By Steve Gilliam, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-5371
Posted 4-6-09
GREENSBORO, NC – Next fall, the Deans Council will pitch in to teach sections of University Studies (UNS 101) that would otherwise be eliminated due to budget cuts at UNCG.
“UNCG faces unprecedented economic challenges that require each and every member of the UNCG community to ‘step up to the plate’ to help,” said Provost David Perrin, who leads the council and will also teach a section himself. “UNS 101 is critical to the retention of our freshmen, which is inextricably linked to meeting our enrollment targets and receiving enrollment growth funding from the state.”
University Studies helps first-year students succeed through emphasis on self-development, academic success skills and campus orientation. Research has show that students who complete UNS 101 have higher retention rates, first semester GPAs and graduation rates than students who do not enroll in the course.
The one-credit course allows students to explore UNCG’s culture and resources while learning more about their own academic and personal strengths. Course topics include time management, critical thinking, learning styles, academic skills, personal wellness, academic advising, leadership and community engagement, diversity, and other topics important for students to consider in their transition to college.
In fall 2008, UNCG offered 47 sections of UNS 101 to 788 students and the coming budget cuts would allow only 29 sections this fall. The Deans Council voted on March 18 to cover the sections needed to sustain the program at the 2008 level.
In addition, Chancellor Linda P. Brady will teach a special topics course titled "International Negotiation" in the Department of Political Science during second semester.
Historically, staff members in enrollment services and student affairs have taught UNS on a volunteer basis. During the last few years, because of the growing demand for the course and the recognition of its critical role in retention and student success, UNCG has had to pay adjuncts to teach additional sections. The cost was $38,000 in fall 2008.
While the figure may seem small in terms of the magnitude of the budget cuts, without the help of members of the Deans Council UNCG could not afford to staff a full contingent of sections next fall.
