The NIU Great Journeys Strategic Plan 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. During the Spring 2009 semester, the NIU Baccalaureate Review Task Force gathered information on these questions through focus groups and a web-based survey. In September 2009, the task force released reports describing the results of these efforts. Links for the reports and related information are available in the right column on this page.
The task force values transparency and participation. To gain additional input, a link on the Baccalaureate Review web page allowed people to share their feedback. In addition, each group that participated in the Spring 2009 focus group meetings was given the opportunity to hear a presentation on the proposed goals from a steering committee member.
Based on input received from these strategies, the Baccalaureate Review Task Force developed the following purpose statement:
NIU undergraduates develop competencies in critical thinking, communication, and creativity by participating in an engaged learning environment to prepare for success in a diverse, global society.
The concepts embodied in the statement will provide a foundation during the Spring 2010 semester for further development of meaningful and measureable student learning goals. Each of the goals is to be considered in relationship to the students’ disciplines, co-curricular activities, as well as broader contexts such as science, history, culture, social systems, and global/local concerns.
We encourage you to read the reports and share your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Greg Long and Earl “Gip” Seaver
Co-Chairs
Carolinda Douglass
Vice Chair
(September 2009) and Spring Update (February 2010)
President Peters on
Baccalaureate Review in
2009 State of University Address
-Carl Sandburg
