Monday, April 12, 2010

April 12 L&S Curriculum Committee

We have had continued discussion about the use of AP credits for fulfilling graduation breadth requirements, an issue raised by the Phi Beta Kappa selection committee. A possible solution is having on-campus breadth requirements, similar to that of the comprehensive honors program but this raises an issue so far as transfer admissions, particularly existing agreements with 2-yr UW System colleges and the role of AP credits as regulated by the UW System. The central conclusion of discussion is that we need to see more studies which have been done so far as AP students completing degrees earlier, or sacrificing breadth for depth as said by Phi Beta Kappa. Further research will be done over summer, with the topic raised again in Fall 2010.

Discussion regarding the Liberal Studies proposal is limited and will be continued April 26, when there will be two relevant presenters. We have compiled a list of universities offering similar programs, and obtained a survey regarding employer interest in broad liberal studies - it is clear employers want this, and the question is if we can identify existing programs that would match up with what employers want and is appropriate with UW wishes/needs. Surprisingly, a number of the B.L.S. programs are targeted at non-traditional students (i.e. Iowa State http://www.public.iastate.edu/~catalog/2007-2009/curric/las-liberalst.html). That isn't necessarily the motivation behind the committee's review of the proposal, and there is still a concern about the advising and resource needs such a program would require, especially depending on the flexibility.

There will be two more committee meetings before the end of the year, April 26 and May 10.

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The Associated Students of Madison Shared Governance Committee Blog serves as a space for shared governance appointees and the UW-Madison student body to communicate on issues relating to shared governance. As part of their responsibilities as student representatives, appointees will post a report following each meeting attended.