Core Curriculum Reporting Committee

Overview

In 2008, the Provost’s Office appointed a General Education Review Committee chaired by the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Its fall 2008 Report of the General Education Review Committee proposed the creation of a University Core that “might better reflect contemporary conceptions of important objectives for undergraduate education.” This plan was approved by the Academic Senate in December 2009, and implemented in the fall 2011. The committee consisted of 18 members with faculty from all colleges except CGSR, two deans, two representatives from Student Affairs, and two undergraduate students.

During Academic Year (AY) 2016-2017, a Core Curriculum Revisions Task Force, comprised of representatives from all colleges and key administrative and support departments, was formed. It was tasked with reviewing the University Core and formulating recommendations to ensure compliance with changes to the Maryland general education requirements (COMAR 13B.06.01.03) and longer-term issues related to the University Core’s focus, size, outcomes and assessment.  A series of recommendations were developed and underwent an extended feedback and approval process.  Recommendations related to COMAR and overlap between the University Core Curriculum and major requirements took effect with the AY 2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog and will be retroactive for past catalogs.

The purpose of the University Core is, in part, to provide students with an experience of different approaches to learning, different disciplinary frameworks for analysis, and different perspectives on issues and beliefs. The requirements of the University Core align with the university’s mission and reflect current assumptions about 21st century learning goals for undergraduate education. The University Core recognizes the value of offering students the opportunity to build a strong liberal learning foundation throughout their undergraduate education. A more complete explanation of the University Core is found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Courses are certified to meet specific University Core requirements. Courses in each category are assessed and recertified every seven years to ensure students are meeting the outcomes and goals of the University Core. For more information click on this link: New Core Learning Goals & Related Course Outcomes.

Guidelines

Guidelines for Course Submissions

Follow these guidelines for submitting course proposals or revisions (PDF) for the University Core Curriculum.

Membership

The University Curriculum Committee shall have two standing sub-committees that handle designated curriculum matters and report to the UCC. These are the Course Approval Reporting Committee and the Core Curriculum Reporting Committee. Both of these committees shall be composed of one elected faculty member from each of the colleges with academic departments, as well as the Library, plus appropriate staff members (non-voting). The Core Curriculum Reporting committee shall also include one undergraduate student appointed by the SGA for a one year term. a. The non-voting ex officio members of the Course Approval Reporting Committee shall consist of a representative of the Office of the Provost; a representative of the Registrar’s office; a representative of the Admissions office; and the Vice President for Inclusion and Institutional Equity (or a representative of that office designated by the Vice President).

The non-voting ex officio members of the Core Curriculum Reporting Committee shall consist of a representative of the Office of the Provost; a representative of the Registrar’s office; a representative of the Admissions office; and a representative of Academic Advising. In addition, a voting ex officio member of the Core Curriculum Reporting Committee shall represent the Honors College. That representative will be appointed by the Director of the Honors College.

 
Name Department College Term Expiration

Tina Kelleher, Chair

Computer and Informational Sciences FCSM 2024
Katherine Attié English CLA 2025
Stephanie Moody Early Childhood Education COE 2025
Julie Potter Theatre COFAC 2024
Elisabeth B. White Cook Library Library 2025
Rachel Gordon Finance CBE 2026
Kensu Han Kinesiology CHP 2025
  SGA   2024
Alison McCartney Honors College   Ex-officio & Voting

Ex-Officio

Name Department
Jenn Mercer University Admissions
Emily Halligan Academic Advising
Clare Muhoro Office the Provost
Suzanne Hill Registrar's Office
Patrick Malloy Academic Standards

Meetings

The Core Curriculum Reporting Committee meets on the third Thursday of each month.

Responsibilities

  1. To approve all new courses for inclusion in the Core Curriculum as well as changes in existing Core courses.
  2. To participate in review and recertification of Core courses.
  3. To study the Core Curriculum and identify the areas where change is needed, commissioning studies to determine the feasibility of change to the Core Curriculum, if necessary.
  4. To provide an annual report to the UCC for inclusion in the UCC annual report to the senate.