Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Governor Michael S. Steele Lt. Governor George F. Pappas Chairman Calvin W. Burnett Secretary of Higher Education
MEMOR AND UM
DATE: TO: FROM:
September 14, 2005 Education Policy Committee Calvin W. Burnett STAFF: David E. Sumler
SUBJECT: Institutional Approval of Baltimore International College to offer the Master of Science in Hospitality Management Degree Baltimore International College (BIC or “the College”) has applied to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC or “the Commission”) for approval of a new program that would also require approval to offer a new degree. The program and degree is the Master of Science in Hospitality Management. BIC has not previously offered a degree beyond the baccalaureate level. Section 13B.02.02.10 of the Code of Maryland Regulations provides that if an already approved degree-granting institution wishes to offer a new degree, the Commission shall assess the readiness of the institution to grant the degree and the Secretary of Higher Education may appoint a team to assist in this assessment. Baltimore International College offers associate and baccalaureate degrees in culinary arts and hospitality management. In fall 2004, it enrolled 555 students. The College began in 1968 as a program in culinary arts within the Department of Restaurant/Hotel Management of the Community College of Baltimore (CCB). In 1978, the Mayor of Baltimore, William Donald Schaefer, aided the program in becoming a private career school by providing three buildings adjacent to the Inner Harbor Campus of CCB. The school’s name was the Baltimore International Culinary Arts Institute. In 1984, the Institute applied to the State Board for Higher Education for Associate degree-granting status. This was approved in the summer of 1985. At that time, the Institute enrolled approximately 70 students each instructional session. The institution, as the Baltimore International Culinary College, was approved to offer Associate degrees in Restaurant Food Management and in Baking. Since 1985, the College has expanded considerably. The enrollment has grown consistently to the present total of around 550 students per instructional session. The College has purchased a number of buildings in Baltimore and now owns three instructional buildings in the Inner Harbor area, two hotels with restaurants, and several buildings converted into apartments for students.
M ARYLAND H IGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION 839 Bestgate Rd Suite 400 Annapolis, MD 21401-3013 T 410.260.4500 800.974.0203 F 410.260.3200 TTY for the Deaf 800.735.2258 www.mhec.state.md.us
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The College has just completed the transformation of a former public school into a new campus in Little Italy in Baltimore. That site opened this fall. The College also owns an estate in Ireland, which is used for training in international cuisine. In 1988, the College became eligible for participation in the program of State Aid for Independent Colleges. This eligibility was conditioned on the College attaining “candidacy” for regional accreditation with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The College has received full accreditation from Middle States. Finally, the College changed its name to Baltimore International College in 1998 when the Commission approved the College to offer bachelor degrees in two fields of hospitality management. Master of Science in Hospitality Management As a recognized institution of higher learning in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management with accreditation as a four year college, the Baltimore International College (BIC) proposes expanding its mission by offering BIC students graduate courses leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Hospitality Management. The M.S. in Hospitality Management is designed to offer a natural sequence in the academic progression of the seasoned hospitality industry professional and to give a competitive advantage to relatively inexperienced entrants into the industry. The program has been designed to be a seamless extension of the College’s existing B.S. in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management and will fit most other B.S. programs currently being offered. For those from outside the College or the hospitality industry, the M.S. program offers the ability to tailor prerequisites to the candidate’s specific experience and academic background. An evaluation team appointed by the Commission’s Division of Planning and Academic Affairs visited Baltimore International College on April 5—6, 2005. The members of the team were: Dr. David E. Sumler Assistant Secretary, Planning and Academic Affairs Ms. Genevieve Segura Senior Education Policy Analyst The following out-of-state consultant reviewed the curriculum and faculty qualifications: Dr. Judith Siguaw Associate Professor of Management Director of the Graduate Faculty Department of Hotel Administration Graduate School Cornell University Ithaca, New York
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Summary of Team Findings The M.S. curriculum is based on course topics that are fundamental to the hospitality industry, in current practice, and state-of-the-art technology. Upon completion of the M.S. in Hospitality Management degree from Baltimore International College, the graduate will be prepared to quickly assume a productive position in the hospitality industry and advance his/her career to a higher level. The team found that Baltimore International College is prepared to offer the Master of Science in Hospitality Management degree. The proposed curriculum is appropriate to the fields to be offered. The facilities are adequate and are well maintained. The present equipment is adequate to support the curriculum. The opening of the new campus will provide additional classroom space for this program. The College has provided for sufficient funding to support the program. The faculty members at the time of the team visit were appropriate to support the curriculum and were in compliance with the Minimum Requirements in terms of academic qualifications. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Education Policy Committee recommend to the Maryland Higher Education Commission the approval of Baltimore International College to offer the Master of Science in Hospitality Management degree beginning in December 2005.
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