The University of Guam unveiled its new five-year Academic Master Plan (AMP) 2025–2030, set to launch this Fanuchånan (Fall) semester, with sweeping changes aimed at boosting student success, enhancing career preparation, and streamlining degree completion. Approved by the UOG Board of Regents in May, the AMP is the product of over a year of collaborative development among faculty, academic units, and planning committees.
“The Academic Master Plan reflects our commitment to academic excellence and student achievement,” said Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, UOG’s Senior Vice President and Provost. “It ensures our programs stay relevant and responsive to today’s challenges and opportunities.” The AMP outlines four core goals: academic excellence, innovative research, student success, and community engagement.
Students can expect concrete benefits, including a reduced graduation requirement of 120 credits instead of 124 and a decrease in required upper-division credits from 40 to 36. The plan also strengthens career readiness by mandating internships in all degree programs and expanding Advanced Placement credit opportunities. Transfer students with associate degrees from accredited U.S. institutions will now have their General Education requirements automatically met.
UOG leadership emphasized the plan’s adaptability, committing to ongoing evaluation as higher education continues to evolve. “These changes reflect best practices ... across the country,” said Faculty Senate President Christopher Garcia-Santos. “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.”