The OU Board of Regents will consider a proposal to reorganize University College into a new Academic Success Center at its March meeting, according to a university-wide email from André-Denis Wright, Senior Vice President and Provost.
In its current form, the University College includes academic advising, the assessment center, first-year learning and engagement programs, first-year foundations courses and University College seminars, and the Student Learning Center.
According to its website, OU’s University College was one of the first in the nation to specifically cater to first-year students. If approved, the change would go into effect on July 1, ahead of the arrival of the class of 2028.
“Supporting our students as they make the transition into college and build a foundation for their educational pursuits will remain the highest priority of this new model,” Wright wrote.
All first-year students would enter the college of their declared majors directly, rather than being registered under University College for the entirety of the student’s first year, according to the email. Students who haven’t declared a major would enter OU under a program managed by the provost’s office.
“Allowing students who are ready to immediately pursue their intended major has several distinct advantages for a more fulfilling college experience,” Wright wrote. “Early declaration provides opportunities for mentorship, networking, and engagement, as students can more quickly form connections with faculty and peers who share similar interests.”
Wright wrote students engaging with their majors within their first year would improve retention and graduation rates, one of the goals listed in OU’s strategic plan.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. told OU Daily after the January Board of Regents meeting, the university will take a look at the strategic plan this summer and fall. His goal is to pave a path to joining the Association of American Universities, an organization of top research universities that is invitation only.
According to the organization, 69 American universities have membership. The most recent membership in 2023 was given to Arizona State University, University of South Florida, The George Washington University, University of Miami, University of Notre Dame and University of California, Riverside.
“We’re making really good progress toward being able to apply. We haven’t set a date to apply,” Harroz said. “We’re doing a strategic plan refresh this summer and fall, and a big part of that, or an important part that, will be are we on our path to being able to apply for (Association of American Universities) status.”
Wright wrote in the email that Lillian Miller, assistant dean of University College, would head the new unit and earn the new title of associate provost. Miller and Ken Petersen, University College interim dean, would work together to ensure a smooth transition, according to Wright.
Wright wrote he is deeply appreciative of Petersen’s dedication to his role. Petersen was appointed to the position in May 2023. University College hasn’t had an official dean since 2022.
Petersen assumed the role after Mark Morvant, former interim University College dean, returned to his position as senior vice provost for instruction and student success in July 2023.
Morvant assumed the role after Nicole Campbell, former University College dean, stepped down from her role as dean in August 2022 to focus on teaching and scholarship.
Of the 16 deans on Norman’s campus, six are currently interim or acting deans, including University College, and a seventh, College of Law Dean Katheleen Guzman, announced her intent to step down at the end of the academic year on Oct. 9.
According to Wright, a first-year advising task force was created to assess whether first-year advising should continue under University College or move directly to individual colleges. The task force will continue to meet over the next two months and will submit a report of their recommendations to Wright before the middle of March.
Wright wrote any recommendations from the task force will be implemented in the fall of 2025.
“We are confident these changes will create an even more supportive environment for students to navigate their college years with purpose and confidence, positioning them for success in the years ahead,” Wright wrote.
The regents will meet on March 11 and 12 on OU's Norman campus.
This story was edited by Karoline Leonard and Anusha Fathepure. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
