University College

<p>So I just got a letter/brochure in the mail telling me about university college…but i don’t understand. what is it? is it something like honors or is it just a random group of kids?
any input is appreciated, thanks</p>

<p>They are a series of intro-level courses with a special residential component built in. Really top-notch professors are chosen to teach the classes, the classes are capped at a smaller size than usual, and all of the students taking the course live together along with an upperclassmen Program Associate who helps facilitate activities outside of regular class time. Some sections include a 2nd-semester component that entails an individual research project. All of the courses fulfill a general education requirement as well. It’s a great way to build community, get to know people with similar interests, and foster personal relationships with fantastic professors. I’m a UC alum myself so I speak from experience when I say that it was definitely one of the highlights of my freshman year. If you are considering the program I would highly recommend it.</p>

<p>My son participated in one of the University Colleges this year and he has both enjoyed it and benefitted from it immensely. My son made an interesting comment about being in the UC–
He said that having the PA (?) on the floor definitely helped in studying for the class involved, both in terms of content and organization/methods, but that what he picked up from that naturally carried over into his work for all of his other classes as well. He has now participated in many effective study groups as a result.</p>

<p>My son has really bonded with the students in his UC–some of them have formed a very tight knit bunch. However, he has also made a huge number of friends outside of his UC as well, both in classes and in areas where he has pursued other interests. He idi not feel that being in the UC limited him at all.</p>