Horizons Fall 2015

26 NSU HORIZONS NSU’s realignment of academic programs in its colleges was done to benefit students. The new structuring, which aligns all degree levels—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral/first-professional—within the same colleges, is reflective of NSU’s commitment as a world-class university. It is an educational synergy that involves students (both undergraduates and gradu- ates) professionals, and faculty members. “The realignment is academically ben- eficial, especially to our expanding under- graduate programs. Undergraduates benefit from knowing what to expect from our graduate programs, and graduate students know what to expect from our doctoral programs,” said Ralph V. Rogers, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Nova Southeastern University. “There becomes a clearer under- standing if the groups are together in the same colleges. From the standpoint of quality, the alignment provides opportu- nity for a richer, more intensive educational experience for students,” he added. “Building these types of structures attracts students in research and defines mentor- ships in graduate programs.” The reorganization presents a unified focus in each college with all degree levels. For instance, undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine biology are aligned with master’s and Ph.D. students in the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography. In the new College of Engineering and Computing, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in computer science will be under one roof, as will students studying every level of information technology. The restructuring plan was guided by input from students, faculty and staff members, and through Town Hall meetings “The experience of being around gradu- ate students—and vice versa—will be beneficial to everyone,” said David W. Kerstetter, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography. “Through instruction on laboratory tasks specific to their adviser, graduate students will be able to gain some mentoring and teaching experiences, which are often vital for success in doctoral programs and postdoctoral research positions. Under- graduate students will benefit from seeing graduate students who’ve made the sacrifices and put in the hard work to follow their dream of being a professional scientist.” Kerstetter said he will now include an additional consid- eration to students in his undergraduate course. “Would they make a good research assistant in my, or another, laboratory. My experience with marine science research is that success can be as much about motivation and perseverance than any sort of scientific brilliance,” he said. “Having all levels of our degree programs together helps us to maximize our fine graduate and professional degree programs to attract the best and brightest under- graduates, while also encouraging highly motivated students to reserve a seat in our dual admission program,” said George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University. The Dual Admission Program automati- cally reserves a seat in one of NSU’s gradu- ate or professional schools while the qualified students are earning their bachelor’s degree. Nova Southeastern University’s Board of Trustees also created three new colleges with programs to address market needs. The programs add to the university’s more than 150 degree offerings. The new col- leges include the College of Allopathic Medicine (M.D. program) to complement BY MICHELLE F. SOLOMON Students benefit from academic realignment