University College evolving to meet workforce needs, support lifelong learning across Ohio and beyond
For more than 80 years, University College has evolved to serve diverse student populations and adapt to new challenges. Executive Vice President and Provost Donald J. Leo has asked Dean David Nguyen and the University College leadership team to help 51ÂÒÂ× create innovative academic programs that respond to the state’s evolving workforce needs and advance the goals of the Dynamic Strategy.
Historically, University College has been home to students exploring majors and completing interdisciplinary university-wide degree programs – important work that will continue. At the same time, the college will build on its tradition of creativity and innovation. A recent example is the Bachelor of General Studies, a degree that integrates coursework from across the institution in new and flexible ways. This type of forward-looking leadership is exactly what is needed at this moment.
Looking ahead, University College will:
- Address workforce development needs by launching new, responsive academic programs.
- Advance student affordability and access by developing 51ÂÒÂ×’s first reduced credit-hour degrees.
- Strengthen partnerships by collaborating with other colleges to design College Credit Plus pathways.
- Enhance career readiness by working with faculty to embed industry-recognized credentials into courses and degree programs.
- Promote lifelong learning by pioneering new noncredit offerings that serve alumni, professionals, and the broader community.
As University College shifts its focus to new academic programs, several student support and service units are aligning under the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. The Academic Achievement Center, Experiential Learning, Learning Communities and Signature Academic Programs, and Advising, Retention, and Graduation Initiatives are joining to form the new Office of Student Success and Academic Innovation, led by Vice Provost Sarah Poggione with support from Associate Provost for Student Success Technology Strategy Deb Benton. This coordinated effort builds on recent gains in retention and graduation rates and advances the University’s Dynamic Strategy through collaboration and evidence-based approaches to student success.