How do I get there from here?

New University College has the road map and resources for student success

By definition, college is about change and new experiences, but when students arrive on campus ready to start the next exciting chapter of their lives, many, if not most, also arrive with questions.

Lots of questions.

They wonder about choosing the right major, the ideal profession and getting a little extra support if they need it.

Enter University College, created this year to ease the adjustment process for first-year and transfer students, while providing academic and career support for all students. It also offers courses like Rowan 101 to bolster new students’ success with college-level work, engagement with the Rowan community and planning for their major and occupation, plus classes on financial literacy and professional development. Established to support students through what should be a rewarding and engaging time, the college was designed as a hub to promote academic success, strengthened by collaboration with Rowan’s other colleges and schools and with such divisions as Student Life and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Vice President for Student Affairs Rory McElwee said the college also will serve as the new academic base for some of Rowan’s most popular academic starting points, exploratory studies and pre-business.

“Through University College, many of our students now have a dedicated academic home centered on their needs and the process of transition,” McElwee said. “During Welcome Week, several hundred new students will be able to say, ‘This is my college.’”

In addition to its academic offerings, the new college provides an umbrella for various offices and services, including:

• Tutoring
• Success Coaching
• Academic Advising
• Career & Professional Development
  (for students and alumni)
• Experiential Education
• Transfer Student Services
• Pre-Health Programs
• Accessibility Services & PATH
• Military Services
• Returning to Rowan
• Rowan Choice, a partner program
  with Rowan College of South Jersey

In fact, McElwee said, the new organization will positively impact so many facets of the undergraduate experience that virtually every student will
benefit by it.

And, she said, though its mission is broad, the college really has just one goal: to help students thrive.

“It’s a vital addition to our student engagement and support system,” McElwee said. “Through University College, Rowan is raising student success and equity goals among the institution’s highest priorities.”