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Kustra pursues change, research
in State of the University address
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President Bob Kustra motivated BSU faculty for the coming year
at the State of the University meeting last Tuesday. Kustra
stressed a research-based university, quality teaching, and
fostering relationships between faculty and students.
Kustra believes incorporating research as a key element in
students’ education will benefit both the University and
students long after they graduate; after all, college students are
the next generation of active and informed citizens ready to engage
in public life.
Kustra explained that research will enable the student to work
hands-on and learn actively as opposed to passively absorbing
information. Professors were encouraged to help students be more
aware of the possibility of graduate school and becoming experts in
their field of study. In the long-term Kustra wants students to
graduate with the knowledge of how important higher education is to
society and the economy.
BSU could within the next decade build research learning
facilities. Kustra sees his goals building over the span of the
next eight years. “We will do it brick by brick,” he
said.
Kustra plans to hold capital campaigns to promote campus awareness
and raise money for research learning facilities.
Kustra remarked on the importance of BSU staff to double their
efforts and actively work with students in order to achieve an
active learning environment. Professors are also strongly
encouraged to become advisors to students, fostering one-on- one
contact.
The soon-to-be built interactive learning center will incorporate
all the latest technology, a center for teaching and learning as
well as a faculty lounge. Faculty advising training will be
provided this semester as well.
One of Kustra’s main concerns was the low freshman retention
rate—approximately only 40 percent of freshmen go on to be
sophomores. He mentioned BSU will add an academic component to
freshmen orientation next school year. Incoming freshmen will be
required to read a book the summer prior to their first year and
discuss it at an open orientation program in the fall. Kustra hopes
this will be an effective icebreaker allowing the students to get
into the swing of school.
For the fall school year of 2004 the improvement of undergraduate
and graduate learning is on President Kustra’s mind, and the
pursuit of change and new products is in the air.
Rachel Perez
News Reporter
