Undergraduate College beginning development in January

By Northern Star staff

DeKALB | NIU officials will begin developing an Undergraduate College in January to streamline resources for students, according to a report issued Monday.

The college, which was inspired by models at other universities, will function as an administrative unit rather than academic, meaning that it will not have any degree programs. Rather, it will contain resources for undergraduate students like academic support services, learning opportunities and curricular and co-curricular programming, many of which already exist.

“The Undergraduate College will broaden and deepen the student academic experience; better define program and unit roles; reduce gaps and duplication of efforts; help students, parents and employers to fully understand the value of NIU PLUS; and better position marketing and admission campaigns aimed at promoting student career success,” President Doug Baker said in the report.

Although the program will cater to all undergraduate students, it is intended to target incoming students. Existing employees will be working in the college, according to the report.