General Education Draft Plan Ready for Review From: University Currents Date: April 7, 2000 By: Dawn Fuller Phone: (513) 556-1823 Archive: Campus News The first draft of a revised General Education program for all students at UC has been presented to the General Education College-Based Committee, which includes representatives from all colleges, professional practice and the libraries. The General Education Faculty Oversight Committee presented it to the representatives on March 31. Oversight committee chair Ann Twinam says the draft received a very positive response. The two combined committees, known as the General Education Task Force, will now publicize the proposal and seek feedback from faculty throughout the university concerning the draft. Committee member David Lee Smith has posted the draft proposal, a graphic describing General Education, as well as accompanying explanatory materials on the General Education web site. The site also provides a venue for faculty to respond to the plan. Committee members emphasize the posted revisions are a draft only and have not been finalized. Key proposals of the new plan include: An emphasis on the development of four baccalaureate competencies essential for every UC graduate: critical thinking, effective communication, knowledge integration and accountability to society. A switch from an exclusive, course-based focus to emphasis on the overall undergraduate learning experience. Emphasis on flexibility and respect for the distinctiveness of various programs and majors. Academic units/colleges will be responsible for the identification of courses and experiences that fulfill the requirements of general education. Assessment of student fulfillment of the baccalaureate competencies will be fundamental to the plan and will become the responsibility of the colleges. The university has until April 2003 to show campus-wide implementation and assessment of the revised General Education program. A detailed draft of the revised General Education program can be found on the web. Faculty can offer comments and suggestions by contacting the General Education e-mail address at gened@uc.edu.