UMKC 2010-2020 Strategic Planning Implementation: University College
What is a University College? A university college is an administrative structure that provides the ability to
coordinate the overall academic experience of incoming undeclared/exploratory students and continuing students
in transition between majors. University colleges are sometimes designated as general colleges, divisions of
undergraduate studies, or first-year colleges (Evenbeck, S.E. & Associates, 2010). University College best practices
and their subsequent effects on student progress have been well documented. The National Resource Center
(NRC) for the First Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina
(http://sc.edu/fye/index.html) and the Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and
Undergraduate Studies (http://adandd.org/) are key resources for proven models.
Why create a University College at UMKC? Current administrative structures and staffing have not so far proven
effective at meeting the needs of undeclared/exploratory students who are unsure of their academic goals. For
example, the persistence rates of undeclared first-time, full-time students averages 55%, as compared to 74% for
all UMKC first-time, full-time freshmen, and falls significantly below the 80-85% UMKC goal for first-time, full-time
freshmen (Fall 2008, Fall 2009 and Fall 2010). Similarly, the persistence rates of undecided-transfer students
average 63% compared to 76% for entering transfer students with declared majors over the same period. UMKC’s
inability to assist these undecided students has a devastating effect on the likelihood of these students graduating.
The establishment of a University College located in the Student Success Center (set to open in August of 2012) will
provide targeted resources to this currently significant (estimated between 400-500 students), yet under-served
population of students.
What is the mission of University College at UMKC? The University College creates one portal of entry with
relevant support services for our undeclared/exploratory students. Our mission is to offer every exploratory
student the opportunity for success through the engagement with faculty and staff, the development of
educational plans, the clarification of career and life goals, and the appreciation of the value of the core skills
developed through UMKC’s general education.
The University College will contribute to the University’s mission of providing a “vibrant learning and campus life
experience” through the development of a focused community of faculty, students, and staff with a shared
responsibility for each student’s achievement of advising goals and progress toward degree completion.
What are the key components of UMKC’s University College (UC)? The UC Advisory Council is proposing the
following:
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UC students, specifically undeclared/exploratory students, will be admitted into the UC for the primary
purpose of exploring academic majors across the University. Students with declared majors and/or
academic programs will continue to move directly into their chosen academic unit.
The UC will report directly to the Office of the Provost to facilitate the involvement of faculty and staff
from across the University.
The UC, housed in the Student Success Center, will create one portal of entry with relevant support
services for undeclared/exploratory students in a single location.
The UC seminar series will offer to each undeclared student the opportunity for success through the
engagement with faculty and advising staff, the development of educational plans, the clarification of
career and life goals, and the emphasis of the value of the core skills developed through UMKC’s general
education. The cornerstone course for the UC seminar series, UNIV 101, is based on guidelines
established by the National Resource Center for the First Year Experience. UNIV 101 has been approved
by the UMKC UG Curriculum Committee for a one year pilot period beginning in Fall 2012, and will be
required of all entering UC students (approximately 80 students).
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Co-curricular programming will provide opportunities to further engage students in UC learning
communities.
The UC advising teams will be made up of: the Associate Vice Provost for UC, UC advisors, seminar series
faculty (faculty from the Academic Units who receive course buy-outs to work with UC), librarians, peer
mentors, and Student Success Center staff.
A UC Advisory Council will consist of faculty and staff from all academic units. Every effort will be made to
ensure the early and most effective transition of students to the academic unit of their choice and the
development of a degree plan and policies and procedures to support student success.
An advising portal will provide technology support to improve communication and provide
documentation of advising interactions throughout a student’s academic career.
Does faculty engagement with first-year students significantly affect student persistence, academic performance
and likely graduation? YES!
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Student engagement with faculty sharing the excitement and insight regarding their specific disciplines, in
a variety of settings from introductory courses to mentoring interactions, is key to student success. UC
will make every effort to utilize faculty time in a way that acknowledges the demands of teaching and
research.
The UC Seminar Series will provide an opportunity for faculty to engage with exploratory students at a
critical time in their academic careers. Faculty with special interests in early retention, critical thinking
and problem-solving development, first-generation and/or under-represented minor students should
contact Kim McNeley regarding team teaching a UC seminar (please email: mcneleyk@umkc.edu).
How will the effectiveness of the University College be assessed?
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Improved decision making and timely selection of an academic major.
Timely completion of students’ selected academic degree program.
Decreased number of times students change majors.
Improved student retention and graduation rates.
Improved student engagement.
Higher levels of satisfaction with advising and academic support services.
How will the University College be funded?
The Provost has developed a budget plan for implementation. University College will be designated as an
academic program in the student system. Undeclared/exploratory students will be admitted directly into the
University College. The budget model for this unit will be adjusted to return 25% of revenue to the University
College and 75% to the academic Schools and College. Revenues will be utilized to provide support for UC
curricular and co-curricular programs and staffing.
What are the plans for the physical location of University College in the new Student Success Center?
WRITING CENTER
CAD
ONE CARD
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
ONE STOP SHOP
CAREER SERVICES
STUDENT TRANSFER
SHARED