By DIXIE B. KOLDITZ
BYU is giving students new opportunities to further their education. In the process, some programs have been dropped and newer ideas implemented.
Freshman Academy was introduced in 1992 to help incoming freshman fit in and adjust well to college education.
The clothing and textile department is being dropped as well as the department of managerial communication and managerial economics. These changes have made room for new programs and technology.
Students now have access to the internet through Route Y. Computers are a way to the future and BYU is giving its student that opportunity.
Independent study programs are connecting its students to computers so they can have easy access to their professors and interactive learning.
Many students and professors feel that computerized class work is BYU's way into the future.
'The problem is that not many students are taking an active role in their education,' said junior Dave Hanley, 22, from Lake Forest, Calif., majoring in public policy.
'We need to have a quest for education and not just careers and grades,' said Sally Todd, assistant dean for school of education. 'Departments are also trying to make life easier for students and faculty. In our department we work as teams and share learning ideas.'
Todd said Robert Patterson, dean of education, is helping their faculty see themselves as consequential and as colleagues.
With the changes being made, some of BYU's departments received national recognition in the rankings by U.S. News and World Report.
The Marriott School of Management was ranked 46th among the top business schools in the nation, while the Law school was ranked 25th nationally.
'These rankings give our students a great start in the world and they reflect that we are a hard working and industrious people,' said John Lewis, director of alumni and public relations for the Marriott School of Management.
Lewis said the university has been helpful and supportive of their school and programs.
Carri Jenkins, director of media for university communications, said BYU will continue to emphasize quality teaching and education.
'Students come here prepared to live lives filled with faith and purpose,' Jenkins said.