Report of the Semester Conversion Task Force - California State ...

Semester Conversion Task Force ReportCurriculumOne of the most important conversion outcomes is improvement in the University’s academic structurethrough (a) re-examination and restructuring of the curriculum, (b) identification of learning outcomes, (c)linking of learning outcomes to the curriculum as well as to program, college, and institutional learningoutcomes, (d) streamlining of course offerings, and (e) elimination of duplication.The Task Force recognizes that each department has autonomy over its own programs. We believethat such autonomy is important for the integrity of University degree programs, valuing the principle ofdepartmental autonomy over the structure and organization of their respective programs. Nothing in thisreport is intended to weaken that autonomy. With that in mind, Task Force recommendations include:CONV-4CONV-5Departments (a) bring their programs to state-of-the-art standards within their disciplines,(b) develop learning outcomes for students who will graduate from their programs,and (c) identify how their programs achieve those learning outcomes.That when the University Educational Policy Committee (EPC) reviews proposed programchanges it give special attention to the following. Is the program consistent with theoverall mission of its college and the University? Does the program comprise a succinctcurriculum with a clear vision? Does the program differ sufficiently from other programsto avoid redundancy? Does the program have identified learning outcomes? Does theprogram indicate how the learning outcomes are tied to the curriculum?A second important conversion outcome is, to the extent possible, to make courses semestercompatible. To be semester compatible, most courses (especially at the undergraduate level) should bethree semester units each.AdvisementQuality advisement is vital to student success, satisfaction, and retention. It also has a direct impact ontime to degree completion. In addition, high-quality advisement is critical to the University’s success,both fiscally and academically. To achieve maximum advisement quality, we recommend adoption of aholistic integrated systematic advisement system—including developmental and intrusive advisementfrom pre-admission through degree completion.Advisement is also critical for transfer students. They must be provided with a report indicating (a) thenumber of semester hours required to graduate, (b) the courses required in their major, and (c) anyunmet general education requirements.Key to providing this level of advisement is the creation of an online, real-time graduation requirementsauditing tool or web page.Recommendations:CONV-6Pre-enrollment. Students most in need of intrusive advisement—typically first generation,unprepared, or undecided students—be contacted early and be required to participatein pre-enrollment activities.Additionally, all freshmen and transfer students be assigned to advisors upon admissionand be required to meet with them during orientation.16