South Florida is known for its diverse culture, a healthy influx of ideas and passion for life.
The University of Miami is nestled in the middle of a wide array of cultural opportunities that can enrich a student’s learning and educational experience. The College of Arts and Sciences is the core of these multicultural experiences.
The college has been going through a series of academic transitions that have promised further to encourage students to be involved with exciting innovations that can significantly impact their lives.
President Donna Shalala came to the university in mid 2001 with an agenda to build on the myriad advantages offered by a diverse liberal arts education.
Perhaps the most significant change in the College of Arts and Sciences was President Shalala’s decision to name Dr. James H. Wyche to serve as a Vice Provost of the University and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences beginning in 2002.
Wyche spent 14 years at Brown University as Associate Provost and professor of medical science. He received his B.S. from Cornell University, M.A. from Brown University and a Ph.D. in biology from Johns Hopkins University. He was also interim president of Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi from September 2001 to May 2002.
One of Wyche’s goals is to challenge the diversity of the UM campus with the ethnic, racial and cultural mixture of Miami-Dade County. Wyche strongly believes in offering students a variety of opportunities to make their education exciting while providing opportunities for the students to become global citizens.
The College of Arts and Sciences has recently modified some program requirements to improve several of its interdisciplinary offerings. These unique academic programs have been given new structures that allow students to become acquainted with an array of educational approaches.
In April, the African-American studies, Judaic studies and women’s studies programs became stand-alone majors, meaning that the programs will no longer require a double major. Dr. Jeffrey Shoulson, director of the Judaic Studies program, said the interdisciplinary studies programs were as rigorous and as scholarly as any other program offered at UM.
“The flexibility and the multi-dimensional approaches of these programs give students interested in a variety of academic experiences the opportunity to explore different disciplines and methodologies,” he said.
The type of courses offered from the Judaic studies program vary from Jewish literature to the Israeli language in its cultural context. There are team-taught courses, multiple guest speakers and research projects in which the students can engage further to enhance their skills and increase their knowledge.
The women’s studies program allows students further to explore the differences in the roles of men and women in society. The program offers students the opportunity to learn more about human thought and behavior.
“Gender is the central aspect of our definition of ourselves,” Dr. Ann Brittain, program director, said.
There are a variety of courses offered in the program, including women in politics, women in health, women writers and the psychology of women. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers at major corporations, advertising firms and in criminal justice.
Moreover, Latin American studies provides an opportunity for students to learn about Latin American culture and society. The program gives students an opportunity to learn aspects of Latin American government, law, business, research, journalism and education. Two new courses offered this fall will discuss present-day Latin American affairs. Students are also encouraged to spend one semester abroad in some part of Latin America.
Latin American studies also has a five-year program, Fellows in Latin American Studies. Students enter as freshmen and graduate with a master’s degree in Latin American studies. It shares many aspects of the regular major, but it requires more specific courses and additional elements. FILAS Director Rebecca Biron, Ph.D., said she believes the interdisciplinary nature of the program can be beneficial for students.
“Students will be able to learn about politics, anthropology, social service, languages, popular culture, art and literature,” she said.
Biron also said that the continuing growth of Miami, with its varied Latin American community, has been beneficial in building a foundation for the students.
“It will help us build visibility as well as develop more internship and scholarship opportunities for students in the field,” she said.
The African-American studies program allows the students to learn about the experiences of people of African descent in North and South America, the Caribbean and continental Africa.
The program also works with other programs and student organizations in co-sponsoring lectures, exhibits and other activities that help to promote racial and ethnic diversity. Some of the courses that are offered include Black Leadership in the United States and Introduction to African-American Studies.
The neuroscience undergraduate degree program is a rigorous major offered by the biology and psychology departments, in conjunction with the neuroscience program at the School of Medicine. The program, intended for students preparing for medical school or for graduate study, has two tracks: psychobiology, which emphasizes cognitive functions and behavior; and neurobiology, which stresses cellular and molecular approaches to understanding nervous system functions.
For more information on these and other programs, contact the College of Arts and Sciences at 305-284-4117

The first few days on campus are a flurry of activity for incoming freshmen and transfer students as they register for classes, take care of last-minute financial aid details, move into housing, and begin orientation sessions.
Both new and transfer students are treated to a very thorough orientation program which serves to introduce them not only to UM’s academic expectations, but also to give insight into extracurricular opportunities as well. By the time the orientation activities come to a close, most students have a pretty good understanding of UM’s campus culture.
However, despite the thoroughness of orientation, questions frequently arise during subsequent weeks. To address this issue, UM has created a program called Pathways to Achieving Student Success, or PASS. PASS is a weeklong series of workshops designed as a way of continuing the orientation process.
This year, PASS Week begins on Sunday, Sept. 21; far enough into the semester to know what questions students need to have answered, yet early enough so that tips on achieving academic and social success can be put into action.
PASS Week offers support for the varying needs of undergraduate students through a variety of workshops, from suggestions for freshman about how to get to know their professors to advice for seniors about preparing for life after graduation. Workshops are developed and led by student leaders, faculty, and staff throughout campus. Last year, workshops introduced both new and continuing undergraduates to a variety of subjects ranging from academics to student wellness.
As an added incentive, students who participate in PASS Week are eligible for a variety of prizes donated by local businesses. Last year prizes such as CD players, books and gift certificates to popular local restaurants and attractions were raffled. Additionally, STA Travel, the on-campus travel agency, has donated a number of travel vouchers as well as a round-trip ticket to Europe.
Be sure to watch for PASS Week advertising for further details about upcoming workshops and available prizes. For additional information, contact Dr. Linda Saumell, director of the Academic Development Center, at 305-284-2800 or via e-mail at lsaumell@miami.edu. Or contact Pam Fischl, assistant to the vice president of Enrollment Management and Continuing Studies, at pfischl@miami.edu or 305-284-5456.

