Beginning in the fall 2009-10 semester, incoming freshmen and outgoing seniors will be held to new education requirements. In an effort to improve undergraduate education, the USF General Education Improvement Committee (GEIC) began developing the Foundations of Knowledge and Learning Core Curriculum (FKL) in 2003 to include more inquiry-based learning and critical thinking in USF curriculum, said Janet Moore, associate dean of Undergraduate Studies.
When former Provost Renu Khator left USF to become president at University of Houston, Provost Ralph Wilcox was appointed for the remainder of Khator’s term. That term has ended, and USF is looking for someone to fill the position again. Rhonda Hendrix, a special assistant in the Office of Research and Innovation, which is conducting the search, said the office has received 50 applications.
The Student Government 2009-10 executive branch budget, which was passed through the senate May 19, still awaits the decision of Vice President of Student Affairs Jennifer Meningall. Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Khalid Hassouneh told the Oracle on June 17 that Meningall had until June 19 to come to a decision on the budget.
Despite the unemployment rate reaching nearly 10 percent, some students are certain their college degrees are still worth pursuing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a 9.4 percent unemployment rate last month, and many recent graduates are taking lower-paying jobs in less desirable places instead of going unemployed.