Vice Provost, Undergraduate Education and Dean of the University College Web-site:
Welcome to the web-site for the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education (VPUE) and Dean of the University College! Here you will find information about Curriculum Processes, Student Services, the International Student Exchange Program, and the University College. Each of these units work together as a system to make the undergraduate student experience as fruitful as possible. In these undergraduate years students will gain the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in the fast-changing global economy, but they will also engage in activities and form friendships that will be meaningful throughout their lives. Let me introduce the reader to the two largest undergraduate education organizational units that will help to make that possible.
Student Affairs. Students living at the university and those who commute to the campus every day form a large community. Many of the key services required by this community are met by the staff of the Student Affairs unit. They take care of housing, health services, special needs, orientation of new students, needs of non-national students, financial aid and counseling. They sponsor a dazzling array of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Please visit the Student Affairs web-site.
University College. The University College works to support students in attaining the five essential capabilities of UAEU graduates: (1) Arabic language proficiency (native and non-native speakers), (2) English language proficiency, (3) numerical literacy, (4) critical thinking and independent scholarly enquiry, and (5) skills and values transferable to employment, further study and informed and engaged citizenship. Of course, students will develop these capabilities in their major programs as well, but most students will find that their university exposure to these educational goals occurs first in their Foundation years and then the development of these capabilities is reinforced throughout their undergraduate years in the General Education program.
The University College is committed to assisting new students with the successful transition to UAEU; enhancing student engagement; integrating academic and co-curricular programs; connecting students with available resources; and fostering both independent and lifelong learning.
The University College is comprised of four units, and I invite you to click on the links of each unit to find out more about them. They are the University Foundation Program, the Center for Student Academic Success & Advising, General Education, and the Center for Career Planning and Placement. Most new students will take courses in the Foundation Program and visit the Student Academic Success & Advising (SASA) laboratories and advisors frequently. They will continue to use the support provided by SASA for tutoring help and academic advising, throughout their years at the university. When they begin their Bachelor’s program work they will be studying major and minor program subjects, but they will also start to take their General Education coursework. Sometimes the major and minor programs are called “depth” subjects and General Education are “breadth” subjects, assuring that the whole person is educated. Also, all Foundation and Undergraduate Students will be exposed to events sponsored by the Center for Career Planning and Placement to make certain that they are prepared for the world of work upon graduation. The University College works hand-in-glove with the other colleges and the Student Affairs division to provide the best undergraduate experience for our students that we possibly can. Please contact us if you have questions or suggestions.
Kind regards,
Tim Hegstrom
Interim Vice Provost, Undergraduate Studies and Dean of the University College
