BFC discusses preparation to revamp advising programs

The Bloomington Faculty Council expects to be involved in two initiatives currently underway at IU: the revamping of academic and career advising and the restructuring of general education requirements.

“There are huge disparities across campus in the level of staffing and advice available to students,” Provost Lauren Robel said. “The goal of the initiative is really to help bring the entire campus up to a level of advisement that is responsible for us as our students approach a particularly difficult job market.”

In last week’s State of the University address, IU President Michael McRobbie outlined the need for a new approach to advising.

“Are we educating students for the right jobs?” he asked during the speech. “The Labor Department reports that despite a national unemployment rate of 8 percent, 3 million job vacancies have remained unfilled.”

Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Sonya Stephens reported international students require 50 percent more effort in counseling than domestic students, which raises additional issues for the future of academic and career counseling.

While the initiative is still in its early days, IU Student Association President Kyle Straub drew from his experience and recommended faculty take into consideration the methods employed by the Kelley School of Business.

“In looking at and addressing the advising issue, I recommend you look at the opportunity to introduce real-life classes that effectively talk about how to capitalize on career opportunities,” he said. “They offer an atmosphere of students sharing experiences and growing together.”

While the statewide four-year completion rate is 28 percent, Stephens provided statistics to illustrate that some students are working ahead.

More than 5 percent of first-time students started at IU in fall 2012 with sophomore status, which is more than 26 credit hours.

Additionally, 40 percent started with advanced placement credit.

The remainder of Stephens’ report focused on general education requirements. IU must make changes to align itself with the rest of the state’s requirements.

To do so, IU will require all students take an oral communication course as part of their general education.

The privatization of parking was also discussed at the meeting both during President Carolyn Calloway-Thomas’ opening remarks and a 25-minute period devoted to discussion.

Calloway-Thomas said she was pleased the Board of Trustees seems to have an open mind in regard to the issue and faculty concerns.

Many of the questions raised during the parking discussion revolved around the financial need for an up-front sum of money. Many BFC members questioned why the University does not simply raise parking rates, a concern also discussed at Thursday’s Board of Trustees meeting.

Although Robel said she is confident the financial adviser will look into both options, Calloway-Thomas was not sure.

Both, however, were unable to answer the questions raised.

“I have no response or access to analysis,” Robel said. “I have the same information as you do.”