A-Senate approves writing intensive requirements
New students at Central Michigan University will notice changes in the University Program requirements next fall.
Academic Senate members closed the book Tuesday on amendments to CMU's general education curriculum, which now will focus more heavily on writing intensive courses.
Students currently are required only to write in two English courses; there are no requirements for how much a student must write in those courses. With the new changes the total writing throughout a semester must total to at least 12 typed pages.
"As a group, we went through the first section, we went through the second section and today we completed the third section," said A-Senate Chairman Ray Francis about the university program. "We're done."
Among changes approved Tuesday, students must take at least four writing intensive courses to graduate from CMU. At least one of these courses must be in groups I, III and IV of the UP selections.
A writing intensive course, according to criteria established by A-Senate, is one that meets several criteria. The course must have enrollment capped at no more than 30 students. Students must complete several writing assignments while enrolled in the class, including essays, essay exams, reflective writing, journals and reports.
Francis, an associate teacher education and professional development professor, said the overall general education changes were a long time coming.
Initially, A-Senate members opened discussion on general education requirements in the 2006-07 academic year, he said, and continued until this year, focusing most recently on incorporating writing into class requirements.
"You have to be able to write in this day and age, not just text," Francis said. "If you don't put students in a situation where they can learn, they can't get better."
Tim Hartshorne, a psychology professor, and last year's A-senate chairman, said while many of the university program's changes are small, many details are more concise. He said changes reflect necessary skill sets students must now have.
"It'll take away some of the uncertainty over what general education will become," Hartshorne said.
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