THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

 

TO:	The Higher Education and Professional Practice Committee
FROM:	Johanna Duncan-Poitier
SUBJECT:	Regents authorization for an institution to confer a new degree
DATE:	July 29, 2005
STRATEGIC GOAL:	Goal 2
AUTHORIZATION(S):

 

SUMMARY

 

Issue for Decision (Consent Agenda)

 

Should the Regents authorize The City University of New York (CUNY) Trustees to confer the degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center?

 

Reason(s) for Consideration

 

Required by State statute.

Proposed Handling

 

The question will come before the Higher Education & Professional Practice Committee at its September 2005 meeting where it will be voted on and action taken.  It will then come before the Full Board at its September 2005 meeting for final action.

 

Procedural History

 

Approval by the Board of Regents for the CUNY Trustees to award a new degree title is required by Subdivision (8) of Section 6206 of the Education Law.

 

Background Information

 

The Trustees now award five types of doctoral degrees at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center.  CUNY has requested registration of a multi-institution, licensure-qualifying Physical Therapy program to be offered by the Graduate School and University Center, Hunter College, and the College of Staten Island with the Graduate School awarding the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

 

The proposed three-year D.P.T. program will replace the currently registered master’s programs in Physical Therapy at Hunter College and the College of Staten Island as the entry-level degree for the practice of physical therapy.  These programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

 

Recommendation

 

The Regents should approve authority for the CUNY Trustees to confer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree on students completing registered programs at the CUNY Graduate School and University Center because:

 

• The program meets the standards for registration in the Regulations of the Commissioner.
• It will permit CUNY to continue to offer a program in physical therapy that will respond to the new CAPTE accreditation standards and that will prepare graduates for licensure as physical therapists.

 

Timetable for Implementation

 

This approval will be effective September 9, 2005.