CSE 180: What was your biggest concern about the transition? Provost: "Change isn't easy, as all of you know as you deal with the stress of moving from high school to college. Someone wise once said, "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." Our greatest concern has been change management!" CSE 180: How and why did you come up with learning communities? Provost: "Twenty-five years of research prove that learning communities help the transition from high school to university. Only 50% of freshmen nationally actually complete their degrees. That is really scary. We want to do everything we can to keep students here, so that they can go on to graduate. I am a strong supporter of learning communities. They work by making connections and creating a sense of belonging." CSE 180: Why do you feel it is important for freshmen to be involved in learning communities and UNI 101? Provost: "UNI 101 is designed to help you to understand university life and to make connections among your courses. We are still working on it, and your comments will help to improve the course. In general, you are shaping the future freshman program on this campus. You will always be our first-class first class."