The following general principles and more specific expectations for the undergraduate student experience at the University focus the University's attention on issues being addressed in institutions of higher education across the United States. The Task Force on the Undergraduate Experience looked at that experience holistically, and the standards that emerged reflected both the perceived needs of this University and its students and that broader context. A holistic vision incorporates these concerns in a perspective that recognizes that undergraduate students are important members of the University community, who expect to receive benefits from the University but also anticipate making contributions to the community. A personal network of support enables students to maximize their learning and personal development, make effective choices, and be prepared to move to the next stage of their life, whether that is a job or further education. This network will include lower and upper division and graduate students, faculty, and professional staff, and will engage the student in both academic settings as well as social and co-curricular activities.
Faculty actively engage students in the learning process.
Active engagement begins during orientation. By graduation, all students will work with faculty or professional staff in at least one significant experience of independent or small group research, service project or other type of experiential learning opportunity. General education requirements are integrated into a coherent educational experience. Students understand the importance of their general education requirements and how they contribute to disciplinary or professional specialization. Honest and respectful discussions regarding different individuals, cultures and values are consistently integrated into academic and co-curricular settings.