Big changes are going on at USI, and everyone has something to say about them. One of the biggest changes to hit UIS recently is the changing of the education department, more or less dissolving it and putting it in with the dept. of Science and engineering. But we are not here to talk about the details; we are here to see what students affected by this change are saying about it. Opinions (and rumors) are flying all over campus, and it seems like everyone (especially in the education department) has something to say. Sophomore English education major Katie Webster see both good and bad things in the situation. “I think it’s a bold move to integrate technology with education, but I do think that the absence of a physical college for education could be a serious detriment to the department.” Webster then went on to discuss how when she first looked at USI, the very visible education program was a big draw. She worries that now the education department is “just another part of the POTT college”, it will lose some of that draw. “I think it is critical to incorporate the word “education” within the entire Pott College name.” Said Webster. Another student with an opinion is Junior Education major Carrie Allison, who was shocked to find out about the changes being made to her department. Considering all of the current attacks on education at the state level, feel this negatively impacted the morale in the department further.” States Allison, who is already made significant progress within the current program. “More

than anything, I feel for our dedicated staff and professors; this change seems political and beyond their control.” Said Allison. Allison also has serious concerns about how an elementary education major will work out in the POTT college of science and engineering. “People keep telling me this reflects REPA’s requirements for secondary education students to have a content area major. That is not a change; since we were freshmen my friends who plan to teach in high schools have been English, Math,

Chemistry majors. For me, an Elementary Education major with a Special Education minor, to graduate with a degree from the Pott College of Science and Engineering is illogical.” What Allison feels is the same as a lot of students involved in this; confusion. The biggest problem it seems is that students don’t know what exactly is going on, why it’s changing, how this will affect them, as well as smaller details, like where they will stand during graduation, or if the POTT college of science and engineering will add education to the mix. Of course, not all students are confused or unhappy. Junior math education major Stuart DeVault feels like the change makes perfect sense. “ I feel that even though we are “losing” a department, that at least the science and math departments might work with the education department better when they are under the same person’s leadership” said Devault, who feels like the new emphasis on technology is a positive step for the department. Opinions are flying, debates are erupting on everywhere from the Quad, the REC, to Facebook, but one thing everywhere can agree on, is things are changing, and we need to be ready for them.