Students will likely have an easier time studying abroad in their senior years after the University Senate overwhelmingly passed a resolution relaxing a university policy yesterday.
If approved by university President Dan Mote, the resolution will relax a requirement that students take their final 30 credits on the campus, which ensures graduates have spent a significant amount of time at the university, but has been criticized for restricting study abroad and internship opportunities for seniors.
Under the current policy, students can study abroad in their senior years but have to clear more administrative hurdles. The policy allows students to take six credits away from the university only under “unusual circumstances” and with the permission of their respective deans. Students can take more than six credits at other institutions only under “highly unusual circumstances” and with the approval of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The new policy would make explicit exceptions for university-approved study abroad and internship programs and allow students to take up to six other credits away from the university with their deans’ approval.
Academic Procedures and Standards Committee chairman Charles Delwiche said his committee has been looking into the issue since 2007. The senate considered a similar policy change last year before a technical error derailed the vote.
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