Undergrad issues to become 'U' focus By Jeannie Baumann Daily Staff Reporter University President Lee Bollinger announced plans last week to create a commission focusing on the University's undergraduate program. "Over the past decade, much has been done to improve what we offer to undergraduates," he said in a written statement. "But there is still much to be thought about, and we have justifiably high aspirations." Bollinger posed a series of questions about undergraduate education, including recruitment methods, financial aid, the appeal of the current course curriculum and the balance of enrollment numbers among resident, non-resident and international students. Although the commission will focus on the academic aspects of the undergraduate experience, Bollinger also cited plans to address non-academic issues, including the number of residence halls, especially for juniors and seniors and "public goods" such as the museums. Gary Krenz, special counsel to the president, said the commission provides an opportunity to examine a "very important" area of activity. "We want to look at what we ought to be doing in these institutions to improve what's already great," Krenz said. Bollinger said the commission should examine these issues with long-term goals in mind. "Knowing what we think about such questions is undoubtedly important. "Part of what we need, however, is a better sense of priority among the issues and a general understanding of how to deal with them over a period of time," he said. Student leaders reacted positively to the announcement of the commission. "I think it's great. It shows a real commitment to the needs of undergraduate students," said Residence Halls Association President Jason Taylor, an Engineering senior. Michigan Student Assembly President Bram Elias, an LSA senior, expressed similar thoughts. "It's always exciting when the University refocuses on its primary mission, which is undergraduate students." But Elias said many administrative ideas never develop beyond their conceptual stage, and he hopes the same fate does not await the commission. "If the philosophy behind the committee can be translated into tangible, positive change for undergraduates on campus, then it's great. I have a feeling if there's anybody who can pull it off, it's Bollinger and his administration - but that's a big if," he said. Bollinger plans to announce commission memberships in the next few weeks. But, Krenz said it is premature to indicate the composition of the commission. "I would expect that we should have interim reports by late spring and final reports and recommendations by early in the fall semester of the next academic year," he said. Originally on page 3A in the 1-24-2000 issue of the Daily.