Incoming students at the University of Guam will begin their academic journeys this Fanuchånan (Fall) semester as the university launches its new Academic Master Plan 2025–2030. The plan introduces changes designed to support student success and streamline the paths to graduation and professional careers. (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
New students attending the University of Guam this fall will be met with several changes designed to help them achieve their academic and professional goals more efficiently and effectively. UOG recently unveiled its Academic Master Plan (AMP) 2025–2030, a strategic roadmap for academic growth and innovation over the next five years.
“The Academic Master Plan reflects our commitment to academic excellence and student achievement, ensuring that our programs remain relevant and responsive to the challenges and opportunities of today’s world,” said Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President and Provost.
Developed over the past year and a half through collaboration among the program faculty, academic units, planning committees, and Faculty Senate, the AMP was formally endorsed by the UOG Board of Regents during a special session on May 29. It will go into effect at the start of the Fanuchånan (Fall) 2025 semester.
Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President and Provost (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
New Academic Framework, Tangible Student Benefits
The AMP includes tailored plans for every academic program at UOG, with a focus on four core goals: academic excellence, innovative and creative scholarly research, student success, and community engagement. Each program identified strategies and measurable outcomes aligned with these goals.
The plan also introduces several institution-wide policies that are expected to significantly benefit students:
Key Benefits for Students Under the New Academic Master Plan
Faster Paths to Graduation:
· Students will now need 120 credits (instead of 124) to graduate, making it easier to finish on time.
· The number of upper-division credits required to graduate is reduced from 40 to 36, giving students more flexibility in planning their schedules.
Simplified Transfers and Credit Recognition:
· Students who transfer with an associate degree from any accredited U.S. institution will have already met their General Education requirements.
· New articulation agreements with regional colleges will make it easier for transfer students to join UOG and stay on track to graduate.
Stronger Career Preparation:
· All degree programs will now include an internship requirement, ensuring students graduate with real-world experience in their fields of study.
· UOG will also expand options for earning college credit through Advanced Placement exams, where applicable.
More Transparent and Supportive Planning:
· UOG will publish a full-year course schedule so students can plan ahead and graduate sooner.
· Prerequisites will be more clearly listed and communicated, reducing delays in course planning.
Incoming students at the University of Guam will begin their academic journeys this Fanuchånan (Fall) semester as the university launches its new Academic Master Plan 2025–2030. The plan introduces changes designed to support student success and streamline the paths to graduation and professional careers. (Photo courtesy of University of Guam)
Focused Support and Community Engagement:
· Every college and school at UOG will have a new advisory council made up of professionals and community members, helping ensure academic programs stay relevant and connected to real-world needs.
· The University will develop new pathways and cohort models for non-traditional students, supporting adult learners and those returning to school.
Strategic Growth and Investment:
· UOG will actively seek grants and new funding opportunities to support academic innovation and student success.
· Plans are also in place to boost enrollment and improve retention through these and other initiatives.
“These changes reflect best practices from universities across the country and are intended to enhance the UOG experience by supporting timely graduation, real-world readiness, and academic planning,” said Dr. Christopher Garcia-Santos, associate professor of English Composition and Faculty Senate President.
“We continue to bridge the gap between college curriculum and lifelong learning and service, especially as our students join the workforce and give back to their communities,” he said. “The AMP is the University’s guide to facilitate and accomplish this end.”
Staying Adaptable
While the AMP provides a structured academic vision, UOG leadership emphasized that the plan will remain responsive to the changing landscape of higher education.
“As we begin implementing the plan in the coming months, we will continually assess and improve our strategies,” Santos-Bamba said. “Adaptability is key to ensure that we are addressing the evolving needs of our students and faculty, as well as the dynamic nature of higher education.”
The full Academic Master Plan is available on the UOG Academic and Student Affairs website at https://url.uog.edu/amp-2025-2030.
