Leadership and Goals
Mission
University College supports the academic mission of the University of Northern Colorado by offering superior learning experiences in the following areas:
- First-Year and Transitional Student Programs
- Honors, Leadership, Undergraduate Research and Civic Engagement
- Core and Interdisciplinary Studies
In collaboration with UNC’s colleges and co-curricular areas, University College strives to be a model community of teaching and learning, rooted in the Liberal Arts and engaged in the challenges facing our world.
Goals
Create and maintain best practices in Core Curriculum
As home to UNC’s Liberal Arts Core, University College will shape and continually assess the effectiveness of the core curriculum. It will be a focal point for discussions about the philosophy and practice of core education and a center for faculty development in core learning.
Administer a comprehensive First-Year Experience
A new First Year College will plan and implement a first-year experience that creates a common set of curricular and co-curricular learning experiences, enhances students’ connection to UNC and assists them in the transition to higher education.
Increase and improve interdisciplinary and self-designed study programs
In conjunction with all academic deans, University College will provide a point for coordination, advocacy and strategic thinking about programs that overlap disciplines and connect learning to real-world issues.
Enhance civic engagement and research opportunities
Based on national discourse about the role of universities in creating a better society, UNC will rise to the challenge to encourage more civically-engaged learning and provide undergraduates ample opportunities to engage in serious research.
Improve success of students still exploring a major
By giving focused attention to the academic success, engagement and career development of students who enroll without a declared major, University College has the opportunity to improve the quality of student experience and establish UNC as a leader among similar institutions. Students who choose to declare a major after the first year will enroll as University College “Exploring the Liberal Arts” students, thereby strengthening their connection to the UNC community. Advisors will help all first-year students explore their aptitudes and goals to develop a clear “academic career path.”