New University College takes Harding to 10 academic colleges

August 9, 2019 | University College | Harding University is now home to ten academic colleges after restructuring what was formerly known as the Center for Student Success into the University College. The name change is intended to refer to the scope and academic nature and capabilities of the college as well as the fact that the offerings are available to students across all areas of the university. On June 1, the academic unit became the umbrella term for several support services the University currently offers as well as provide academically rigorous undergraduate degree and exploratory degree programming. According to Dr. Kevin Kehl, the dean of the University College, the purpose is to address the changing needs of our students within the context of the evolving landscape of higher education. “The curricular and co-curricular programs offered within the new college will strengthen our holistic approach to student success as we partner with students to develop and achieve Christ-centered goals and outcomes,” Kehl said. The centers and programs now found within the University College are as follows: Academic Resources Center Formerly known as the Center for Student Success, the Academic Resource Center will be home to all the existing academic support services. Career Center The Career Center will help lead and support the University’s efforts for new curricular and co-curricular initiatives focusing on vocation and calling. University Studies will be the home of advising and programming for students who are undecided about their major. The students will be part of a program known as exploratory studies. A career exploration course is being offered that will be required of exploratory studies students. This course is available to all students, regardless of major. The center will also continue to help students in career preparation and career search. University Studies Department The University Studies department will offer university foundations courses, a related learning community that was previously part of the Advance program, as well as developmental math courses and the exploratory studies program, which will assist students who have not yet decided on a major. A new course, titled Exploration of Career, Calling, and Vocation, has been added to the requirements for exploring students and is open to all others as elective credit. English as a Second Language This program moved from its original home in the Department of Education to the new University College. Integrative Studies degree This new major is intended for students hoping to design their own degree by combining two or more academic concentrations or minors. The integrative studies degree plan with its major core and elective courses will be overseen by Dr. Heath Carpenter as the director. Dr. Carpenter will continue to serve in the English department where he teaches courses in Southern literature and culture, film as literature, William Faulkner, world literature and composition. First Generation Students This program was created specifically for students who are the first in their family to attend college. The purpose is to connect students with people who have walked in their shoes and provide an avenue to build connections and relationships that will positively impact their college experience, as a first-generation college student, throughout your college career. First Year Experience The First Year Experience (FYE) is designed to help engage and connect students with the people, programs and resources necessary to lay a strong foundation on which to build and grow. FYE provides student mentoring, Learning Enhancement Seminars, and several other programs and events throughout the year. TRIO McNair Program The McNair Scholars Program, made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, supports undergraduate students’ scholarly activities throughout the academic year and summer. The objective is to provide academically enriching experiences and mentoring that prepares students for graduate school admission and eventual doctoral study. TRIO Upward Bound The purpose of Upward Bound is to reinforce the academic skills and generate the personal motivation necessary to complete a college education. Specifically, the program is designed to improve high school performance and graduation rates, as well as the rate at which students enroll in and graduate from a college of their choice. Multicultural Student Services and Disability Services have moved from within the Center for Student Success to the office of Student Life.