Like a number of students, Christine Lavan has found that the path to her college degree has taken a few turns. She first enrolled at UNR with a focus on interior design and three semesters later transferred to UNLV. But many of the courses she'd completed up north didn't transfer neatly into the School of Architecture programs. Frustrated over the credit issues, Lavan hit a breaking point. "I just stopped (going to school) while I tried to figure out my next plan of action."

Fortunately, UNLV had a new solution-one that both encouraged the interdisciplinary education that will suit Lavan's longterm goals and empowered her to take control of her education.

In July the school launched University College both to serve students seeking an individualized education and to boost retention and graduation rates. John Readance, dean of the college, says its scholars range from nontraditional students with full-time jobs and a need for academic flexibility to students whose longterm goals can't be served by one academic field. The program is attracting pre-med students, for example, who want to combine a foundation in sciences with a background in business so they'll be able to run their future practices well.

Charting A Course

With the help of advisors, students in the bachelor of university studies program craft a unique degree that integrates two areas of major study. In a capstone course, they develop a project that examines the real-world applications of their interdisciplinary work. In addition, the college requires its students to take 12 hours of university studies classes that teach critical thinking, statistics, diversity, and culture, among other topics.

Lavan plans to apply her combination of architecture and economics to opening a lighting design firm. "My frustration didn't end in a complete loss," she says. "I can still use my credits for a degree I am excited to get, and I can do something with it. I feel like I have more control over what's happening with me right now."

That ability to chart one's own course has substantial appeal. Administrators expected an initial enrollment of 30 students; there are now 173 students in the college.

Readance is now working to raise the college's profile among students and faculty. As the college establishes itself through its first graduating class, "people will learn there's an alternative route for them to consider." His long-term goals include working with local businesses to pinpoint the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in business. His first priority, however, remains serving students who require a more personalized approach to their education.

"University College can provide a home for people who don't necessarily think they have a home here in the university," Readance says, pointing out that the college approaches student services with a uniquely broad overview. "Unlike other colleges, we're not focused on serving students within specific disciplines. We can promote genuine exploration and discovery and help students match their goals to UNLV's many academic programs. The college really embodies the ideals of student-centered learning."

Lavan, who will earn her degree in May with 12 others in the college's inaugural graduating class, agrees. "I think what I want and where I want to go are the right fit at University College. They really want to develop you. I also see an enthusiasm toward the degree that I don't always see in other schools. I just sense a different energy."

More simply put: "University College," Lavan says, "saved me."