UC proposal at IUPUI to get final public review Feb. 26

By Ric Burrous

When the creators of IUPUI's University College proposal decided to seek public input through a series of "town meetings," they were curious how much interest the sessions would attract.

Four meetings, dozens of questions and suggestions‹not to mention hundreds of participants‹later, the answer is obvious: University College (UC) has engaged students, faculty and staff in the search for academic improvement like few other ideas in IUPUI history.

The town-meeting series will wrap up Feb. 26 with a public review of the UC proposal, which has been undergoing changes constantly throughout January and February, based in no small part on ideas that emerged at the sessions which focused on everything from curriculum to funding to the benefits to students.

"The town meetings have been full of energy, good ideas and healthy debate," said William M. Plater, dean of faculties at IUPUI and a member of the committee which formulated the UC proposal. "It is exciting to see students, faculty and staff all engaged in such a serious and important discussion."

The primary goals Chancellor Gerald L. Bepko and the committee have for UC are recruitment and retention, offering new students smoother transition to the demands of college life, giving all students closer ties to faculty through academic advising, plus strong peer support and connections to other IUPUI students that enhance the collegiate experience.

During the town meetings, portions of the UC concept have been questioned, including funding sources and relationships with IUPUI's other schools and programs. But committee members have found the questions that have been asked and debate points raised haven't been detrimental; instead, they've helped the committee forge an even stronger proposal to offer the Faculty Council in March.

"Everyone seems genuinely committed to achieving the same goal, but we are learning that there are many promising ways to get there," said Plater. "For us, the town meetings have only confirmed that IUPUI is a rare and wonderful place, where we can make a future, not just accept it."

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