General Education Initiative at Eastern Washington University

1. General Education Initiative at Eastern Washington University General Education Review Group and the Greater Expectations Team Eastern Washington University

2. Eastern Washington University

3. Project Goals • ASP- Revitalize general education– inclusive for all students, rigorous, engaging and integrated throughout the students’ educational experience • Incorporate cyclical review and revision to maintain evolution of general education Eastern Washington University

4. Project Goals- continued • Ensure open, transparent communication at the forefront of our process, engaging the literature, best practices, and research in a fashion that is self-reflective and future-oriented. Eastern Washington University

5. Background • EWU Mission: To prepare broadly educated, technologically proficient, and highly productive citizens to attain meaningful careers, to enjoy enriched lives, and to make contributions to a culturally diverse society • Academic Strategic Plan confirms our commitment to achieving this mission. FOR MORE INFO... http://www.ewu.edu/x2248.xml Eastern Washington University

6. Our Students • Our campus is dedicated to supporting all students in achieving this success. • 10,000 students within six colleges • Many of EWU students are “under served”—they come from rural areas, are first-generation, and /or low-income. Eastern Washington University

7. 74% traditional aged (18-24) • 79% receiving need-based and non-need based aid • 15 % Racial/ethnic diversity • 55% of first-time/first year students are first-generation • 34% of first year students entering with a 3.5 or higher GPA Eastern Washington University

8. Current General Education Curriculum University Competencies and Proficiencies Core Requirements University Graduation Requirements Eastern Washington University

9. Current Assessment • General Education Curriculum Committee (GECC) • Shared Learning Objectives • Three Tiers: Competencies, Core Requirements, University Requirements • Courses assess one objective every three years Eastern Washington University

10. Current Assessment continued • End of Program Assessment • Departmental Level • Assessment of Program Learning Objectives on a three year cycle • May include student surveys, work samples, etc. • Accreditation Review • In process Eastern Washington University

11. Rationale for Review and Revitalization “A meaningful commitment to educational excellence begins with agreement about the most important goals for student learning.” --Greater Expectations, National Panel Report, AAC&U FOR MORE INFO... http://www.ewu.edu/x2248.xml Eastern Washington University

12. Value Key Learning OutcomesProposed – Six Pillars of an Eastern Education • Critical Thinking and Intellectual Curiosity • Communication • Diverse Perspectives • Internationalization & Globalization • Social, Environmental and Ethical Responsibility • Disciplinary Expertise Eastern Washington University

13. Enhance Retention While 3 out of 4 first-time, full-time, Baccalaureate Degree-seeking Freshmen at EWU continue to their second year, year-to-year retention rates drop sharply after the second year (2004-2005 CSRDE Retention Survey). Eastern Washington University

14. Foster Student Success to Graduation Graduation rates for our first-time, full-time, Baccalaureate Degree-seeking Freshmen: 21% graduate after four years 40.4% graduate after five years 45.4% graduate after six years (2004-2005 CSRDE – 11/16/05) Eastern Washington University

15. General Overview of Process Eastern Washington University

16. Resources • History--Failed and Successful Attempts • Human Capital—Leadership, Diversity, Faculty Commitment • Institutional Resources—Academic Strategic Plan, Faculty Fellows Program Eastern Washington University

17. Obstacles • Leadership transitions • Funding model • Need to integrate transfers/DTA • Strength of individual programs and their identity • Cynicism • Fear of change Eastern Washington University

18. Current Status • General Education Review Group • Research on Campus Climate • Research on National Models and Best Practices • Discussion of Key Learning Outcomes • Visioning Conference- Greater Expectations Team • Integration Project Proposals • Service Learning and Gen Ed • e-Portfolio Integration Project Eastern Washington University

19. Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Sep Oct Nov Dec Schedule • Year 05-06—Adopting key learning outcomes, “Visioning,” and Planning FOR MORE INFO... http://www.ewu.edu/x24094.xml for General Education Initiative Action Plan Eastern Washington University

20. Current Research/Assessment • ETS General Education Exam • General Education History at EWU • Faculty/Staff Survey on Gen Ed • Empowering Student Voices Project • University Relations Community Survey Eastern Washington University

21. Faculty Fellow for General Education: Sue Marie Wright General Education Review Group Chair- tbd Greater Expectations Team: Marti Brzoska Nick Jackson Richard Meier Esteban Rodriguez-Marek Victor Rodriguez Michelle Whittingham General Education Review Group: Barbara Alvin, Mark Baldwin, Marti Brzoska, Cynthia Cutler, Ray Hamel, Fred Hurand, Garrett Kenney, Linda Kieffer, Terry MacMullan, Mimi Marinucci, Robert McGinty, Ginny Mehlert, Suzanne Milton, Deacon Meier, Lisa Nappa, Dave Nelson, Toni Oertling, Robert Quinn, Edward Slack, Robert Stirling, Chris Valeo, Cami Warren, and Michelle Whittingham. Contributors Eastern Washington University