The University will introduce new academic programs, expand some others, and explore additional options in pursuit of its goal toward maintaining academic excellence.
Toro points to changing attitudes among students as an important factor to consider going forward.
“Today’s generation would like to have a more flexible curriculum; because they have so many different and competing academic interests, we are trying to determine if there are other programs that will help or be more attractive to them,” she explains.
New programs will be crafted to better prepare students to fill jobs in-state.
“We have received approval for a number of programs,” Toro says, “but, more importantly, we continue to develop new programs that will meet the workforce needs of Connecticut.”
She cites two new programs as examples: a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering.
The Faculty Senate also is reviewing an academic plan commissioned by Toro and assembled by the deans and the provost. Upon completing its review — likely by the end of the spring semester — the senate will recommend additional academic programs to launch in the next five years.
Other initiatives include the expansion of the Honors and Graduate programs. Meanwhile, the University will continue to build on its strong student-faculty partnerships.
“Faculty continue to excel in terms of their scholarly work and their work with students in different high-impact initiatives like undergraduate research,” Toro says. “That enriches the educational experience we offer quite a bit.”