Minutes of the Educational Policy Committee February 7, 2007

Present: Katie Best, Judy Bromen, Ashley Brown, Jannifer David, Richard Davis, Bill Fleischman, Steve Hedman, John Hiller, Jill Jenson, Rod Lievano, Vince Magnuson, Robert McFarland, Mary Jean Menzel, Rudy Perrault, Richard Seybolt, Terrie Shannon
Excused: Gloria Brush, Robert Carlson, Elizabeth Nelson
Guests: Carol Bock, David Doorn, Christina Gallup, Tim Holst, Molly Minkkinen, Pam Spencer.

The minutes of the 1-24-07 meeting were approved.

Liberal education
The Liberal Education Task Force was invited to this meeting for an open discussion on UMD’s liberal education program. Members in attendance were Carol Bock (co-chair), David Doorn, Christina Gallup, Tim Holst, Molly Minkkinen, and Pam Spencer. Bill Payne, also a co-chair of the committee, is currently on a single semester leave. Tom Wegren is serving as SFA representative during his absence. This task force was appointed last December and has been meeting regularly since, reviewing data that has been collected (student surveys, faculty surveys, student focus groups), models of lib ed programs at other institutions, and recent literature on liberal education reform. In studying other models, there appears to be a great deal of variation in liberal education programs across the country. What appear to be streamlined programs can often be misleading, i.e. offering less categories, but with multiple sub-categories within each.

Other campuses have developed a common activity or event that brought students and faculty together and promoted liberal education, such as reading a particular book. Freshman seminars or senior capstone courses are key components in other lib ed models.

Previous student survey results were sent to EPC members for review and it was noted there was a general theme of dissatisfaction among students in regard to liberal education. The student survey data was compiled from a series of surveys administered to students in upper division composition courses. These students were chosen because they would have completed most, if not all of their lib ed program at that point. The Liberal Education Task Force is currently developing a student survey of previous graduates going as far back as 15 years. This population may offer a different viewpoint than that of current students.

It was questioned whether this process may be focusing more on the mechanics of liberal education and not on the purpose. To what extent have we explicitly communicated and promoted the rationale of a liberal education to our students? The perception of “getting your lib ed courses out of the way” is pervasive among both students and faculty. Student members of EPC noted that taking lib ed courses early has helped undecided students select a major. There needs to be value placed on a liberal education and this needs to be articulated at every level. It was suggested that there appears to be a mismatch between the lib ed categories and the goals. Are the goals for UMD’s liberal education program (as stated in the UMD catalog) still current? And to what extent is UMD’s liberal education program framed around these goals?

Liberal education is not just about categories, pedagogy is also an integral component. The issue of class size was one often mentioned in the data that has been collected. Although smaller class size can be beneficial, it is also a resource issue. Active, reflective learning in larger classes is a major topic in education literature and is also the focus of the most recent Bush grant.

Changing trends of incoming students was also noted. In fall 2006 42% of incoming freshman entered with previous credits (PSEO, College in the Schools, etc). High schools are more cognizant of liberal education requirements and are beginning to offer more college courses that satisfy lib ed credits.

The Lib Ed Task force is seeking input at all levels - faculty, advisors, students, and staff. Questions, comments or feedback was encouraged and can be directed to Carol or any member of the Lib Ed Task Force.

Meeting adjourned 4:00 p.m.