INNOVATION
Fast-tracking Lawyers An accelerated law degree program initiated in June 2014 welcomed 24 students and enables them to earn a law degree in two years, providing both the doctrinal and practical education necessary for success after law school. Academic requirements are the same for two- and threeyear students, including pro-bono service and experiential learning requirements. A second group of 17 “Accelerators” enrolled in June 2015.
108 Zags at national conference Gonzaga may not be known as a research university, but don’t tell that to the 108 students who are so passionate about undergrad
“We’re looking to move the emphasis from
STEM to STEAM, with that A representing the arts.”
— Kathleen Jeffs, Department Chair, Theater Arts
research that they applied – and were selected – to present in front of thousands of peers from institutions across the nation. Eastern Washington University hosted the 2015 National Conference on Undergraduate Research, which received submissions from more than 3,700 undergrads eager to present their work.
Blowing off STEAM There is an interdisciplinary motif that is inherent in theater… so much collaboration and innovation that naturally occurs, it makes sense that universities engage students from the sciences and many other fields rather than just those who major in the arts. Gonzaga’s faculty in all the arts are reaching out to STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) majors, with the understanding that art helps STEM students to engage the other side of their brains, fostering creative problem solving and improved interpersonal skills.
“To have so many students participating brings expanded opportunities for students to engage national audiences as well as to have their work published.” — Matt Bahr, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
6
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT 2015