64.2% Agree 49 27.84% Neutral 14 7.95% Disagree 0% Strongly disagree 0% 176 100% Total UTM ELON 11.18.2020 20% BS Veterinary Science and Technology Student Interest Survey for Vet Sci and Tech Major 40% 60% 80% 100% 42 I would take courses in this new major in veterinary science and technology at UT Martin Strongly disagree : 0.57% Neutral : 5.68% Agree : 22.73% Strongly agree : 71.02% Answer Count Percent Strongly agree 125 71.02% Agree 40 22.73% Neutral 10 5.68% Disagree 0% Strongly disagree 0.57% 176 100% Total 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 60% 80% 100% Providing a new major with a pathway to veterinary school is important to me Disagree : 1.14% Neutral : 10.80% Agree : 22.73% Strongly agree : 65.34% Answer Count Percent Strongly agree 115 65.34% Agree 40 22.73% Neutral 19 10.8% Disagree 1.14% Strongly disagree 0% 176 100% Total UTM ELON 11.18.2020 20% BS Veterinary Science and Technology Student Interest Survey for Vet Sci and Tech Major 40% 43 Providing a new major with a pathway to licensure in veterinary technology is important to me Strongly disagree : 0.57% Disagree : 0.57% Neutral : 9.66% Agree : 20.45% Strongly agree : 68.75% Answer Count Percent Strongly agree 121 68.75% Agree 36 20.45% Neutral 17 9.66% Disagree 0.57% Strongly disagree 0.57% 176 100% Total 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Please provide any comments you have on the potential of adding a new major in veterinary science and technology 09/29/2020 82942828 I think adding the new major would be a good idea because it can offer new opportunities for students 09/24/2020 82316783 It would help students wanting to specifically be a vet or vet tech have classes more geared towards their future career 09/24/2020 82296382 This could bring in more students I turned down several schools because they didn't have clear majors 09/23/2020 82161557 N/A 09/23/2020 82140898 It would be very helpful and strongly supported 09/23/2020 82089234 Would there be a difference in courses? Or just the BoS title? 09/23/2020 82050697 I think it would be a great idea and hope it happens because I would love to be part 09/23/2020 82047459 This would help those who are unsure which of the two paths they should follow 09/23/2020 82043374 Yes I think this is an extremely good idea 09/23/2020 82039810 UTM already has such an amazing agriculture and veterinary science program and this addition would make it all the more prestigious 09/22/2020 81970769 N/A 09/22/2020 81956739 I would like to have a degree titled in vet technology instead of agriculture 09/22/2020 81955573 I don't mind having to major in Agriscience concentrating in Vet Technology I will be learning everything I need to know to be a successful vet tech 09/22/2020 81951515 This would be a great way to attracted more people 09/22/2020 81902309 It would be extremely beneficial 09/21/2020 81838523 I believe this would be great for the Pre-Vet and Vet Tech students as our resumes can be misleading with only a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture concentration Animal Science UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology Student Interest Survey for Vet Sci and Tech Major 44 09/21/2020 81811264 I would love for this to be an options because that is what I am pursuing now and it would make it much easier making it a major rather than a program 09/21/2020 81772709 N/a 09/21/2020 81766838 I believe that this new major would add value to the field of veterinary science and technology 09/21/2020 81765130 No comment 09/21/2020 81754149 I would be very interested in a new major in veterinary science and technology at University of Tennessee Martin 09/21/2020 81741022 I would love to have it It shows it is just as important and credible as Veterinary Sciences 09/20/2020 81695918 I not have any comments to add 09/20/2020 81685515 If possible, I would probably attempt to change my major to this 09/20/2020 81684989 I think it would be very beneficial and would love to see UTM add this new major 09/20/2020 81679237 I think it would be a good idea 09/20/2020 81678264 It would offer more courses which would allow students to gain more knowledge in the field 09/20/2020 81678282 I have no questions 09/20/2020 81677431 I think its a great idea! 09/20/2020 81675627 No more questions 09/20/2020 81675129 I think this is a really good idea! It will also help on resumes so we can put that we have a degree in Animal Science or Vet Science instead of what seems like a general Agriculture degree 09/20/2020 81652978 I believe a large amount of students would heavily benefit from the addition of this major 09/20/2020 81651469 I believe this would be a great addition because it allows students who know they want to become a vet the opportunity to get full exposure to the major 09/19/2020 81586609 I think this would be a great addition to the veterinary program at UTM 09/19/2020 81584963 Na 09/19/2020 81583339 this major would most definitely entice people 09/19/2020 81570246 I won’t be able to actually take part in this change because I graduate in May, but I think this