The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE


Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, 277-5915
Contacts: Reed Dasenbrock, 277-2611 or
Wynn Goering, 277-0896

Jan. 25, 2007

UNM Provost Releases Graduation Task Force Report

Provost Reed Dasenbrock released today the final report of the Graduation Task Force, appointed and charged in June 2006 with identifying the most critical factors affecting graduation rates at UNM. The report, submitted by co-chairs Vice Provost Peter White and Associate Provost Wynn Goering, recommends eight major strategies to improve overall graduation rates and promote degree-completion equity.

“I’m pleased by the breadth and thoughtfulness of the task force’s recommendations,” Dasenbrock said. “Now we need to begin a series of conversations about these proposals with regents, faculty, staff and other key constituencies so that we can act on them in a way that will make a difference for our students.”

Among the report’s major suggestions:

  • Promote a more rigorous high school curriculum for students planning to attend UNM
  • Changes in course placement testing and processes
  • Expand on-campus student employment opportunities
  • Changes in how and when courses are scheduled
  • Changes in the “teaching and learning environment,” including more prescriptive enrollment policies, more diversity in faculty hiring and the development of faculty positions dedicated to undergraduate instruction

“Our report reflects the formal participation of more than sixty people,” noted Goering, “and the ideas and input of many others. Yet, we know that’s just a tithe of those whose efforts will ultimately shape its outcomes. We’re looking forward to engaging all those people in the months to come.”

The Graduation Task Force recommendations and a full report can be viewed on-line at the provost’s Web site, www.unm.edu/~acadaffr/AcadAffairs_ProvostReports.html.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu