PROGRAM CHANGE PROPOSAL

ACADEMIC UNIT:	AFE - Agriculture System
DATE PREPARED:
PRIMARY AUTHOR(S):	Kenneth Andries and John Sedlacek
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE FACULTY APPROVED: (Committee Chairperson's Signature)	(Date) 10/24/16
CHAIRPERSON APPROVED: (Chairperson's Signature)	(Date) 10/24/16
DEAN APPROVED: (Dean's Signature)

1. DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE

Creation of a degree certificate program within the AFE degree that will be open to any student or individual desiring a certificate in the area of agriculture production. This will be a 15 hr. certificate called Sustainable Agricultural Systems.

2. STARTING WITH:

Fall 2017 Year

3. EXPLANATION AND JUSTIFICATION FOR REQUESTED CHANGE

Undergraduate certificate programs can benefit students who are not pursuing a B.S. degree but wish to work within a technical field. They can also positively impact retention of students pursuing a 4-year degree. Adding a certificate degree is expected to greatly enhance participation in the Division's courses, both by traditional and non-traditional students, especially new high school graduates interested in jobs in sustainable agriculture.

Certificate in Sustainable Agricultural Systems:

The US Bureau of Labor statistics indicates an expected growth of 5 to 7 % for positions in agriculture related fields between 2014 and 2024. These positions include positions that require knowledge and experience in production agriculture and practices related to growing of crops and livestock. Many of these positions are off-farm positions in industry and government agencies. The AFE degree works to prepare students for these positions as well as train the next generation of agriculture producers through the degree concentration of Agriculture Systems. However, there is still a need for students with a diverse background in business, environmental systems, and other areas that can increase their employability in