ACADEMIC PROGRAM PROPOSAL FORM (Revised: March 2016) DIRECTIONS: Use this form when proposing a new major or primary field of study, new emphasis, or new degree program. DATE SUBMITTED: 5/24/17 Date of AAC Approval: INSTITUTION: University of Nevada, Reno June 7, 2017 REQUEST TYPE: New Degree Date of Board Approval: New Major or Primary Field of Study New Emphasis New Certificate of Achievement (AAC approval only) DEGREE (i.e. Bachelor of Science): Doctor of Philosophy - PhD MAJOR (i.e. Animal Science): Animal and Rangeland Sciences EMPHASIS (i.e. Equine Studies): CREDITS TO DEGREE: 24 credits from a completed master's degree or post-baccalaureate graduate studies, 24 credits of dissertation, and 24 credits of additional coursework, with at least 30 700-799 coursework credits. CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT: PROPOSED SEMESTER OF IMPLEMENTATION: Spring 2018 Action requested: Approve formation of this degree program A. Brief description and purpose of proposed program The Animal and Rangeland Sciences PhD Program will prepare students for successful research, academic, and other demanding careers in fundamental and applied sciences, agriculture, rangeland management. Graduates will be prepared to address critical regional and worldwide needs to sustainably feed people, care for animals and agricultural enterprises, and manage 40% of both the U.S. and Earth’s terrestrial surface for multiple uses and values. Students may focus on various sub- disciplines related to animal science including: animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, health, reproduction, welfare, livestock production, meat industry and food safety. Specific areas of study within the rangeland ecology and management specialty include: riparian ecosystems, ecology, hydrology, restoration, landscape ecology, soil-plant relations, rangeland animal and wildlife interactions, grazing and habitat management, planning, management, monitoring, invasive species, 1 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 1 of 17 and remote sensing. Graduates are needed to meet the needs of the agriculture profession including industry and agency research, administration, consulting, and land-grant and other colleges and universities. B. Statement of degree or program objectives The Animal and Rangeland Science PhD Program will prepare students to address critical regional and worldwide needs in animal science and rangeland ecology and management by meeting these degree or program objectives. Students will be able to: • Apply scientific concepts to systematically create new knowledge related to the sustainable management of agricultural and natural resources. • Plan and execute a diversity of experiments using appropriate science and statistical approaches to address research questions relevant to their dissertation projects. • Effectively compose and articulate scientific concepts through written and oral communication. • Evaluate and apply professional ethics in the design and application of their research. C. Plan for assessment of degree or program objectives Program objectives are centered on student achievement and the answer to D (below) is central to assessment of program success. Beyond this we will maintain professional relationships with our graduating students, noting their career successes and progress. We will also track the reasons that any students provide about why they leave the program prior to graduation. D. Plan for assessment of student learning outcomes and the use of this data for program improvement Candidates will be required to register for and attend two units of AGSC 7XX Animal and Rangeland Science Seminar (1 unit x 2 semesters) as they begin and end their program of study. At the beginning of their tenure, students will develop and present a thesis/professional paper study plan. At the end, candidates will present all or parts of their scientific or professional research to fellow students and faculty. Student plans and progress will be assessed by their advising committee regarding their plan of study (coursework) and study plan (research). Candidates will also complete a written and oral comprehensive examination created by their advising committee and present their dissertation defense for an open audience. These opportunities provide faculty with an opportunity to assess the development of each student and to adapt the program as needed to achieve or improve success in meeting program objectives 1-4. E. Contribution and relationship of program objectives to i. NSHE Master Plan The NSHE Master Plan calls for alignment between public higher education and the state economy. A significant portion of Nevada agriculture is directed primarily toward rangeland livestock production. Cattle and calves are Nevada’s leading agricultural industry, totaling 62.5% of all farm receipts (Nevada Department of Agriculture, 2011). Collectively, animal products and forages account for more than 75% of Nevada commodities. Yet most cattle and sheep are sold on the hoof due to a lack of meat processing facilities, "a potential growth area for the agriculture sector" (Nevada Department of Agriculture, 2013). Range livestock production is governed by management agency regulations and the ecosystems characteristic of Nevada and adjoining states. Livestock grazing is also a fundamentally important tool for ecosystem management including fuels treatments, habitat enhancement, and sustainable production of ecosystem services. The USDA (2015) estimates that between 2015 and 2020, there will be 57,900 average annual job openings, of which 35,400 are expected to be fulfilled by graduates with higher degrees and expertise in food, agriculture, and renewable resources. This proposed Ph.D. Degree in Animal and Rangeland Sciences is essential for crafting the strategies needed to sustain 2 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 2 of 17 Nevada's agricultural economy in this most arid State, while simultaneously expressing a collective voice for rational rangeland stewardship. ii. Institutional mission The Graduate Program in Animal and Rangeland Sciences (GPARS) will mentor competent and confident leaders inspired by UNR's land-grant foundation that has always and must always connect the University to the land and to the growing population of people who depend upon the land. Rangelands comprise 80% of Nevada's land surface area, 40% of the US, and between 50- 70% of the world's terrestrial ecosystems, providing food and other ecosystem services for human populations. The proposed graduate program will be at the heart of the vibrant and outstanding learning community dedicated to this endeavor. It will be focused on discovery and engagement so that the University is central and relevant to stewardship of our lands and our agricultural enterprises. Our teaching, research and extension programs will serve the economic, social, environmental, and cultural needs of the citizens of Nevada, the Nation, and the World through our emphasis and current leadership in animal agriculture and rangeland ecology and management. To do this we have and will continue to embrace the critical importance of diversity in preparing students for global citizenship and we are committed to a culture of excellence, inclusion, and accessibility. The work force that manages Nevada rangelands is extremely diverse, including employees of agencies and industries committed to diversity and multiple generations of Native, Mexican, Basque, and other European American ranch families, as well as a diverse array of other rangeland users. Around the world rangelands have sustained diverse human populations for millenia and the learning, discovery, and engagement of this program is needed now more than ever for continued sustainability in a time of change, variation, and economic challenges. iii. Campus strategic plan and/or academic master plan Graduate education is the innovation platform for academic excellence and integrity based on discovery from a foundation of research. In striving for classification as a “Carnegie Research University/Very High” University with "emphasis" in "Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Great Basin Studies, Integrated Earth Systems, and Renewable Energy," and in achieving our objectives (above), we fully anticipate the following contributions toward fulfilling the UNR 2015-2021 Strategic Plan: Increased enrollment of a diversity of graduate students seeking mentoring for rewarding employment, and skills developed through engagement with faculty dedicated to the application of new research knowledge, while also dedicated to citizens and constituents seeking solutions.-- This will come through the integration of Land Grant University and faculty roles in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources, the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Excellence in animal and rangeland ecosystem management sciences with paradigm changing research about the synergistic application of innovative strategies. -- Examples will include the adjustment of microbial communities within ruminant animals to better utilize coarse forages to create human food, and the exploration of new alignments between land management and knowledge derived from new research. Success in research contributing to the cutting edge sciences taught throughout graduate and undergraduate classes. -- Adaptation of the beef cow and sheep model to arid rangeland 3 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE