The University is considering ways to make it easier for students to earn a degree, like making it simpler to change degree programs.
Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope said the state is urging higher education institutions to make it easier for students to get a degree by using various methods, such as arranging curricula in a way that would make it easier to switch to another degree program.
“It seems as though I’m declaring some areas of study are harder than others — that’s not what I’m saying,” Cope said.
“Rather, it is the case that all areas have different sets of requirements, and some students are better at some than others.”
Cope said if a student is unable to succeed at one degree’s set of requirements, the student would be able to “slide over” into a different degree program.
“That way you ensure that the student leaves with some form of degree,” Cope said.
Cope said the University will see the creation of “fall back” degrees in the next few years with the implementation of the LA GRAD act, which allows the University to raise tuition to up to 10 percent annually.
Saundra McGuire, assistant vice chancellor of learning, teaching and retention in Academic Affairs and chair of the Retention Committee, said students’ interests change as they learn, and they many want to change their academic pursuits
McGuire said the University will study all the suggestions made by the state to help students graduate at a higher rate.
“The main goal is the greatest degree of success for the most students,” McGuire said.
McGuire said the Retention Committee met Wednesday afternoon and discussed ways the University can make it easier for students to switch majors.
Cope said the University could implement this plan by identifying degrees with common prerequisites, making adjustments to some degree requirements and providing students with information about alternate degree options.
Cope said the goal is to minimize the extra work that goes into changing majors, allowing students to graduate sooner.
Cope said some programs may profit from the changes because they will receive more students and credit hours.
 
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Contact Celeste Ansley at [email protected]