UTSA in top 2 percent of U.S. universities to receive ‘A’ for core curriculum

Main Building, UTSA Main Campus

By KC Scharnberg
Public Affairs Specialist

(Nov. 21, 2012) -- UTSA is one of only 21 American higher education institutions to receive an A-rating from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) for the caliber of its core curriculum. This is the second consecutive year that UTSA has received this study's highest rating.

The "What Will They Learn?" report examines whether institutions of higher learning require seven courses deemed "crucial" to a well-rounded education: composition, literature, foreign language, U.S. government or history, economics, mathematics and science.

Of the 1,070 institutions graded on the strength of each school's general education curriculum, UTSA is among the top 2 percent that earned an A-rating for requiring at least six of the seven subjects considered crucial to a solid core education. Foreign language is the only subject that is not currently required of all undergraduate degree-seeking students at UTSA.

Emily Albrecht, a senior real estate finance and development major and among the 100 best students within the College of Business, said she appreciates these required general education courses for helping her understand the "bigger picture" in life. "Not only do I have broader knowledge that I will be able to use throughout my life, I also feel that being a well-rounded person will help me be a more valuable employee."

"In today's job market, employers are looking for employees who are not only competent in their field but also have the capacity to creatively solve problems," said John Frederick, UTSA provost and vice president for academic affairs. "UTSA is committed to shaping broad-minded global citizens who are prepared to think critically and, in turn, have a greater competitive edge in the job market."

UTSA is an emerging Tier One research institution. In addition to the "What Will They Learn?" recognition, the university is ranked among the top quartile of research universities in the world in the prestigious Scimago Institutions Rankings World Report 2012.

Events

Friday, May 3, 11:30 a.m.

McNair Scholars' Spring Celebration

This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.

North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main Campus

Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m.

Doctoral Conferral Ceremony

At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.

Arts Building Recital Hall, Main Campus

Thursday, May 16, 3:00 p.m.

Roadrunner Walk

Roadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.

Student Union Paseo, Main Campus

Friday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.

Commencement: Ceremony One

Celebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St.

Friday, May 17, 4:30 p.m.

Commencement: Ceremony Two

Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St.

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Spotlight

UTSA’s Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA’s Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA’s Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.

UTSA’S Destinations

UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.