University News

WIU's BGS Program Moving to University Libraries

October 19, 2020

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MACOMB, IL – The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (BGS) program at Western Illinois University has a new administrative home, as the program is joining University Libraries.

The BGS program was previously part of the former School of Global Education and Outreach, but is now a unit of University Libraries, under the leadership of Interim Dean Jeanne Stierman and day-to-day direction of Professor Jeff Hancks.

"I believe it makes sense to move the BGS program under a dean," said Hancks. "As the BGS program draws from courses from across the university, I believe it is wise to put it under an academic dean who has responsibility for serving the curriculum from across the entire University, and that is the Dean of University Libraries. This change puts the BGS program on administrative par with other WIU academic programs, all of which have a dean advocating for them."

Interim Provost William "Billy" Clow said the move is exciting because University Libraries "holds in essence, all of the elements of our academic programs under one roof."

"This will assist us in focusing more on the program and our offerings for all types of students across Illinois," said Clow. "The BGS program has needed this exposure and focus for some time now. I am eager to see us expand our boundaries as we push toward the next level of achievement in the BGS program."

Hancks said the BGS curriculum and the day-to-day operation of the program remains the same under the move.

"We're just moving from Horrabin Hall to the third floor of the Malpass Library," he said. "The BGS staff is excited about the move and about joining our colleagues in University Libraries to continue serving the University community."

The BGS program, formerly known as the Board of Governors and Board of Trustees Degree Programs, was WIU's first online program. It offers students maximum flexibility in course choices, tailored to their academic interests.

For more information about the BGS program at WIU, visit wiu.edu/BGS.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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