On September 17, the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) held its inaugural OUE Town Hall: Key Undergraduate Updates. The town hall provided undergraduate leadership and academic advisors updates on Institute-wide projects and initiatives for undergraduate education. Steven Girardot, vice provost for undergraduate education, kicked off the presentation with a welcome and overview before introducing the speakers who covered topics including the Quality Enhancement Plan: Leaders in Progress and Service, student success technologies, and General Education (Core IMPACTS).
2025 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP): Leaders in Progress and Service
Faculty Co-Directors Kate Williams and Chad Slieper spoke on the mission and outcomes of Georgia Tech’s next QEP and how it furthers the Institute’s mission of improving the human condition. The Leaders in Progress and Service graduation distinction will recognize students who thoughtfully examine their professional identity and their role in defining the complex problems of tomorrow. Through foundation courses, immersive learning, and the progress and service summit, students will develop a leader’s identity that fuels them to identify emerging problems, seek diverse perspectives, and recognize their potential to impact the human condition.
Advising and Student Success Technology
Executive Director of Academic Success and Advising Lorett Swank elaborated on developing a new vision and strategy for Academic Success and Advising (ASA) and creating a roadmap for implementing new and existing technologies. This summer, ASA launched a new partner collaboration with EAB Navigate360, a student success hub for academic advising. EAB Navigate360 is a powerful technology that unites advisors, administrators, faculty, staff, and students in a collaborative network that supports the entire student experience. Another key tool that continues to aid in student success is the Knack 1:1 tutoring. During AY 2023-24, over 7,000 tutoring sessions were completed in Knack. This platform continues strengthen the peer learning community and expand access across our campus.
General Education and the Core IMPACTS
Director of Undergraduate Curricular Initiatives Beth Spencer and Assistant Registrar for Curriculum Amy Hodges spoke to the general education refresh and implementation of the USG Core IMPACTS. Furthermore, Beth provided guidance on the GLR Satisfaction within the new general education model. They highlighted the newly created Undergraduate Curriculum website as a comprehensive resource for advisors, faculty, and students to access information on the Core IMPACTS, GLRs, Learning Support, and the Honors Program. In addition, a new guide has been implemented to quickly find degree modifications, courses, minors and certificates, policy changes, general education, and GLRs. Finally, Amy discussed best practices on implementing USG regulations for course requirements in the Core IMPACTS area and that a joint effort between OUE and the Registrar’s Office is working individually with each unit to ensure compliance.
Looking Ahead
The town hall marked a significant step forward in enhancing undergraduate education initiatives and resources across campus. The insights shared pave the way for a transformative journey ahead, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, leadership, academic success, and continuous improvement in undergraduate education.