By Suzy Alstrin
A popular podcast network focused on higher education, the EdUp Experience, featured Reinhardt Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs John Miles on April 22nd. The EdUp Experience is known for spotlighting the most innovative and influential minds shaping higher education across the globe.
In a thoughtful conversation with EdUp Curriculum host Nicole Poff, Dr. Miles discussed how Reinhardt fosters a positive and successful student experience and the hard work invested by faculty to shape effective curricular changes. Poff, whose focus lies on impactful curriculum design and development, praised several of the University’s forward-thinking initiatives. She was impressed by faculty involvement in student success, a reimagined general education (Gen Ed) curriculum, the creation of individualized academic pathways, the new requirement for students to declare a minor, increased course accessibility, and student support services.
Poff aims to leave listeners with innovative strategies to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. When the conversation turned to incentivizing exploration across disciplines, Dr. Miles noted a commitment to giving students control over their academic journeys from the start, “Reinhardt is giving Gen Ed a structure that student’s see they’re navigating, instead of a list of courses they feel like they’re fulfilling.” Additionally, he stated, “The removal of prerequisites opens up a lot of courses that students would have never had access to.”
Poff responded enthusiastically, “It’s very sound to me — it preserves the undergraduate experience, the ability to explore and to look into different disciplines. And you’re giving them such a gift by having them explore something else.”
As the conversation continued, Dr. Miles emphasized, “Less than 50 percent of the people that start higher education in our country finish it, and it is our duty to help and support them.” Poff stated her impression of Reinhardt, “I think caring is in your DNA. So many of your initiatives, strategies and practices demonstrate a genuine caring about the student, which I think we sometimes lose because we’re so wrapped up in policies. I hope others listening feel the same way.”
Click HERE to watch the podcast.
