University College Dean Peter White says 75 percent of freshmen who entered UNM in the fall of 2002 came back to school in 2003. The number is a point of pride for the institution, which is using an expanding series of Freshman Academic Choices to bring a very diverse student body of freshman into the mainstream of a large university.
Freshman Academic Choices try to match the interests of incoming freshmen so that new students are able to develop a group of friends and study partners to assist them in making the transition to a large university setting. In fall 2004, 81.6 percent of freshmen were enrolled in at least one of the Freshman Academic Choice Programs.
Freshman Learning Communities
Freshman Learning Communities is a group of two or more classes taught by a team of faculty members who coordinate their classes. Freshmen take the learning communities as a group, and choose from 29 general areas of interest. That can include anything from a group focused on human/insect interactions through culture, ecology and literature to Spanish heritage and identity, to roles in professional nursing.
Freshman Interest Groups
Students interested in a different choice, the Freshman Interest Group, can enroll in a one-credit, theme-based seminar in a block scheduled with one or two classes, which are usually part of the core curriculum. Students in classes of 25 or fewer, meet weekly with faculty mentors. Once focus of the Freshman Interest Groups is how to succeed in a large institution.
Freshman Living and Learning Communities
Freshman Living and Learning Communities combine a one-credit seminar with a major interest. Students share a residence hall and attend some classes as a group. In fall 2005, students can enroll in Living and Learning Communities in the areas of fine arts, engineering, management, architecture and planning, language and culture, and health professions.
Engineering Freshman Programs
Engineering Freshman Programs give freshmen an overview of the engineering and computer sciences degrees offered at the university. Students learn the individual and team study skills needed for success in the field.
University College also offers an honors program for freshman students interested in expanding their experiences in special areas. White believes the Freshman Academic Choices help contribute to the large numbers of freshmen who are qualifying for New Mexico Lottery Scholarships. In 2004, 71.5 percent of freshmen achieved a 2.5 grade point average, making them eligible for the full-tuition scholarships.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627
Posted by scarr at April 8, 2005 02:45 PM