The life and times of Metropolitan State University
Worthwhile reads to fit busy student schedules

The university was founded on the principles of First College

-- Julia Iverson

With state-of-the-art technology, newly designed buildings, multiple class locations, and a growing student population, it is easy to bypass the history of the institution we confidently seek education from. In years past, Metropolitan State University was named Minnesota Metropolitan State College. Many called the college “the university without walls,” said First College academic advisor Alice Magnuson. “I went to admissions and class in a small, two-room office that sat above the Walgreen’s Pharmacy on Seventh and St. Peter in St. Paul,” said the advisor.

The college continued to move from location to location, including rented space at Metro Square in St. Paul and in the basement of the IDS building in Minneapolis. The first piece of university land was not purchased until 1988. The St. Paul campus now sits on land once occupied by St. John’s hospital.

In 1971, the university was a small college, accepting strictly upper-division students for individualized bachelors degrees. The college did not have a campus, it wasn’t accredited, and the students depended heavily on public libraries and private resources when they needed to do research. What the college did have was a unique, reflective way of learning called the Individualized Degree program. That program is now known as First College.

First College has grown dramatically since 1971 and has set a trend for adult education. First College was founded with ideals that promote lifelong, self-directed, reflective learning. Students are granted responsibility and authority over their own education. The mission of the original college is carried on today by students and faculty in First College.

In 1976, the college was granted accreditation for 10 years, a duration of time unheard of at other institutions. To celebrate the hard work behind this proud accomplishment, David Sweet, the first president of the university, placed a red rose on the desk of every staff person.

The accreditation was a turning point in the history of the university. As a state funded university, the school could now purchase a campus to call home. This is the location of the St. Paul campus today. From the beginning, there was a plan for the university—beautiful sunsets from the St. Paul library, diverse student populations, and well-educated faculty did not happen by accident.

Metropolitan State University started with First College, and the program continues to be the largest, most popular degree program. The benefits of individualized learning are obvious.

As an assistant professor in First College, Mary Kirk said she finds “advising and teaching interrelated; I believe that something happened to me by directing my course,” said Kirk, who received her degree through the individual education program. Now advising many other students through First College, she finds that they, too, benefit from designing their own degree program. She sees individuals, including herself, who take pride in their education and future because they are not simply following a major that is prescribed by someone else. First College ensures personal growth, discovery, and motivation in continuing education. Kirk says, “Students own their education.”

Alice Magnuson, a 30-year Metropolitan State University veteran, has experienced the university from a student and faculty point of view. For students who are interested in university history—or just need a laugh—Magnuson has old university catalogs that date back to 1971. Her collection includes pictures of some existing faculty from “back in the day.” Magnuson’s personal testimony and passion for First College shine, and this is the attitude that makes the university a comfortable place to learn. First College faculty is enthusiastic, friendly, highly educated and an advocate for their program.

“You have to think a lot;” said Magnuson, “designing a degree plan is not a small task.” Classes are not laid out for First College students. The fifteen-week class, Perspectives 301: Educational Philosophy and Planning, encourages students to explore learning options that fit within the context of their life. Students are required to have a focus, which is similar to a major in a traditional university program.

The focus reflects the student’s chosen areas of study. Many students combine multiple areas of study. A combined focus plan might pair business with history, social justice, or environmental studies. The focus and plan is completed with the help of an advisor, and then the degree plan must be approved three times before being accepted. This development process is very beneficial to the student, because it allows the student to take ownership of her education.

There are many reasons why students enroll in First College. The individualized, one-on-one attention is highly valuable, students can build on what they already know, and they can explore special interests. Many students that graduate from First College use their specialized degrees to create passionate careers. And this is what the founders of First College intended—for students to be self-motivated in lifelong learning.

For more information on First College, contact the advising center at 651-793-1783 or www.metrostate.edu/fc. Julia Iverson can be contacted for comment at iversoju@metrostate.edu

The Metropolitan Home || Calendar || Masthead || Contact
Metropolitan State University Homepage

All material © Metropolitan 2005, except as noted. All rights reserved.