GE Minutes 3-18-2014

General Education Committee
18 Mar. 2014
In attendance: Richard Squire, Susan Larsen, Melanie Jenkins, Steve Hood, Adam
Larsen, Joseph Papenfuss, Lafaun Barnhurst, Gregory Wright
I. Approval of Minutes (3-11-14): Adam motioned for approval; Richard
seconded the motion. Unanimous vote.

II. Discussion Items

GE Task Force Report: The state GE Task Force met Monday, March 17, and Melanie reported that statewide, colleges are working on descriptors for American Institutions. School have begun to explore options of integrated courses fulfilling American Institutions, as well as courses from other disciplines that meet the state mandate on content (American history, political history, economics). We have not begun the discussion of competencies in that area, but it is something we need to do. Richard agreed to lead a discussion with social science in order to draft student learning outcomes for American Institutions. Melanie provided a copy of Dixie’s draft, and will forward other school’s drafts as they become available.

Melanie also reported that some schools are experimenting with the math requirement. For example, Weber is combining Math 1010 and 1030 to fulfill Math GE; USU has combined 1010 and 1040 into a course called math 1045.Melanie also reported that eportfolios are being discussed throughout the state; SLCC is using them extensively, but since 4-year institutions have not fully adopted them the students struggle with relevance. They are partnering with UofU to pilot new software (Pathbright) that interfaces with Canvas. SLCC is pushing 4-year institutions to adopt eportfolios. We will need to monitor that closely. If universities adopt, we will likely need to as well.

Legislative report from Teddy Saffman: 1.25% raise to higher education; acute equity money approved (which does not include Snow); mission-based funding was approved which includes a GE director for Snow; 1.3 million for concurrent enrollment delivery through Snow was approved. The next GE Task Force meeting is April 21 at the Regents Building in SLC.

Richard brought up a discussion occurring in the Social Science division about depth and breadth as it relates to GE outcomes in a GE course. He used the example of genetics: Anthropology currently devotes two weeks to genetics, but would never consider applying for science GE credit. How much, then, does a course have to focus on content/outcomes in order to be approved? We agreed that the outcomes must be the major focus of the course in order to be approved for GE credit in a knowledge area.

Melanie distributed a list of syllabi that are beyond 5-year review date. Each member agreed to talk to dean about beginning that process. Melanie also reported that AAC&U has accepted a proposal for a team from Snow College to attend the General Education Institute this summer. The proposal focuses on GE curriculum design and assessment. A representative from each division has been invited. We reviewed the general education assessment schedule and agreed to combine assessments for the Communication department into one year.

III. Consent items

A. New Courses
B. 5-year Review
C. Pending
Com 2300
Art 1010
Art 1020
Art 1040
Art 1050
Art 1060
MUSC 1010
IV. Assessment