Task forces endorse increased resources for health sciences

By Julia Martinez

A B.S. in health sciences was recognized by the program prioritization task force reports as a candidate for enhanced resources.

In the program prioritization task face reports that were released Monday, all 459 programs at NIU were each placed into five categories to determine which programs are of highest priority to receive resources, and only 12 percent were ranked into being a candidate for enhancement.

“Individuals with training in health related fields is rising,” according to the health sciences’ narrative. “Especially given that the degree program offers student career opportunities immediately after graduation.”

From fall 2011 to fall 2014, the major has grown eight percent from 618 students to 675 students, according to the narrative.

The task force reports suggested the resource enhancements should go towards providing career counseling and hiring additional faculty.

More faculty hires in the program will enhance scholarly productivity, according to the report.