Ivan Allen holds town hall meeting

Although historically a technology school, Tech is currently also growing in the Liberal Arts. In an effort to better understand the needs of its undergraduates during this growth, the Ivan Allen College (IAC) of Liberal Arts held a Town Hall meeting last Wednesday.

The event was organized and moderated by the Ivan Allen Student Advisory Board to promote communication within the undergraduate community. A panel of IAC administrators, faculty, and staff answered questions asked by students in the audience. Most questions were related to the curriculum, study abroad, research, and work opportunities.

The panelists included a representative of each school in the IAC, academic advisors, a career services specialist and the coordinator of the international plan.

Study abroad questions were answered by Stephanie Jackson, coordinator of the international plan, and Kirk Bowman, director of various study abroad programs. Cost and course offerings were the main concerns of the students. There are currently scholarships available, but they can be difficult to find. Jackson recommended applying for the STAR scholarship. She also reminded students that HOPE scholarship and financial aid can be applied towards study abroad. There are many semester and summer abroad programs that offer IAC classes. The international plan is also an option. The panelists encouraged students to plan their schedules so they can take electives while studying abroad, allowing students to take major required classes at Tech and remain on track for graduation.

Another concern was the career prospects of an IAC graduate. The panel responded by saying an IAC graduate can be hired in almost any field. Jackson also mentioned CSIS and Networking Nights. These are both opportunities to network with alumni and find out more about various career paths.

Kirsten Young is a Career Services Specialist who works with IAC majors. She can help students apply their skills to their careers and find internships and full-time jobs.

There are a few potential curriculum changes, but the IAC is trying to offer more programs to meet student needs. The IAC currently offers three joint degrees: Global Economics and Modern Languages, Economics and International Affairs, and International Affairs and Modern Languages. There may be a French and Architecture joint degree offered in the future. LCC may also offer a minor in Film Studies. The School of Public Policy also offers a five-year BS/MS degree.

The panel said the the IAC continues to have opportunities to improve. The IAC has the most tenured faculty and lowest student-teacher ratio on campus. Because of Institute President Wayne Clough's encouragement, alumni from other colleges within Tech are donating money to the IAC. The college has new computer labs and is hoping for more renovations. HTS and Economics are moving to the old Civil Engineering building. The panel hopes to see more IAC colleges moving to the historic area of campus.

The IAC administration, faculty and staff said they are very open to student input. To make curriculum suggestions, email David Shooke, the director of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Modern Languages.