More Updates:

Former ruling party gains in Mexico midterm electionTucson man killed in motorcycle crash near SonoitaMan shot, killed by police on Tucson's South Side (UPDATED)Death of ex-NFL quarterback ruled a homicideTucson-area cops to join AG for crime forumRoad Runner by Andrea Kelly: Traffic laws we have forgottenWho are Tucson's rising stars?55 arrested in DUI stops across TucsonTucsonans share memories of man landing on the moonWalt Disney World monorail crash kills employeeTexas teen says father wrapped chain around himCalderon opponents poised to gain in vote for Mexican CongressToday's interactive map of crime in TucsonTucson gas-price tracker: StarNet helps you save at the pump

Related articles:

UA leaders greenlight mergers for small units

Other articles by Aaron Mackey:

UA-led space research concludes Mars once had water, perhaps life UA's biggest college gets interim dean Deal lets students pursue bachelor's degrees online UA fraternity's hazing documentedUA report cites hazing at fraternity booted from campus Incoming president of regents aims to cut students' costs UA lags in money made off its innovationsRegents like C+ transfer requirementRegents call for cooperation Regents OK 5-year deal, highest pay for Miller

Health Care
Dependable Health Services
Physical Therapists Health Care
CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Administrative & Professional
Jorgensen Brooks Group
Counselor Health Care
Sierra Tucson
Eating Disorders Program Coordinator Mechanical
Komatsu Equipment Co
Resident Field Mechanic Administrative & Professional
Tucson Urban League
CEO/President Sales and Marketing
Everready Glass
Sales Reps

The UA’s top two leaders have given their blessing to about a dozen small academic program mergers designed to make the institution more efficient, though proposals to combine several colleges remain stalled.

While the formal green light from University of Arizona President Robert Shelton and Provost Meredith Hay this week allows several departments to fully develop their merger plans, the changes aren’t likely to be implemented until next year at the earliest.

That’s because many faculty and staff members affected by the mergers still have to work out key issues such as the structure and mission of the new programs — with only a few weeks left before classes adjourn for winter break.

Hay initially had planned to have most of the mergers complete before the end of the year, using the spring to modify the course offerings.

Instead, leaders will focus on both issues in January, said Gail Burd, vice provost for academic affairs.

The recommendations by Hay and Shelton are the latest step in a major reorganization effort announced by the president in September.

Shelton called on the campus community to scrutinize how it conducts research, teaches students and serves the state in an era of declining state support and budget deficits. The effort also is designed to increase the UA’s academic prestige.

UA students along with staff and faculty members submitted about 70 proposals to reshape the institution, calling for everything from large-scale mergers of major colleges to combining niche programs into bigger units.

The proposals were reviewed by a committee, which made several recommendations for smaller mergers but called for more discussion about combining colleges or creating new ones.

Shelton’s and Hay’s recommendations essentially echo those of the committee, the provost said.

That includes approval for several smaller mergers such as the combination of the chemistry department with the department of biochemistry and molecular biophysics.

But larger proposals, such as merging the College of Engineering with the College of Science, still have to be worked out, Burd said.

Deans from the affected colleges are meeting to work out issues and see whether the mergers are feasible.

Another committee could be formed to look into the larger proposed changes or the UA may look into hiring a consultant, Burd said.

UA alum Leamon Crooms has offered to help the university work through the organizational changes but officials haven’t finalized a contract with him yet.

Crooms, who runs Oro Valley-based Strategic Growth Advisors, helps corporations change their structure.

“He has a lot of training in the kinds of things that need to be considered and could help facilitate those discussions,” Burd said. “It’s not clear how much he’ll need to be used.”