Pass Week 2002
* Time Management
* Overcoming Test Anxiety
* Communicating with
Professors
* Study Techniques
* Advice for Undecided Majors
* Campus Involvement
* High Profile Scholarships and Internships
* Applying for Grad School
* Career Counseling
* Roommate Issues
* Yoga
* Financial Forums

Arthur Levitt: Longest-serving chairman for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, [1993-2001]. He is also an author and has been described as a Wall Street expert.

Russel Simmons: Among his achievements: Founder and CEO of Def Jam Records, creator of Phat Farm clothing line, Def Pictures, Def Comedy Jam, Def Poetry Jam on HBO, Oneworld magazine, and founder of Rush Media Co., an advertising agency. All this, and Simmons remained cool and down-to-earth throughout his visit.

Angela Rae: A well- recognized CBS anchor that worked in Miami before joining the company’s flagship station in the No. 1 market New York.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche: The Spiritual Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition [FPMT], one of the foremost organizations providing the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. Currently, Rinpoche guides over 130 centers and projects in 31 countries.

Chris Matthews: Host of MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews who came to UM as part of the show’s College Tour. He is also an author, columnist, and political commentator.

Ra’nan Gissin: The senior advisor to the prime minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon. Gissin spoke about the Palestine-Israeli conflict in the Middle East. His presence sparked protests from several organizations.

Major General Kathryn G. Frost: The highest-ranking woman in the Army and the second highest-ranking in the armed forces. Currently, she is head of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.

James C. Cason: The associate deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior and Chief of Missions for U.S. Special Interests in Cuba.

Janet Reno: Miami native that served as the first female attorney general of the U.S. under the Clinton administration. She was also the first woman to serve as a state attorney in a Florida county. Recently, Reno ran for governor of Florida, but was unsuccessful.

Michael J. Fox: Emmy-winning actor and founder of Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. In 2002, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He spoke at the medical graduation at and was awarded the president’s medal by UM President Donna E. Shalala, who sits on the board of Fox’s foundation.

In the sometimes chaotic world of college life, it’s important to develop the skills needed to sustain a student’s academic and social education throughout the next four years. The transition from high school to college brings up many issues for all new students. But they can breathe easier knowing that UM has support services in place to make this transition as smooth as possible.
FEX101 is a course developed to blend academics, leadership, learning, networking and community building skills to enrich freshman year. Building a solid foundation during the first year is key to a successful college career.
“This course helped me learn the strategies and techniques to be a successful college student,” Chris Igtiben, a former FEX student, said.
In small class settings, with prominent faculty and administration members as mentors, new freshmen receive one-on-one instruction that helps them develop academic skills and learn how to best utilize university resources. Students are exposed to campus leadership opportunities, academic/career planning, UM traditions, study abroad opportunities, personal wellness programs and a bus tour of the surrounding community.
Sebastian the Ibis, the UM mascot, has also been known to drop by unexpectedly.
Academically, students develop college-level research techniques, improve active reading, reduce test anxiety, refine note-taking methods and establish strong study habits.
“High school is a teaching environment in which you acquire facts and skills, whereas college is a learning environment in which you take responsibility for thinking through and applying what you have learned,” Dr. Christie Rinck, director of freshman programs, said.
Dr. Rinck also emphasized that college life is a “great balancing act” and that there are many resources at UM to help students succeed.
However, perhaps the most important perspective on FEX101 comes from the students who have participated in it first hand.
“I know so much more about the programs and resources available to me than other students who did not take the FEX101 course,” Ashley Miguel, who took FEX101 during Fall 2001, said.

For more information on FEX101 or on how to enroll, visit www.miami.edu/adc , or e-mail Dr. Rinck at rinck@miami.edu.

