NIU will have to do without a physics doctorate program because Provost Kendall Baker withdrew the $2 million prosposal from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

At the Faculty Assembly meeting Wednesday, Baker spoke on his reasons for withdrawing the request.

With a price tag of $2 million to implement the program and a negative report about the program from an external review committee, Baker said he was reluctant to submit a proposal to the Board of Regents for approval.

His reluctance also stems from the possibility of having the doctorate program entirely rejected, Baker said. Rather, he said he requested $500,000 for physics equipment which could help start the doctorate program and improve the physics department.

It is unknown at this time whether funds will be allocated, he said. But it would be a good sign if part of the $500,000 was approved because that might mean more funds will be allocated in later years to complete the doctorate program, he said.

Faculty Assembly member William Monat said he thought Baker made the “right decision.” He said it was good not to proceed with the proposal because two years ago a proposal for a doctorate program was submitted for approval with two favorable reviews, and it was declined. With the negative report, the physics proposal most likely would be turned down as well, Monat said.

Baker said when he arrived on campus in June he was informed of the proposal for the doctorate program which was “rapidly” put together last spring. Pressure from the Regents in August pushed Baker into making a quick decision as to whether the proposal should be submitted to the Regents for approval, he said.

e said he did not have time to discuss the proposal with faculty members because of the time element.

In addition, Baker said he did not want to send a negative report to faculty, and he was waiting for a second report from the review committee.

owever, Baker said he did not receive the second report in time to inform faculty members and make a decision on the proposal.

In other business, Baker decided not to have a nationwide search for assistant and associate provosts because of the high expense. Rather, the position will be filled by someone within the university.

“I am reluctant to allocate that amount of money because there are capable individuals on campus that can fill the position effectively,” he said.