Mission 

The Undergraduate College oversees the components of a college education that are shared by all undergraduates at the University. The mission of the college is to propel academic success and holistic development throughout the educational journey at UT and beyond. The vision is to transform the student educational experience so that students can change the world. 

The Undergraduate College encompasses the following units that work collectively toward this mission and goal.

Academic and Curricular Innovation 

The Academic and Curricular Innovation portfolio advances high-impact, interdisciplinary education across all CSUs, with the aim of promoting student development and experiences across the curriculum and students’ educational journeys. Our commitment extends past the classroom’s boundaries to advancing research and entrepreneurial opportunities, ensuring student success both during and beyond their time at UT. Through its various programs (Assessment and Professional Development, Bridging Disciplines Programs, Core Curriculum, Distinguished and Postgraduate Scholarships, First-Year Experience, LaunchPad, McNair Scholars, Skills and Experience Flags, Strive Grad Prep Academy, Undergraduate Research, and Women in Stem), this portfolio performs a variety of functions, including the following:

• Ensure a high-quality Core Curriculum, working in partnership with the other colleges and schools to coordinate, assess, and support courses required of all undergraduates. 
• Coordinate, assess, and support courses that satisfy campus-wide requirements in writing, ethics, global cultures, cultural diversity, quantitative reasoning, and independent inquiry. 
• Develop and maintain innovative classes for first-year students. 
• Support student success by cultivating community-based academic experiences, especially for first-year students. 
• Prepare students for the modern workforce through the lens of entrepreneurship. 
• Foster undergraduate participation in the research and creative activity of the university.  
• Support students applying for prestigious post-baccalaureate scholarships. 
• Advance interdisciplinary education and curriculum across the university, by creating and coordinating interdisciplinary credentials for undergraduates, working closely with the other colleges and schools. 
• Serve as a hub for undergraduate curriculum management for the university, working collaboratively with stakeholders across the university. 
• Support program evaluation and assessment efforts and staff professional development across the Undergraduate College.

Student Engagement

The Student Engagement team supports the whole student experience both inside and outside of the classroom. It includes the UT SHIFT initiative and the Office of Student Success.  

SHIFT is a joint collaboration between the Undergraduate College and the Division of Student Affairs that aims to “shift” the culture of substance use on college campuses from one of misuse to one of well-being. The program integrates multi-dimensional approaches to engaging all members of the UT Community. More information can be found on the SHIFT website.   

The Office of Student Success supports and promotes student success by creating equitable learning environments in the pursuit of academic excellence so that we can harness the transformational power of education. We provide students with academic and advising support, wrap-around services, and resources to assist students in navigating institutional requirements. With eight units (Darren Walker Scholars, Heman Sweatt Center for Collegiate Males, Student Success Programs, University Leadership Network, Sanger Learning Center, Texas Success Initiative, UT For Me, Vick Advising Excellence Center), the office has a broad variety of services. We aim to do the following: 

• Identify patterns of student behavior to streamline university processes, improving the student experience. 
• Communicate actionable student success data to colleges and schools to support their efforts to improve graduation, retention, and persistence rates. 
• Eliminate the gap in graduation rates for low-income students through providing access to technology, academic resources, and financial support. 
• Develop robust programs and activities to foster community, especially among first generation students and other community-based populations; build leadership skills and career readiness via experiential learning; improve financial literacy; and support student mental wellbeing. 
• Support students and campus partners in recognizing academic achievement through university-wide awards. 
• Partner with non-profit and governmental agencies to support student success research through grant funding. 
• Collaborate with campus partners in academic planning to streamline the educational experience. 
• Provide small group and individual academic support for coursework at no direct cost to students. 
• Connect students with experienced peers for academic support and guidance. 
• Collaborate with colleges and schools to offer tailored academic support. 
• Provide training and professional development resources for advisors in every college and school so that all students have access to timely, accurate, and personalized advising. 
• Support students as they explore academic options and engage in the internal transfer process. 
• Assist both students and advisors with questions and petitions related to the Core Curriculum and Skills & Experiences Flags requirements.