Pathway Program to Change

By Robert Wear

With the first round of Pathway reflections almost all submitted, 240 graduating seniors still haven't turned in their essays.

Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies Phyllis Brown attributed this to the confusion that arises when a new requirement is introduced.

In the future, Brown assured that communication regarding the assignment is going to be clearer. A group of students in an Applied Sociology class have been doing research on the topic and the administration is drawing upon this to improve communication. The faculty will also become more familiar with the requirement and will most likely offer practice essays in their classes.

In addition, administrators will support the faculty development of co-curricular activities and help students select and think about their Pathways while they are still in progress. Even more, a group of students will have the chance to participate in a pilot project that will encourage them to start thinking about their chosen Pathways as early as sophomore year. 

The lack of communication has created a wave of confusion over what exactly the purpose of the reflection is. 

"It seems like a reflection should be more for the betterment of the student, but the way they are evaluating them has made it into more of a chore," said senior Amando Argueta-Vogel.

The Pathway is meant "to build on the university's commitment to provide students with an education that will prepare them for roles as engaged citizens and leaders working to create a more just, humane and sustainable world," said Brown. She added that future employers look for applicants that can make connections and solve complex problems by drawing on multiple points of view, goals that are directly supported by the Pathway requirement.

Contact Robert Wear at rwear@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.