UT Plans to Continue Audiology and Speech Pathology Program in Knoxville

To: Knoxville-area UT Faculty and Staff
From: Interim Chancellor Jan Simek
Subject: UT Plans to Continue Audiology and Speech Pathology Program in Knoxville

Today UT Knoxville and our partners in the UT system announced significant progress toward a solution that will allow the UT Knoxville audiology and speech pathology department to continue operations through UT and remain in Knoxville.

The university is committed to keeping the clinic open, and in Knoxville. Details are still being worked out, but UT will continue to operate the clinic and the academic program.

A group representing myself, the president, the College of Arts and Sciences, the audiology and speech pathology department, the UT Health Science Center and others has sought alternatives that will allow the program to continue to meet the educational and clinical needs of Tennesseans.

Our discussion remains focused on the economic realities facing all of our campuses and institutes. We think a new approach will provide shared efficiencies and new opportunities for strategic partnerships. Under the plan, the department will no longer be affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences, allowing for the needed reductions in the campus budget.

We expect to be able to announce the plan in early September, and we will work closely with the Faculty Senate, the department and other university leaders to ensure that alternatives consider the program's mission and service, current faculty and staff as well as patients and their families.

Posted August 19, 2008