goes to University College provided students new ways to enrich their academic experiences in graduate and undergraduate programs. Harding introduced University College as a new academic unit June 1, 2019, designed to expand the school's support services and academic programming. Dean of University College Dr. Kevin Kehl spoke about the organization's purpose. "We wanted to maximize the resources of the University, and we wanted what we offer here to reflect the evolving landscape of higher education," Kehl said. The new organization introduced new areas of study, and improved existing areas and departments. Some of these included the Career Center, University Studies Department, English as a Second Language center, and foundations and developmental courses, as well as academic support programs such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching and Harding Hacks. "It became a college to reflect its service to all of the other colleges," Kehl said. Kehl said the idea behind the establishment of University College was to create a single college to house the University's support services and provide accommodating and valuable academic opportunities. When building the services that enabled student success, administrators hoped to make them more accessible to students. A new concept introduced through University College was the integrative studies major. Students could combine two or more academic concentrations or minors. This was a shift from the general studies degree that aimed to be a more desirable option to both students and future employers. "The exciting part is that it's a new degree where students can design their own path," Dr. Heath Carpenter, director of the integrative studies degree program, said. Carpenter explained he was able to work with students who knew exactly what theywanted, and they could now pull from several different departments and colleges to achieve this "specialized degree plan." "I chose to do the major because it allows me to prepare myself better for the path and career that I know I will be pursuing," junior integrative studies major Easton Davis said. "I am getting the necessary scientific base needed to be knowledgeable and useful in the health field while also getting the unique Christian perspective of culture and poverty and ministry that will most prepare me to be in the business of helping people." 100 Another new element introduced by University College was exploratory studies. Rather than being undeclared in a major, students referred to it as exploratory. This academic path fell under University College, and students were provided frequent adviser meetings and took a class to help them explore a potential area of study. Kehl explained they wanted to destigmatize the idea of entering college "undeclared," while guiding students through the process and keeping them on track to graduate on time. Additionally, University College housed two federally funded programs, McNair Scholars Program and Upward Bound. McNair Scholars, directed by Lolita Meredith, assisted underrepresented Harding students in preparation for graduate schools and future careers. Upward Bound, directed by Stephanie O'Brian, worked with underrepresented high school students in nearby counties. The introduction of University College was an initiative to further pursue a holistic approach to education and demonstrate Harding's devotion to the success of its students. Through these programs, old and new, the college sought to help students reach their full potential, both academically and spiritually, by providing maximum opportunities and avenues for growth. story by Madison Scott
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==