Provost Delivers Update On Collegiate Structures

An update on the Collegiate Structures Initiative by Provost Anthony J. Perzigian brought out a large crowd earlier this month at a UCAAMP luncheon at the Faculty Club. The initiative to better define college missions and improve student resources and services was first announced last spring.

Perzigian told the UC Association of Administrators, Managers and Professionals that three key events led to the Collegiate Structures Initiative, beginning with the North Central Association's accreditation review that brought about UC's new General Education program for undergraduates. "In the report, it was noted there was a duplication of effort and programs, so there were hints that there needed to be a review of the academic organization to find overlaps between and among colleges," said Perzigian.

Secondly, there was the American Association of Higher Education Summer Academy in 1999, and the resulting UC Collaboration for Student Success.

Thirdly, in fall 2001, a 12-member university wide committee was charged with studying existing college structures, missions and resources and considering the  consolidation of programs to improve instruction and service to students.

"We needed to explicitly define college missions to serve a diverse set of students in terms of preparedness, background and career choice. That (committee's) report was an education to me," Perzigian continued. "It was a very illuminating report and I was quite dumfounded when I saw so much duplication of programs."

Since last summer, Perzigian has announced the following developments after moving forward with the initiative:

• The closing of the College of Evening and Continuing Education. Perzigian says the college's programs were moved to other colleges where they could be better supported and coordinated. "We found some pretty good fits, but we're not there yet. We're focusing on two-and-four-year business programs in the next phase of this initiative," he said.
• The creation of the Center for Exploratory Studies in the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, to assist undeclared students.
• The creation of the Adult Learning Center, located in French Hall. The center advises and assists adult and nontraditional students who have not declared a program of study in a UC college.
• Continuing Education: A task force was challenged to examine the function of continuing education - both credit and non-credit programs - and make it a central unit rather than under individual colleges. Perzigian expects to announce the appointment of an interim director of Continuing Education in the spring.
• Summer Session: Perzigian says another task force is currently at work on designing a more effective and efficient summer session.

"So now the missions of the colleges are more defined, and faculty and advisors are aligned to assist transitioning students, particularly from University College into the four-year colleges." Perzigian says the next steps in the initiative will be focusing on the mission of University College to serve as a gateway for students transitioning into baccalaureate colleges. "We will also evaluate each of University College's seven technical, career-based programs and determine whether any of them should be transferred to another college."