Dear Colleagues,
I write today to report on our implementation progress and to inform you that the window for faculty to submit course proposals for the new GE is now open.
You may recall that the initial goal of the implementation, which began in October 2020, was to build systems and structures to support the work of faculty. Having successfully completed many of those tasks, we are now at the next key stage — establishing the actual courses for the new GE. - Courses offered within the current GE curriculum have been mapped into the new GE and are being moved into the degree plans and pathways that will be used starting in 2022. The decision to move courses is made by the colleges offering them and happens through action of the Office of the University Registrar.
- Development of the GE Bookends is continuing, with a team of faculty and staff working to create content that meets the Expected Learning Outcomes (ELOs) and framework agreed upon by the colleges. This curriculum development is supported by the Office of Academic Enrichment and the Office of Distance Education and eLearning, and it involves faculty and academic staff nominated by the colleges, the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The ePortfolio technology that has been identified for the Bookends is being tested in a suite of courses in Spring 2021, evaluating ease-of-use and the ways in which various functions can be integrated into course content.
- Faculty are now able to submit course proposals for the Theme categories and for the Race, Ethnic, and Gender Diversity Foundation course. More details about course submission are available here, but you’ll be happy to know that the process has been made simpler, more transparent, and more collaborative, using newly developed templates to support faculty in meeting the expectations of GE courses.
Despite challenges created by the pandemic, faculty and staff have continued to work diligently on the new GE and remain committed to implementing the curriculum for autumn semester 2022. I’m extremely grateful. Resources available on the OAA website:
Stay healthy and safe,
Meg Daly
Chair, University-Level Advisory Committee to the GE (ULAC-GE)
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
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