The goal is to prepare them for transfer into degree-granting programs. Terry Collins also directs the college's academic affairs and its developmental education curriculum. Professor Terry Collins, of the university's General College, shows student Megan Kane how to access online references for a writing assignment. Freshman admissions are targeted at 825 per year, or less than 20 percent of the university's incoming class. Students of color make up about 30 percent of the General College population compared to 14 percent systemwide.
Class sizes are kept small, so students get more personal attention from their professors.
First-year student Megan Kane of Bloomington says it's an approach she needs. Terry Collins and other administrators point to university alumnus Norman Borlaug as the ultimate proof that General College serves a valuable purpose. Borlaug won the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for his work to increase food production in developing countries. He failed his university entrance exam in the 1930s and became one of the first General College students. You don't want to keep out the next Norman Borlaug.