Friday, September 7, 2001

Convocation address highlights goals
Enrollment cap, graduate studies top list of initiatives
By Jacque Petersell
Staff Reporter

Erin Munger - Photo Editor Chancellor Michael Ferrari named nine institutional goals in his State of the University address at Fall Convocation Thursday.

Capping freshman enrollment, enhancing graduate programs and completing the revision of University Curriculum Requirements were among nine institutional goals Chancellor Michael Ferarri established Thursday at Fall Convocation.

Ferrari said the purpose of these goals is to raise the university’s prestige.

Currently, TCU is ranked in the second tier of universities by U.S. News and World Report, which each year ranks universities in areas such as student retention, faculty-to-student ratio, academic reputation, class size and alumni donations. Ferrari said the goal is to raise the university’s ranking and become one of the best universities of its kind.

“Is it really realistic for us to aspire to the top of tier two universities over the next five years?” Ferrari said. “Absolutely.”

Part of the plan to raise TCU’s national ranking is to start capping the amount of freshmen admitted to the university, Ferrari said. Limiting the amount of freshmen means being more selective in the admitting process, he said.

“It is critical for us to establish a detailed enrollment plan,” Ferrari said. “We can have additional growth at TCU, but I look for that growth at our graduate level, not at the undergraduate level.”

Rebecca Whitesell, a junior biology major, said she had discussed the chancellor’s idea to limit enrollment with some other students, and while they questioned the action, she said she thought it was a good idea.

“I really think it will help TCU grow nationally,” Whitesell said. “In a way it will make the school more selective and make the school’s prestige rise.

“I think it may sound bad because TCU is so student-oriented, but (limiting freshman enrollment) is important if you want to keep the feel of the university this way.”

Ferrari said he would like to increase the graduate student program to bring the university in line with other schools in the second tier. Ferrari said to do this, the potential of existing graduate programs needs to be evaluated. He also said he hopes to launch three to five new graduate programs in the future.

Ferrari said the graduate studies program is an area of untapped opportunity.

Brian Wood, Student Government Association president, said an improved increased graduate studies program will benefit the school. “I think a better graduate studies program will give us a lot of prominence,” Wood said. “I’m excited to see what the outcome is.”

Ferrari said a drafting committee, headed by Richard Enos, professor of English, will have a proposal for a new core curriculum set by this fall, and the new core curriculum should begin by fall 2003.

“The redesign and implementation of an exciting core curriculum can contribute to an even stronger educational experience for our students,” Ferrari said. “We must not lose this occasion to enrich further the quality of the undergraduate education at TCU.”

Ferrari also announced goals to increase and improve promotional marketing, to continue a commitment to diversity, to participate in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools re-accreditation program and to develop a plan to fund new university renovations and academics.

Jacque Petersell
j.s.petersell@student.tcu.edu