Section 1:
"We will conduct a range of research and scholarship that advances knowledge and at the same time addresses issues critical to our community, the nation, and the world."
This part seems like apart of USC's plan is to devote money towards education that adresses issues in the community. I think this is a smart move because the way that alot of people normally go about helping poor neighborhoods is they try to figure out what they think is best for the community without even figuring out what the community wants. If research means developing a better understanding about the community and the people in it by asking questions and truthfully trying to seek the needs of the people then I am all for that plan.
Section 2:
"We will create a significant global presence that will increase international visibility, reach, and impact of our research, scholarship, art, education, and service."
This part seems like they want to do some community service outside of the immediate area. This is a very great idea but I am a firm believer in helping the immediate community before you help another community. That has been one of the most significant problems that America has been doing in this past century. For example, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the areas around Gulf Coast, it took aid and relief almost a week to get there. When the Tsunami hit the islands and areas around the Indian Ocean, it took America only 3 days. This is evident of Americas overlooking of its own problems. USC doesn't want to make the same mistakes so I think they should first improve this neighborhood before they go to others.
Section 3:
"We will focus our educational programs on meeting the needs of qualified students worldwide, from undergraduates through continuing professional development. This commitment will guide our choices regarding pedagogy, instructional technology, curriculum, admissions, and support services."
I think this is very great idea on USC's part. Our University has one of the most richest financial aid banks in America, so they can afford to pay for any student to go here if they could. So why not they try to recruit students from different backgrounds so that at our University can be the most well rounded and diverse University on this planet.
Here is a picture of what a part of USC looked like before it underwent USC President Norman Toppings Master Plan in the 1960's. Can President Nikias follow through with his plan?
I agree with you that USC has a good, well-organized plan to involve the communities that surround the university. They see different aspects of how to try to improve the neighborhoods around them campus and how to further involve them as well. However, I feel that USC really should follow through on what they say in their master plan and that the community really should be one of their main priorities instead of just claiming that it is.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture! I think a really nice idea would be that USC has a mandatory (maybe instead of a GE or something) volunteer credit where students will give back to the community and help the surrounding area in a specific way. Tutoring and mentoring are always beneficial and with all the educational resources we've been given I think it would really help and give back.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your position on the USC master plan. I believe that it is necessary to improve the outside neighborhoods of USC. I have known many prospective students who were afraid of the surrounding neighborhoods and it was ultimately the main factor that they decided not to attend USC. They missed out on a great educational experience just based on their outlook on the surrounding neighborhood.
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