University of Minnesota. University College

University College at the University of Minnesota was established on June 28, 1930 by the Board of Regents, upon the recommendation of a committee appointed by University President, Lotus Delta Coffman and chaired by Guy Stanton Ford. Its purpose was to extend the educational opportunities available to upper division undergraduates beyond those available through the traditional colleges of the University.

On August 16, 1930, the University College Committee was appointed by President Coffman to guide the academic programs of students, and was authorized to grant the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. The committee, chaired by John Tate, consisted of twenty-three representatives of the various faculties. Tate resigned as chair in 1941 and was succeeded by J. William Buchta who served as chairman until 1962.

In 1962, the University Senate established the All-University Council on Liberal Education (CLE) to set standards for liberal education components of all baccalaureate degrees and to encourage improvements in the quality of undergraduate education.

In 1967, the CLE presented a policy statement that called for a program of educational development aimed at making the process of educational research, innovation and development an integral characteristic of the University life. As a result, in 1969, University College agreed to house an experiment in education known as the Living Learning Center and set a precedent for a broader range of educational programs.

In 1970, the University Senate approved an expanded role for University College as a mechanism for supporting University experiments in undergraduate education. This came at a time of student and faculty dissatisfaction with higher education and the innovative spirit of the times created a renewed emphasis on curricular experimentation. As a result, Experimental College was established in 1970 and University Without Walls in 1971.

In 1977, it was recommended by the Senate Committee on Educational Policy that University College be managed as part of the program of the Center for Educational Development under the Vice President for Academic Affairs and consist of two separately managed programs, the Inter-College Program and Experimental Program.

In 1996, University College was absorbed by Continuing Education and Extension.