Advisory committee of students, faculty, staff to help engage University community
BY LORI BONA HUNT
The consultation phase of the White Paper — an examination of what Guelph's undergraduate learning experience is and could be — begins this semester. It will include in-depth discussions with students, faculty and staff and a town hall meeting.
In addition, a 24-member advisory committee has been created to assist in the process. Chaired by Prof. Alan Shepard, associate vice-president (academic), the 21st-Century Curriculum Steering Committee is made up of students, faculty and staff who represent every college and various units across campus. They will help engage the University community in the evaluation of undergraduate education.
“A white paper is, by definition, a starting point,” says Shepard. “This report doesn't contain marching orders. Rather, it's a grouping of ideas intended to stimulate thought and action consideration.”
Shepard says the process will start with broad-reaching discussions with students and faculty, presentations to campus groups, written communications and public meetings. “There will be several stages to the process.”
Many colleges, departments and units conducted thorough reviews as part of the integrated planning process, he adds. In addition, OVC and CBS recently underwent major curriculum reviews.
“We want to try and build on the innovative things that have already been done to improve the undergraduate learning experience,” says Shepard. “We'll be talking to people about what has worked, what needs to be changed and what they'd like to do in the future.”
Two years in the making, the White Paper, which was released in November, was overseen by Prof. Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic). The purpose was to examine what U of G needs to do as an institution to maintain its leadership in undergraduate education and innovation. Some suggestions include:
The White Paper is online at www.vpacademic.uoguelph.ca/whitepaper.
