Ad Hoc Committee on General Education Update to the Faculty Senate 07 Nov 2013

Charges 1.Examine our current general education program in light of recent innovations in such programs around the country in order to determine if changes should be recommended. The committee may want to consider findings from the Association of American Colleges and Universities and programs at similar institutions that have been described as innovative and effective. 2.Examine the learning outcomes that should be addressed by the general education program. This includes an examination of our current outcomes and those of other innovative programs. 3.Recommend ways in which to better integrate the general education learning outcome across disciplines and curricula. 4.Recommend ways in which to help students appreciate the goals of the general education program. 5.Recommend a system by which the general education program can be assessed with the purpose of continual improvement.

Committee Members NameUniversity Position Jeanine BartholomewCHHS Academic Advising Director Matthew BraceyStudent Laura CiccantellCoEHD Academic Advising Director Linda DoveFamily and Consumer Sciences Bruce FerrinMarketing Marcia FettersTeaching, Learning and Educational Studies John GeiserBiological Sciences Harold GlasserExecutive Director for Sustainability and Environmental Studies Decker Hains, ChairMilitary Science and Leadership; Civil and Construction Engineering Duane HamptonGeosciences John HeadStudent Dan JacobsonMusic Kevin KnutsonCAS Academic Advising Dave ReinholdAssociate Provost for Assessment and Undergraduate Studies Carol WeidemanHuman Performance and Health Education

Four Phase Plan 1.Establish a working definition. 2.Develop student learning outcomes. 3.Develop a structure to accomplish the student learning outcomes. 4.Develop a communications and marketing plan.

Working Definition Western Michigan Universitys general education program serves two primary purposes. The program provides a foundation for baccalaureate-level communication, quantitative reasoning, information literacy, and critical thinking as well as providing a breadth and balance of learning which enables students to become capable and responsible citizens of a culturally diverse society in a complex world.

Breadth & Balanced Learning Specialized Learning/ Major Lifelong Learning/ Capstone Experience Western Michigan University Graduate Oral & Written Communications Information Literacy Quantitative Reasoning Critical thinking General Education

Academic Affairs Strategic Plan Strategy 1.1: The faculty will continually examine curricula and course content, including general education, to ensure that the following skills, knowledge, and attitudes are integrated into undergraduate education: Global understanding and sensitivity Communication skills Critical thinking Environmental sustainability Diversity and inclusion Civic and social responsibility Health and wellness Quantitative and reasoning skills Artistic literacy Information literacy

FOUNDATION 1.Oral and Written Communication 2.Critical Thinking 3.Quantitative and Reasoning Skills 4.Information Literacy BALANCE & BREADTH 1.Global Understanding and Sensitivity 2.Environmental Sustainability 3.Diversity and Inclusion 4.Civic/Social Responsibility and Ethical Behavior 5.Health and Wellness 6.Artistic Literacy

Developing Learning Outcomes 1.AAC&U Rubrics 2.Other Institutions 3.Professional Societies 4.Using Blooms Taxonomy or Revised Blooms Taxonomy Overall Result will be specific to WMU

Potential External Consultation 1.Other Institutions Grand Valley State University Michigan State University North Dakota University Oregon State University Portland State University University of South Carolina Stanford University 2.Workshops Academic Impressions- Reforming Your General Education Curriculum, Jan 29-31, 2014 AAC&U Institute on General Education and Assessment, Jun 3-7, 2014

Faculty Input Please Janice Anderson at Subject Line: General Education Input