2016-02

Arizona State University
University Senate
Fall 2015

Senate Motion #2016-02

Motion Introduced by:         Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee
                                                 Steven Semken, Chair
 
Date of First Reading:          August 31, 2015
 
Date of Second Reading:      September 28, 2015
 
Title of Motion:                     

Request from the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences –School of Social and Behavioral Sciences/School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences - for the establishment of an undergraduate certificate – Risk Communication
 
Action Requested:

This curricular proposal has received all college, school, unit and university administrative approvals, and is being presented to the Senate for review and voting decision.   


Rationale:

The certificate in risk communication will combine the strengths of two schools within New College, SBS and MNS. Risk Communication stems from the need to name, understand and manage physical and social risks as we are faced with increasingly challenging decisions concerning stressed social and environmental infrastructures. Proficiency in risk communication requires understanding the complex interfaces of physical, biological, psychological and social systems. The certificate will prepare students for a range of diverse careers in risk management, crisis communications and public affairs. Specifically,
students will develop expertise suited to work as risk-management specialists and environmental advocates, preparing them to translate complex scientific ideas and analyses into information that can be evaluated meaningfully by all members of society.