WSU faculty senators approved a proposal to create a University College at Thursday’s meeting. The college, if approved by the Board of Regents, will serve as a home for universitywide undergraduate education and advising for students who are undecided or in transition from one major to another.
By a voice vote, the senators overwhelmingly approved the proposal after about 10 minutes of discussion.
As in past discussions, senators expressed concern over whether students who were uncertified could continue to be advised in departments, or whether those students would be required to seek advising through University College.
“We are talking about students who are undecided or those who no longer have a home,” said Mary Wack, vice provost for undergraduate education and the proposed dean of the new college.
According to information Wack provided in support of the proposal, about 70 percent of students change majors at least once before becoming certified. Those are the students at risk of falling through the cracks, she said, and those are the students that the University College will provide structure and support for.
“We have heard your concerns,” said President Elson S. Floyd, who attended the meeting but did not speak until after the vote. “I do believe this is the right course to take with regard to improving student retention.”
The University College will not create any new departments or services and, according to the support material, will not cost more money to operate.
In July 2009 several units in the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Division of Student Affairs, Equity and Diversity were merged into one organizational structure, and that structure is what will be called University College. It will include New Student Programs, Center for Advising and Career Development, Learning Communities, Undergraduate Research, General Education and Writing Program.
The regents are scheduled to consider the new college at their meeting on Nov. 20.