would be a valuable addition to UTM! 09/19/2020 81553106 I believe adding this option will elevate the Veterinary Technology Program on campus This will also give prospective veterinary school applicants another option when attending school and level-up the quality of our applicant pool 09/19/2020 81527544 Having this new manor added would help those of us wanting to this by helping us be more specific with what we want to with our careers and would also help better the chances of veterinary school and jobs 09/18/2020 81511844 I believe adding a new major in veterinary science and technology would be very beneficial to UTM and is something that I, as well as many others, would be interested in 09/18/2020 81511837 I believe this would be a great addition to UTM 09/18/2020 81511417 I believe it would be a great opportunity for students to find a different avenue to veterinary school Students will get to participate in different aspects of vet med that will help elevate them to being a great candidate for veterinary school 09/18/2020 81508011 I think it is a great idea 09/18/2020 81506993 N/a 09/18/2020 81506716 i think that it would be very valuable because it is different than just saying that your major was agriculture but you studied vet tech or vet science 09/18/2020 81503645 The major should offer partial or full payment of rabies vaccination that the students are required to get Some students don't have as good of insurance of others, or the insurance that they may have won't provide help, unless already bitten by animal to get the shot 09/18/2020 81503646 It would be a nice addition 09/18/2020 81503172 I think it would be very beneficial 09/18/2020 81502963 I feel it would be a great idea to add a new major It would give a lot more opportunities to people who want to other things as a vet or vet Tech 09/18/2020 81503141 It would be a cool addition 09/18/2020 81502967 What would the “new major” be and could it help with credit hours for Vet school? UTM81491443 ELON 11.18.2020 09/18/2020 none at the moment BS Veterinary Science and Technology Student Interest Survey for Vet Sci and Tech Major 45 09/18/2020 81491443 none at the moment 09/18/2020 81487671 I feel the addition of a new major that is focused and oriented towards the career path in becoming a practicing veterinarian or veterinary technician would be imperatively beneficial to students who seek those professions Rather than being blanketed under the vastly generalizing Agriculture major, the students who are more geared towards the clinical aspect of working with the animal side of agriculture will be able to have a major that plans out courses that would greatly benefit them in their unique career path 09/18/2020 81488680 N/A 09/18/2020 81488668 N/A 09/18/2020 81483366 Veterinary science should fall under its own category - it is VERY different from the regular agriculture/animal science majors 09/18/2020 81481610 I think this would be a fantastic idea and great opportunity for students! 09/18/2020 81478428 This new major would better prepare students entering a career in veterinary technology after graduation 09/18/2020 81477294 I think this is a great idea! Students wanting to major in Veterinary medicine or Veterinary Health Technology will be able to have a more centralized focus into that major instead of an agricultural major with a concentration in it 09/18/2020 81477186 n/a 09/18/2020 81476982 / 09/18/2020 81475563 I think this would be an excellent addition to the UT Martin program Having my degree say "bachelor of science in veterinary health" would mean more to me than the current way it is phrased Especially if I go off to vet school because it'll show that not only have I made it to vet school, but that I have been working toward this in my undergrad career It would be nice and meaningful to have my degree actually refer to what I am wanting to for the future instead of just being the broad category of "agriculture" 09/18/2020 81475461 I think it’s a great idea! 09/18/2020 81474823 It would be SO MUCH BETTER for me to have a major in veterinary tech ad opposed to agriculture 09/18/2020 81474221 I feel like it would make it easier when applying to vet school It would also be less confusing when trying to tell someone what your major is 09/18/2020 81474179 this would be a great idea! UTM ELON 11.18.2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology Student Interest Survey for Vet Sci and Tech Major 46 ... 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 35 UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 36 UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 37 UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary... (Beau) UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 32 UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 33 UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 34 UTM ELON. .. ELON UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 28 Appendix A: Letters of Support UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science and Technology 29 UTM ELON 11.18 .2020 BS Veterinary Science