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Elevating the Student Experience
Beginning in August 2026, we will organize our academic programs into three mission-driven colleges designed to make the student experience clearer, more connected, and more supportive. This structure creates meaningful opportunities for students to explore related majors, collaborate across disciplines, and build community with peers who share similar passions — all while keeping current majors, courses, advisors, and degree pathways exactly the same.
This FAQ answers common questions from students, families, and alumni about the new academic colleges, including what the change means for majors, courses, advising, and academic support. Scroll down to see how this new structure strengthens the Olivet experience and helps prepare students for purposeful, meaningful careers.
If you have additional questions, please email the Office of the Provost.
In higher education, an academic “college” groups related programs together. At Olivet, our mission-driven colleges encourage students to collaborate, explore shared interests, and engage with faculty in complementary fields.
| College of Social Impact, Media, and the Arts
Mission Focus: Culture, expression, and social responsibility
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College of Business and Leadership
Mission Focus: Ethical leadership, enterprise, and mission-driven management
|
College of Science, Health, and Human Advancement
Mission Focus: Health, innovation, sustainability, and scientific discovery
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The new structure strengthens student connections, collaboration across majors, and faculty support, while keeping Olivet’s historic mission of service, leadership and social responsibility at the center. It also ensures resources are used effectively to prepare students for meaningful careers.
No. This realignment does not change students’ current majors, faculty, advisors, or degree pathways. You will continue with the same program, requirements, and expected graduation timeline. Be sure to review the academic catalog for your major’s requirements.
No. You’ll continue to work with the same faculty and advisors. The update simply organizes programs into mission-driven colleges, creating more opportunities to connect with peers across related fields.
Your classes and requirements stay the same. Over time, you may notice these new college names in materials or schedules rather than the use of the previous department names, but your academic path remains unchanged.
The new colleges provide opportunities to:
- Collaborate with peers across majors who share your passions
- Access faculty support and guidance more effectively
- Explore complementary programs and interdisciplinary learning
- Prepare for meaningful careers while staying grounded in Olivet’s mission of service, leadership, and social responsibility
No. Alumni degrees and records remain unchanged. The mission-driven focus continues to guide current and future students.
Olivet College became The University of Olivet in 2023 to reflect the breadth of programs, online offerings, and vision for the future. The academic colleges are the next step — a mission-driven, student-centered advancement designed to strengthen collaboration, deepen engagement, and provide clear pathways for every student, while upholding the values that have guided Olivet since its founding.
The University of Olivet Board of Trustees unanimously approved the transition to three mission-aligned colleges at its meeting on October 17, 2025.