After the Baker University Educational Programs and Curriculum Committee proposed the new Master of Business Administration program May 3, discussion and response to faculty concerns continued at a town hall meeting Wednesday in Mabee Memorial Hall.

The program would be an on-ground master’s degree program designed for students who have two or less years of work experience and is a non-traditional program, in consistency with the College of Arts and Sciences curriculum at Baker.

Organization of the MBA began more than a year ago and originated in academic program review and growth initiatives, in response to needs of the university and the market.

“This program has evolved over time, and is not what our original idea was,” said Gary Irick, chair of business and economics department. “We saw a need in the marketplace, which created an opportunity we think we can take advantage of.”

Concerns raised about the program include financing, staffing, enrollment and connection to the CAS.

The biggest issue raised at the town hall meeting was whether the MBA would change the identity and focus of the CAS.

“It sounds like the concern is that we will abandon our undergraduates. That will not happen,” John Pepper, assistant professor of business and economics, said. “It will allow for us to maintain full staff, perhaps even slightly better staff, to provide the services and the support that our students currently need. Our goal is not to drop back on it, but to enhance our student experience.”

It is believed the MBA will serve as an aspirational goal, but it is not anticipated to consist entirely of Baker graduates.

“Our expectation is that we’re not going to be able to find the 30 or 20 students entirely by harvesting our undergrads,” said Judy Smrha, assistant dean for student engagement and success. “That’s not the expectations because it’s unrealistic.”

If the program is approved, many issues are to be resolved before the committee begins to publicize the program.

“There are a number of hurdles we have to jump before we have a program that’s up and running on-ground,” Irick said. “We are talking about developing ways to market the program, contacting students. It’s in process and under creation.”

Despite varying opinions of faculty members, the EPC believes faculty members appreciate the idea.

“I think overall the faculty is supportive of the idea and supportive of the program,” Irick said. “There are some opposing viewpoints, which are valid, but my overall feel is that the faculty supports the idea.”

The idea is being reviewed in the Baker University Faculty Senate and could vote on the program May 17.