University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	July 18, 1997
Contact: Cheryl Ernst, (808) 956-5941

UH Regents Merge Library School into Computer Department and Establish a Bachelor's Program in Astronomy at Hilo The University of Hawai'i Board of Regents today merged the UH Manoa School of Library and Information Studies into its Department of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS), approved a bachelor's program in astronomy for the UH Hilo campus and revised its approach to business technology instruction at Windward Community College. In other business during its committee and monthly board meetings at the UH Manoa campus, the board approved a reorganization of the University Relations office, which should save the University about $130,000, and heard reports profiling the international students in the UH system and describing the UHM Athletic Department's efforts to reduce dependence on state general funds. The concept of merging library studies and computer sciences is fairly new, but not unprecedented, says Stephen Itoga, chair of the ICS department. It has been adopted at the University of California, Berkeley, and is based on the increasingly compatible roles involved in managing digital information and library technologies. All courses and degrees will be continued&emdash;the expanded department has about 30 faculty/staff, 300 undergraduate students and more than 100 graduate students. About $50,000 annual savings will result from converting the dean's position to a faculty post and a secretarial position to an educational specialist job in another department. The new UH Hilo bachelor of science program, which begins this fall, creates an undergraduate major that will provide Hawai'i students with preparation for support jobs at Mauna Kea or advanced study in astronomy, notes UHH Interim Chancellor William Pearman. Its strong math and physics content will also provide an appropriate background for students who pursue careers in the computer industry or become high school science teachers. Revision to the Windward CC curriculum reflects changing enrollment patterns and business demands, says Chancellor for Community Colleges Joyce Tsunoda. The board terminated the associate in applied science and certificate programs in office administration and technology, finance and accounting. Instead, Windward students can take advantage of the newly approved certificate of completion in business technology, which offers a shorter and more flexible course of study. Students who still want to obtain associate degrees can do so at Leeward or Kapi'olani Community Colleges.