Tamela Eitle, dean of the IU School of Liberal Arts in Indianapolis, has appointed Carly Schall, associate professor of Sociology, as the new director of the General Studies Program in the IU School of Liberal Arts.
The General Studies Program provides students the opportunity for a uniquely designed multidisciplinary course of study. The program emphasizes liberal arts and sciences (arts and humanities, science and math, and social and behavioral sciences) to support students’ educational, professional, and personal goals.
In making the announcement to the School of Liberal Arts, Eitle said, “Professor Carly Schall’s experience in curriculum development, involvement with the First-Year Experience at IU Indianapolis, and overall commitment to student success will enable her to maintain the existing high standard of education within the program while also envisioning the program’s future.
“The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree program has a great deal of potential for contributing to the workforce development goals of our campus, especially in meeting the needs of returning and nontraditional students. I am confident Professor Schall brings the knowledge, creativity, quality leadership, and enthusiasm needed to reimagine the program and strengthen its importance to our city, state, and beyond.”
In this role, Schall will report to Dean Eitle through the Associate Dean for Academic Programs Raymond J. Haberski. She will partner with Division of Enrollment Management, the Division of Undergraduate Education – especially the Center for Transfer and Adult Learners (CTAS), the School of Liberal Arts Office of Student Affairs, and other relevant offices to market the General Studies Program to prospective students. She also will work with Associate Dean Haberski to improve the appeal of the BGS degree and facilitate growth in the program and pathways to other Liberal Arts certificates/degrees/minors.
She will maintain communication on curricular issues and proposed curriculum changes to the BGS degree. She will collaborate with our student advisors and other across campus to promote accurate and effective advising and degree completion information, and she will partner with Student Affairs personnel to identify and recommend BGS students for scholarships or other financial assistance. She also will be responsible for addressing and responding to issues of student conduct or academic integrity, as needed.
Professor Schall joined the School of Liberal Arts in 2014 as an assistant professor of Sociology. Among her relevant experience for this role includes serving as the co-director of undergraduate studies for the department and leading the creation of the newly launched Criminology major. As a First-Year Experience coordinator in Liberal Arts, she was part of the university process to expand Bridge to all first-year, full-time students. Since 2017, she has held the role of faculty member in University College. She also currently serves as the co-chair of the School of Liberal Arts Curriculum Committee that provides faculty oversight for curriculum and academic policies and standards for both undergraduate and graduate curriculum.
Schall replaces Senior Lecturer Emeritus Ron Sandwina, who retired in December 2024.
“My leadership team and I look forward to working with Professor Schall as she begins on this new role,” said Eitle. “Please join me in congratulating her and offering your support as she takes on these new responsibilities.”
For more about the BGS degree, please visit the General Studies Program website.