The NIU Strategic Planning Imperative identified general education reform as a top priority. The first phase of this reform requires a review and discussion of the University’s baccalaureate degree goals. That is to say, what skills, knowledge, and abilities should NIU graduates achieve? What values and ideals should be promoted?
During the Spring 2009 semester, the NIU Baccalaureate Review Task Force gathered information on these questions through focus groups and a web-based survey. By the end of the semester, 929 people responded to the online survey. In addition, 45 focus groups were held with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and employers.
The data gathered through the focus groups and online survey were analyzed this summer. The accompanying link will take you to our initial reports. Please send us feedback. Let us know if the proposed goals reflect the skills, knowledge, and values an NIU graduate should possess.
During the Fall 2009 semester, the task force is seeking additional feedback from the university community regarding the proposed goals. Meetings are being held with faculty, staff, administrators, and students. All feedback will be considered prior to drafting a final set of goals and accompanying student-leaving objectives. A follow-up report that includes this information will be issued in Spring 2010 and subsequently submitted to appropriate university governance bodies for review.
Sincerely,
Greg Long and Earl "Gip" Seaver
Baccalaureate Review Co-Chairs
posted 9/24/09
President Peters on
Baccalaureate Review in
2009 State of University Address
-Carl Sandburg
