SHARON -- The University's nursing program will be more nationally visible after the Board of Trustees upgraded the Department of Nursing to a School of Nursing on Saturday, said Janet Williamson, the school's director.

The school's notoriety will increase because of the classification, Williamson said. The school will not change any of its programs, she added.

"(The new nursing program) is a very quality program at this point . . . with an extremely positive future," she said. "I think that this is an indication of the University's commitment to nursing."

The school's faculty will work on strengthening ties to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, said William C. Richardson, executive vice president and provost.

"It strengthens (students') opportunities for clinical work," he said.

Students in the University's nursing program study at the medical center and the University, Williamson said. She said the center offers students more direct experience with a variety of medical problems.

Although the school will be based at University Park in the immediate future, a transition advisory council - composed of nursing faculty and Hershey Medical Center staff - is considering the possibility of completely relocating the program at Hershey, Williamson said, adding that no definite timetable for the move has been established.

Richardson said the move will occur "several years down the road."

The council will review the relationship between University Park and Hershey Medical Center and consider the steps involved in relocation, Williamson said.

Richardson said the School of Nursing will always maintain a strong presence at University Park.