What’s fun, involves excited upperclassmen and the entire class of new students, can change the way you live your college experience completely, and is waiting for you the day you arrive on campus?- It’s Orientation – the Big O!
So you’ve graduated from high school, or you’ve decided to transfer to a different [ahem, better] college – either way, you’ve ended up here at UM. Surely, there are countless things that every new student has on his or her agenda, but take it from those who know best because they’ve been there: Your first priority should be to start things off with a bang, and do the Big O. You’ve applied, been accepted, and now it’s your turn to take some initiative as the newest members of the student body. Consider Orientation “College Life 101 – for dummies,” and feel peer-pressured to attend.
Without question, whether they’re willing to admit to it or not, your friends who have made the choice to enroll elsewhere are jealous. National championship athletics, more student organizations and activities than you can imagine, first-rate academics – and did we mention there are beaches and world-famous nightlife within a reasonable driving distance?
Juggling more than one of these at once may sound challenging, but the Department of Orientation has the ultimate four-day navigation guide to ensure your success as a ‘Cane and as a new member of the Miami community. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet dozens of student leaders and make friends with other new students.
Even better, Orientation Assistants [OAs] are given a lot of leeway in terms of decision-making and responsibility for the program. The 200-plus OAs are students whose major responsibility is direct interaction with the new students, which is the key part of the Big O. They’re a new student’s number one “go-to guy or girl” for questions ranging from “where’s Allen Hall?” to “what’s a good place to hang out on weekends?” to “where can I get a fake I.D.?” [although they probably won’t answer that one].
As for the rest of what goes on at Orientation, you’ll just have to attend to find out. Sorry, parents, but this is for new students only. Don’t feel left out, though, because we have a Parent Orientation designed just for you that addresses concerns, issues and questions that are more pertinent for parents.

For more information, log on to the Orientation website at www.miami.edu/orientation or call 305-284-5646.

UM has recently installed several Web cams around the Coral Gables campus as well as one at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. These cameras provide live, streaming video 24/7 in the following areas:

Lake Osceola &
Cobb Fountain
This is a live shot from atop the McDonald Tower, a residential hall, facing northwest. In the foreground is Lake Osceola and Cobb Fountain, and behind that is the School of Music’s Weeks Center and the Clarke Recital Hall. Other buildings in view are the Gusman Concert Hall, the School of Law, Ungar building, and the Richter Library. The tall building in the background is the world famous Biltmore Hotel.

Whitten University Center & Swimming Pool
Also on McDonald Tower, this is a live view facing north. Behind Lake Osceola is the Whitten University Center and its outdoor swimming and diving facilities (indoor swimming is available in the Student Wellness Center). Behind the University Center is the School of Business Administration. In the background is the City of Miami skyline. The building in the lower right corner is Eaton Residential College.

The Rock
This is a view from atop the Whitten University Center looking down at the north entrance. A high-traffic patio area, this is considered the center of campus. Student rallies are commonly held in this area.

Pathway from UC to
the Richter Library
Also on top of the Whitten University Center, this is a view facing the Richter Library.

RSMAS
This camera is at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and overlooks the dock and Bear Cut from the roof of the Dougherty Marine Science Center.

Currently, the webcams can be accessed by visiting http://www.miami.edu/webcams.

The Princeton Review recently ranked UM fifth in the nation for its “great college towns” division and sixth for “most students from different backgrounds interact” categories in a nation-wide ranking of colleges. UM was the only Florida school to be ranked in those categories.
That’s no surprise, since the majority of students interviewed by the First Impression sited diversity and location as their top reasons for choosing UM.
“The University of Miami is indeed a diverse institution with students hailing from more than 110 countries,” Dr. Pat Whitely, vice president for student affairs, said. “Through a variety of activities both in and out of the classroom, diversity is celebrated and recognized as one of the important values of the University of Miami.”
For the location category, schools were judged by size of the city, beauty of the campus and surrounding areas, climate, and resources available to students.
“The moment I stepped on campus, I was sold,” Aimee Garcia, sophomore, said. “I knew as soon as I saw the palm trees painted across the clear blue sky that this was the school for me.”
In fact, UM has a lush, tropical campus that represents plantlife from hundreds of different areas throughout the world. Students can often be found studying under trees and eating lunch on grassy areas throughout campus.
Needless to say, sunbathing is also a popular pastime at UM.
For the diversity category, schools were judged on the percentage of non-white students enrolled and on how students from different backgrounds interact with one another.
“This campus boasts significant ethnic diversity and, in a nutshell, students say they are part of a receptive and diverse group,” the review said.
According to the report, students at UM describe themselves as “high-energy, fun-loving, friendly, and outgoing” but also feel “fiercely competitive” with one another.
Although some students believe that the diversity of UM is a result of location, most find that UM strives to recruit diverse groups of people from different parts of the U.S. and in many countries throughout the world.
“Yeah, it’s diverse all right,” Jennifer Wright, a sophomore who is from Kentucky, said. “I mean, my roommate is from Hong Kong.”
Many students take pride in the level of diversity on campus.
“I didn’t come here for the diversity, but I appreciate it now that I’ve experienced it,” Shelly Steele, junior, said.
“There are so many opportunities for everyone, no matter what race they are,” Camille Linton, a Jamaican-American student and member of the Union of Black Students, said.
Next year, UM students are looking forward to improving the University’s ranking in the diversity and location categories as well as in other categories.
“I can’t believe that UM wasn’t even mentioned in the school spirit category this year,” Kendrick Ribeiro, a sophomore at Florida Atlantic University, said. “All you have to do is turn on the T.V. during a UM football game or walk around the parking lots on campus-everyone has a UM logo somewhere on their car!”
For a complete listing of the categories and rankings of the Princeton Review, visit www.princetonreview.com/college.

Jacklyn Lisenby and Leigha Taber contributed to this article.