Mun Choi talks with MU Faculty Council about increased student applications, job placement

Student applications to the University of Missouri have increased over this time last year, Mun Choi told the MU Faculty Council.

The meeting was in Cornell Hall.

"We are up 13.6% compared to last year," said Choi, the MU chancellor and system president.

Other highlights: a 91.3% student retention rate and a 95.4% job placement rate for students.

With the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, he has been meeting with Jewish, Palestinian and other Muslim student groups, he said.

"We will be reaching out and we will continue to do that," Choi said.

There have not been student protests at MU as there have been on other campuses across the country.

In legislative priorities Choi said the university wants at least an inflationary increase in core funding and an additional increase for extension and engagement.

Tom Warhover, chairman of the Faculty Council, asked Choi about the expected steep decline in high school graduates in 2025, which he referred to as "the cliff."

It's not here, yet, Choi said.

"We have not hit the peak of high school graduates in Missouri," Choi said.

The university does do projections into the future, he said.

"At this point, I don't see any reductions in our teaching staff, our faculty, at least for the coming year," Choi said.

A faculty member asked about recruiting students from other countries, prompting Choi to refer to the Provost's Task Force with India.

"I think India is a very big market" for students, Choi said. "We have had success in recruiting students from West Africa, too."

Industry certifications may be another path for students not seeking a degree, Choi said.

As for the Legislature's priorities, Choi said he will hear them with the governor's State of the State Address in January.

Gov. Mike Parson has supported infrastructure and work force development, both of which are good for MU, he said.

"Generally, generally, legislators have been supportive of us and our requests," Choi said.

As for MU versus Ohio State Dec. 29 in the Cotton Bowl, Choi predicted a 45-21 win for Mizzou.

Administrative job reviews

Carolyn Orbann, vice-chair of the Faculty Council, described the plan for performance reviews for Choi and Provost Latha Ramchand.

"It is part of our authority to review administrators periodically," Orbann said.

Choi will be reviewed in 2024, next semester, with Ramchand reviewed next year.

"The review needs to be for his job as chancellor, not as president" of the system, Orbann said.

The Faculty Council will notify the University of Missouri System Board of Curators of the procedure in February 2024, she said.

A month-long survey of faculty will start in March.

In May, the report will be delivered to the Faculty Council, Choi, the Board of Curators and the public.

An ad hoc committee is being formed to oversee the project, Orbann said.

"I think they have had a big impact on administrators," Warhover said. "I don't think it's an empty exercise."

Test-optional student admission

In a unanimous vote, the Faculty Council recommended extension of test-optional student admission for another year.

Approval by the Board of Curators also is required.

It began during the pandemic, said Patrick Pinhero, chair of the council's academic affairs committee.

"Our motivation is to maximize the number of applications to the University of Missouri and to not have tests as a barrier," Pinhero said.

Prospective student who don't take the college admission tests must complete the 17 core high school courses, complete essay questions and include information about their high school performance, performance in English and math courses in junior and senior years, the academic competitiveness of their high school and student involvement, activities and leadership positions.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on X at @rmckinney9.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Choi: MU student applications, retention, job placement increasing