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.
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.
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