Talk:Austin College

Most popular majors - reversion

I puzzled by the rationale for this edit . The link works fine, and what the list means is perfectly clear...it is a list of the most popular majors as reported by 2021 graduates of the college. Now, between the time I posted this and today, the website has been updated to the numbers for 2022 graduates, so perhaps that is the source of confusion. I have been adding this information to college articles a few each day. I think it is useful information and see no reason for it to be deleted. Banks Irk (talk) 21:10, 27 February 2023 (UTC)

When I visited the site two days ago I got a "page not found" error. For me, the numbers mean nothing without context. For example, Psychology (32) means... there were 32 graduates? 32% of students took it? It's a leftover footnote from the original page that got copied over?

From a substantive point of view, I have a few issues with this content: first, the fact that the numbers are always changing, and as you state the numbers you provided two days ago are already out-of-sync with the source. Second, there is a bit of OR here - why choose the specific majors instead of the broader categories? Why the top 5? What if you miss a number? Third, I'm genuinely not sure that raw statistics are what constitutes encyclopedic content. If a printed report said "in 2021 the top majors were X, Y, and Z" then I would be more okay with that, but this is a rolling count of whatever numbers happen to be pushed through NCES. To put it another way - is Austin known for being a good school for psychology, and that's why it's the most popular major, or did it just happen to be that this year this cohort of graduating students decided that they wanted to get a degree in psychology?

In general I do not have issue with saying "this school is known for X, Y, and/or Z" with a reference that shows that graduates are more likely to graduate in those fields, but just slapping rolling numbers up (which as indicated are already out of date) is problematic. Primefac (talk) 11:18, 28 February 2023 (UTC)

Wanting to update information

I am having issues updating the sections under AC's wiki page due to not having a "reliable source." How can the sections be updated, should I put the information I've gathered here for it to be reviewed by Wiki trolls and then THEY can update it? 198.151.179.5 (talk) 20:22, 13 October 2025 (UTC)

Yes, if you cannot write well-sourced, neutral updates to the article or otherwise need help then you are welcome to make specific requests and suggestions here in Talk.

And your requests are much more likely to be taken seriously if you don't insult us; continue along those lines and you'll likely be blocked from editing. ElKevbo (talk) 02:39, 14 October 2025 (UTC)

New Information

I am an employee at Austin College and have new information for all sections of our Wikipedia page as well as new sections to add. I have read that the best way to get these sections updated properly is to include the information here for review and have a third-party update the pages.

If I were to try to do this, should I comment one section at a time and ask that someone update it or vet the information from third-party sources? Most of our program information and majors/minors information is from our own website—I don't see how I could find a third-party source for that information since the most reliable details would come from our Bulletin.

Anyways, any help would be appreciated! Waltersvc (talk) 17:50, 22 October 2025 (UTC)

You are welcome to make suggestions and requests here in the article's Talk page. You may want to use this template as that may help alert other editors that someone has posted a request that needs someone's attention.

In terms of independent sources, you may find some of the information in IPEDS (via the College Navigator) or similar places. If the information can't be found anywhere but the college's own materials, it may be fair to reconsider if it's something that should be included in an encyclopedia article; our advice for college and university articles may be helpful in thinking about that. But if it's information that should be included and the college's materials are the best source, we generally don't worry about that as long what's written in the Wikipedia article is not promotional or overly detailed. ElKevbo (talk) 02:07, 23 October 2025 (UTC)

Here is what I would like to put as an updated introduction to the wikipedia:

Introduction

Austin College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas still operating under its original name and charter. Founded as a Presbyterian college, it maintains a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA) while fostering an inclusive atmosphere that supports the growth and development of all students, regardless of religious affiliation.

Austin College is recognized for its top-tier academics, pre-professional training, and innovative undergraduate curriculum. Each student completes both a major and a minor—or a second major—combined with applied learning experiences designed to prepare them for advanced study or professional careers. Austin College also offers two graduate programs: the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Medical Science–Physician Assistant Program. Distinctive features of the Austin College experience include a four-year faculty-to-student mentoring program, extensive opportunities for study abroad, student-faculty collaborative research, and a strong institutional commitment to teaching and leadership development. ~2025-32579-58 (talk) 16:34, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Thanks for the detailed reply! I'm afraid that I would not support making those changes to the article. They seem to be very promotional and we strive to be neutral in our articles. ElKevbo (talk) 03:31, 11 November 2025 (UTC)

Is it the second paragraph that seems promotional? Is it because it mentions the graduate programs? How would you present the information? Waltersvc (talk) 21:44, 17 November 2025 (UTC)

Everything after "maintains a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA)" is obvious promotional slop. At this college, like most others, I'm sure there are some students at the college who would disagree that it "fosters an inclusive atmosphere" and some professors who would doubt the administration's "strong institutional commitment." The college's academics are an unremarkable mid rank according to most rankings, hardly "top tier," and nothing about the description of the curriculum suggests it's particularly "innovative." Study abroad, student-faculty research, etc. are hardly "distinctive features," they are bog standard for colleges. The 37% of students who didn't graduate in 4 years would probably be very surprised to hear that "every student" completes a major and minor. Et cetera.

To present the information I would simply end it after "maintains a covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA)." Facts only. Gnomingstuff (talk) 06:50, 20 November 2025 (UTC)