SR 09-03 - New University Studies Program

Senate Resolution File:
SR 09-03 New University Studies Program

Senate Resolution
WHEREAS:
The Senate adopted GE Learning Goals and Outcomes in 2006 (SP 06-06), revised Spring 2008 to bring the mission-based goals up to constitute the first goal. And,
WHEREAS:
Provost Ted Lucas convened the GE Task Force in December 2007 with the following charge: “Critically examine CSUCI’s General Education program in light of the Senate’s recently approved GE outcomes and goals document, and ensure alignment with that document. Examine the GE program in the context of the University’s mission statement, available resources, conceptual and organizational structure and its relationship to the Mission Centers, community college transfer students, and CSU general education requirements. Consider facilitation of graduation by eliminating bottlenecks and other barriers to graduation, and recommend a GE program review and maintenance process. And,

WHEREAS:
The GE Task Force researched the history of GE at CSUCI and analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of our current program. At the same time, the Task Force became familiar with current theory and practice in general education, examining scholarship and research and surveying many different GE models around the country. And,

WHEREAS:
The Task Force examined CSU Executive Order 1033 to understand external parameters. And,

WHEREAS:
With this information in mind it re-examined our current structure in terms of the relationship between GE and the majors, student perceptions of general education, and the assessment of student learning.

The GE Task Force developed a new mission-focused and outcome-based University Studies structure that consists of a required set of courses for native students at three levels, with remaining outcomes to be achieved in courses that incorporate GE learning outcomes. Transfer students would be required to do their nine local GE units at Level II and/or Level III. The new program would be administered by a Director of University Studies and through a portfolio system. Information and FAQs concerning this draft program are available on the GE Task Force website. And,

WHEREAS:
It is expected that the new University Studies system will take a year and a half to develop. Among the tasks are: hiring an administrator for the new program; identifying faculty teams for and the developing of rubrics associated with each goal and its set of outcomes; developing and approving new course proposals for Level I, II, and III, which will include a common sets of readings as determined by faculty teams; converting existing GE courses into University Studies offerings that incorporate appropriate GE outcomes in the course syllabus; training faculty teaching courses that meet GE outcomes on the application of rubric-based outcome assessment; determining the function of the existing Senate General Education committee under the new system; developing a portfolio assessment model for managing the new system; and developing Senate Policies that define University Studies as it emerges from this process of faculty collaboration that will supersede previous Senate GE policies. Be it therefore

RESOLVED:
That California State University (CSU) Channel Islands begin a transition from the existing General Education program to a new mission-focused, outcome-based University Studies Program following the general outline and timeline developed by the GE Task Force.