UT Tyler Task Force to Address the Needs of Freshmen

May 19, 2003

UT Tyler Task Force to Address the Needs of Freshmen

The University of Texas at Tyler has organized a Freshman Year Experience Task Force to study the needs of freshmen and explore ways to help them to be successful academically and socially.

The 25-member task force, comprised of faculty, staff and students, will assess the freshman experience and recommend an integrated program of academic and extracurricular initiatives to create a climate for student learning and success evident in improved retention and graduation rates.

“The task force will evaluate retention patterns to better understand the needs of UT Tyler freshmen and will develop a programmatic response to those needs,” said Dr. Mil Clark, associate vice president for academic affairs. “This initiative, coupled with what is already in place with the Freshman Seminar, student development and student services activities, will allow the university to more comprehensively address the needs of freshmen and increase the number who successfully complete their degree programs.”

Dr. Robert Sterken is chair of the task force. Members are Jim Pace, art department; Dr. Ron Gutberlet, biology; Dr. Buddy Odom, business; Dr. Michael Eidenmuller, communications; Dr. Kathryn Morrison, curriculum/instruction; Matt Wallis, athletics; Dr. David Strong and Dr. Catherine Ross, English; Dr. Jeffrey Mountain, engineering; Dr. Gayle Varnell, nursing; Dr. Robert Sterken, social sciences; Dr. Paul Roberts, technology; and Dr. Lucas Niiler, writing lab.

Also, Virginia Beers, enrollment management; Gloria Spainhour, library; Ashley Ward, student success; Shaune Martinez, student development; Krista Richardson, student services; Kim Harvey-Livingston, student counseling; Ernest McAllister, student activities; Jenny Sims, University Pines; and freshman students Sarah Cathrine Trice, Brannon Gary and Elizabeth Clark.

Contact:
Emily Battle
565-5604