Research studies, collaborations lead to expanded academic programs
Pueblo -- The transformation of the University of Southern Colorado to
Colorado State University - Pueblo on July 1, 2003, will bring more than a new
name. New academic offerings should emerge over the next few years thanks to the
results of several research studies and collaborations currently underway with
other Colorado higher education institutions, including Colorado State
University at Fort Collins.
According to President Ron Applbaum, USC faculty and administrators are building
the foundation for increased educational opportunities for Southern Colorado.
Two separate research studies begin this month, which seek to determine the
educational and programming needs of Pueblo and Southern Colorado.
"The research and academic program collaborations now underway will prove
mutually beneficial to both institutions, creating a synergy that increases
instructional outreach and upgrades program quality for future students,"
Applbaum said.
The Pueblo Education Consortium (PEDCO) recently signed an agreement with the
National Center for Higher Education Management Systems to conduct a study that
addresses K-master degree level issues, assesses workforce needs, and gathers
data on respondents' educational choices and preferences. Results of that report
are expected by the end of December. Over the next month, the Continuing
Education office at Colorado State University at Fort Collins will be conducting
a study of continuing educational needs of adult learners in the area.
"This research will form the basis for many of our programming decisions
over the next few years," said USC Provost Barbara Montgomery. "I am
convinced that the behind the scenes work now occurring will dramatically
enhance the USC academic landscape."
Montgomery said administrators and faculty from a range of disciplines are in
active planning to develop new academic programs with faculty at several
Colorado higher education institutions. Students can anticipate an increase in
graduate and undergraduate majors and minors as well as additional emphasis
areas and certificate and licensure programs. Announcement of specific programs
will not be made until final agreements are signed and approvals have been
received.
The collaborations being investigated may take many forms, including:
Coordinated Programs - Programs offered at multiple
institutions, to which students are admitted to both institutions and with
both institutions jointly conferring the degree.
2+2, 3+1, or 3+2 programs - In most of these cases,
undergraduates would begin their studies at CSU- Pueblo, where they would
complete general education and general major courses before transferring to
CSU at Fort Collins to complete course work for a highly specialized degree
at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Enriched Programs -- Students seeking a graduate or
undergraduate degree from CSU-Pueblo would have opportunities to take highly
specialized courses, typically by distance education, offered by CSU at Fort
Collins.
Transported degree - A graduate or undergraduate
program that is not currently offered at CSU-Pueblo could be transported
from another school and offered at CSU - Pueblo to a certain cohort group
for a limited time frame.
It will take time to secure approval and, in some cases, resources to be
able to offer the new programs. Not all new programs will be ready to
announce by the July 1 date. One example of new offerings already being
offered is the forensic science course being held this semester.
"The university is committed to meeting the changing needs of the
population, and so we have now set in motion a continuous process of
identifying educational needs, determining how best to meet those needs with
stand-alone or collaborative programs, securing the required approvals for
those programs, and moving as quickly as possible to begin offering
courses," Montgomery said.
The University of Southern Colorado is a regional, comprehensive university
emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying
excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and
outreach, USC is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall
quality of services provided to its students.
