Valpo’s USLOs • USLO 1 Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge as well as intellectual skills and creative capacities pertinent to their respective fields of study. • USLO 2 Solve both conceptual and applied problems by integrating broad-based knowledge, evidence-based reasoning, and information literacy. • USLO 3 Practice experiential, interdisciplinary, and collaborative learning in both academic and co-curricular pursuits. • USLO 4 Communicate effectively in oral, written, and digital forms in increasingly complex contexts. • USLO 5 Engage in cross-cultural dialogue and experiences with the requisite knowledge to success in a diverse, global community. • USLO 6 Develop character, integrity, and wisdom as they discern their vocations and prepare to ethically lead and serve church and society.
(Draft) GE Philosophy The general education program at Valparaiso University contributes to student success in achieving the USLOs, working synergistically with the major programs and with co-curricular programming. The general education program contributes in three specific ways towards student achievement of the USLOs.
Three purposes of General Education • The general education program assists undergraduate students in the development of fundamental skills necessary for success in their majors and in life after graduation. • The general education program introduces undergraduate students to a broad range of disciplines and ways of thinking. • The general education program contributes to the development of the undergraduate student by instilling the values of the University.
GEC work so far • Read numerous general essays on general education from a variety of sources. • Read specific recommendations from the Lumina Foundation and the AAC&U • Reviewed the general education programs at our 22 peer institutions. • Participated in the AAC&U’s Summer Institute on General Education and Assessment
GEC agenda for 2018-2019 • GEC collects input from the campus community • Use this faculty workshop to discuss this input • GEC develops a draft plan over the fall • GEC tests it for feasibility in the early spring • GEC presents the plan to the faculty for discussion at the 2019 spring faculty workshop • GEC revises the plan based on this discussion
Link to Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GenEdProposals
First discussion question What are the pros and cons to each of the following options? A. Designing a BA program, and then modifying it for the other 15 degrees. B. Designing a small common general education program and allowing all degrees to add to it as appropriate.
Second discussion question What are the pros and cons to each of the following options? A. Strongly integrative, interdisciplinary approach. B. Strongly discipline based, distribution model approach.
Comprehensive Plans • Goebbert : “Big Questions” • Christ College: “Interdisciplinary” • Sodalitas : “Classics” • Gillman: “Pragmatism” • FLL: “Foundations/Explorations” • Johnson: “Scholarship, Freedom, Faith” • Longan : “Clusters” • Ostoyich : “Core Reform” • Fine Arts: “Rebalance”
Comprehensive Plans • How do we embed leadership and service? • How do we address questions of diversity and inclusion? • What are the objectives of the first year experience? • What is the role of foreign language? • To what extent should we privilege the humanities?
First year experience • Preserve current Core model • Replace Core with a 9 credit, three course bundle • Keep Core 110, modify Core 115 • Life of the Mind
First year experience - A 6-8 credit all-common experience - A 3 credit all-common experience, plus other “similar” experiences - A single 3 credit common experience
Individual Courses • Origins of Thought • Financial Literacy • Phenomenon Based Learning ** • Leadership and Service • University 100 • Statistics Should any of these be required? Each idea had supporters and critics.
Individual Courses • Theo 100 and … What shape should the theology requirement take? Can we achieve our objectives outside of the theology department (e.g via Chapel Ministries)? • INTL 484… Should we require study abroad/away?
Co-curriculum Should the faculty require co-curricular experiences? (Yes, you can do this.) If yes, which ones… - Engagement with Career Center? - Service activity? - Cross-cultural participation? - Other?
New Ideas How do we balance tradition with current issues and evolving best practices? e.g. “Digital Citizenship” new fad or new direction? What else are we missing in our conversation?
Link to Survey Available through August 31 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GenEdProposals
General Education Committee 2018-19 • General Education Committee 2018-2019 • Todd Hillwig Group I Physics & Astronomy Term expires 2020 • Pat Sullivan Group I Math/Computing & Info Sci. Term expires 2019 • Jennifer Hora Group II Political Science Term expires 2019 • Angie Vernon Group II Psychology Term expires 2020 • *Stacy Hoult-Saros Group III Foreign Languages Term expires 2019 *Chair • Matt Becker Group III Theology Term expires 2020 • Lee Orchard Group IV Music Term expires 2019 • Carter Hanson Group IV English Term expires 2019 • Nora Belzowski Group V Library Services Term expires 2020 • Sara Golomb Group V Education Term expires 2019 • Anton Lewis Business Term expires 2020 • Pete Johnson Engineering Term expires 2020 • Samuel Graber Christ College Term expires 2020 • Nola Schmidt Nursing and Health Professions Term expires 2019 • Rick Gillman Associate Provost/General Education Officer • Ex-Officio Lisa Jennings Director, Core Program • Ex-Officio Kelly Belanger University Writing Director Ex-Officio • Stephanie Martin/Allison Urbanczyk Registrar’s Office
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