The Undergraduate Experience: Focusing Institutions on What Matters Most

by Peter Felten, John N. Gardner, Charles C. Schroeder

A clear, practical framework for getting higher education back on track The Undergraduate Experience is a guide for significantly improving student learning and institutional performance in the rapidly changing world of higher education. Written by recognized experts in undergraduate education, this book encourages college and university leaders to rethink current practices that fragment the student experience, and to focus on creating powerful, integrated undergraduate learning for all students. Drawing from their own deep experience and the latest research, the authors reveal key principles that enable institutional change and enhance student outcomes in any higher education setting. Coverage includes high-impact practices for engagement, the importance of strategic leadership, the necessity of setting and maintaining high expectations, and insight on fostering excellence through systematic planning. Through its core themes and action principles, this book can be a valuable resource for faculty, staff, administrators, and governing boards at all types of postsecondary institutions. The book provides a practical framework for achieving excellence in undergraduate education by focusing The value of an undergraduate education is under greater scrutiny than ever before, and campus leaders must be able to convey the value of their institutions to students, boards, donors, and legislators. Is a college or university degree worth the increasing cost? Are today's students academically adrift? What's the difference between a degree and an education? Responding to these questions requires focused action by individuals and institutions. The Undergraduate Experience offers practical guidance for creating and sustaining excellence in the face of disruption and change in higher education.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Professional Development, School, Teaching

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid book with good ideas (and I appreciated the reflection questions aimed at the people running the show) but it started to feel a bit eerie when the language in the book mirrored the language we are using in our current campus strategic initiatives. I guess we know where the ideas came from now!

[Bryan Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, practical, accessible guide to improving college and university education.

The Undergraduate Education clearly lays out a model of which principles practice and scholarship reveal to be very effective for teaching and learning. These include emphases on relationships (student-instructor, student-student) and expectations, with recommendations for reconfiguring campus structures around an emphasis on teaching.

These recommendations are grounded in a wealth of case studies from across American higher education, fro state colleges to Catholic universities, community colleges to liberal arts institutions. They also rely on the fine work on best practices from the AAC&U group.

Strongly recommended for anyone working in, or thinking about, higher education.

[Isabeau Iqbal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I most appreciated about this book is the multiple examples of student-faculty partnerships and the straightforward way in which it was written. Unlike many books about higher education (which can be inaccessible), this one is accessible, presents a useful framework, and many examples (at the "right" level of detail).

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIRST LINE REVIEW: "Recent books on higher education typically begin by playing a variation on a familiar tune." Well, there's a lot of familiar tunes in this book, but they are all critically important. Excellent reminders throughout and a good guide for full-campus discussions as we strive to identify and better create institutions that focus on student learning...the thing that matters most.

[Penny (Literary Hoarders)]

Peter Felton was the keynote speaker today at our teaching and learning conference. Very interesting!

[Brian Gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 out of 5. This is an engaging and enjoyable read for anybody interested in student success and higher education. The book is divided into six domains of what matters most: Learning, Relationships, Expectations, Alignment, Improvement, Leadership - all of these matter. This provides a useful framework for anybody who is reviewing their programmes or units in higher ed. A great book - well worth a read.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The writing is easily accessible, it provides plenty of examples, and it's just so optimistic. These are do-able suggestions and ideas that require only creativity, determination, and good intentions.

[Stephanie Boedecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of my coursework but I enjoyed the recommendations and numerous examples of application. Moving forward in my career this is an easy reference point for putting theory to practice

[Willie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone that works at a college or university, faculty and staff alike.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can't say I found this book to be too helpful/inspirational. Seemed to be more for upper-level administrators than those who work with students day-to-day.