History, guest lecturers to be incorporated into one-credit course

A new class this fall surveying UA's history will educate students about the people who have shaped the university since its opening in 1889.

The one-credit class, which is being offered by the College of Agriculture and the Arizona Alumni Association, is titled "Heritage and Traditions of the University of Arizona."

The class will cover topics such as the Land Grant system that helped establish the university, which is in danger of being cut to pay off a state deficit.

James Knight, head of the department of agriculture, said educating students about the program will help sustain its use in Arizona.

"The purpose of the land grant was to help establish a university in this state," Knight said. "It made education accessible and affordable for many students, but unfortunately, a lack of funding may cost us the program."

Land grants use federal funds to give institutions money for the development of agricultural and mechanical programs.

Knight said that reaching out to the student community may help create more funding in the future.

"Our hope is that as students learn to appreciate the roots of the land grant and the heritage, they are more likely to stay closer to the school and maybe someday give monetary support," he said.

The class will not have a professor. Instead, students will hear lectures from different administrators and campus leaders every week. The schedule of lecturers includes UA President Peter Likins, Provost George Davis and Alumni Association Director Sandy Ruhl.

Class activities will include researching new traditions and interviewing alumni about their experiences at UA. Students will also get together to propose the adoption of new traditions.

Michelle Rosler, president of the Student Alumni Association, thinks this class will be a good networking tool.

"I think that it is important for students to feel like they have a relationship with alumni and staff," Rosler said. "It will be beneficial for students who want to remain in contact with the university in the long term."

Sandy Ruhl, president of the Arizona Alumni Association, agreed.

"It's actually part of a multi-pronged focus to teach students about heritage and traditions," Ruhl said. "As the campus has grown, we have lost many things in the UA history, and we are very excited to see how well the class goes over."

Students can enroll in AED 297c under the fall schedule of classes on the UA home page. Class size is limited to 60 students.