Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study

46 INTRODUCTION TO UNIVERSITY STUDIES (UNST) The source for the following information is the University Studies landing page o n the PSU website. Nearly all institutions of higher learning require students to complete a general education program in addition to their major field of study. Portland State University's nationally recognized approach to education is based on an extensive review of current research. Strong evidence shows that tightly structured clusters of courses with an interdisciplinary thematic approach help to create a more effective education program. Usin g mentored inquiry sections, e xtending the program throughout the four years, and integrating carefully articulated goals further increase the program’s effectiveness. The University Studies general education program is designed to provide those environmental factors and learning opportunities that are known to enhance learning, satisfaction, and retention for students. University Studies begins with Freshman Inquiry, a yearlong course introducing students to different modes of analysis and provides them with the tools to succeed in advanced studies and their majors. At the sophomore level, students choose three different Sophomore Inquiry courses, each lead to a thematically linked, interdisciplinary cluster of courses at the upper level. Finally, all students are required to complete a Capstone course, which consists of teams of students from different majors working together to complete a project that addresses a real problem in the Portland metropolitan community. Placement within the University Studies sequence is based upon the student’s admission type. Students who earned university credit at another college or university before matriculating at PSU may be exempted from some UNST requirements based upon the number of credits earned and accepted as transfer credits. Credits earned in IELP classes are included in calculating class standing, however credits earned in IELP classes are NOT included when determining UNST placement and requirements. For example, a student admitted as a freshman with no previous university study who studies in the IELP for 3 terms may earn 50 or more credits. The student will have sophomore standing but their UNST placement will be in FRINQ. View this VIDEO for more details about University Studies