The Organizational Records, 1973-2015, contain the Committee’s plans, reports, minutes, evaluations, notes, and request forms. The collection is organized in alphabetical order. The majority of the collection contains minutes and annual reports for the General Education (Gen Ed) Committee, previously called the Gen Ed subcommittee, and implementation committee at CMU. The collection has many curriculum subject folders, each of which contains “request for course inclusion” forms and detailed notes of committee members for each course considered for Gen Ed status. The University Program folder contains information about the program telling its purpose and suggestions to be made to it. The collection has various evaluation reports made by graduating students and alumni giving their opinion of the University program in General Education and diverse reports on course enrollments and grades and reports on the General Education assessments for multiple dates. Researchers may also wish to review Gen Ed information in the meeting minutes of the Academic Senate, which is separately cataloged in the Clarke Historical Library.
Organizational History:
The Central Michigan University (CMU) GEC (General Education Committee) is responsible for reviewing and approving course and program proposals related to the general education component of all undergraduate degrees, including the University Program and Competency requirements. This committee serves as the advisory and policy-making body for the General Education Program. The committee develops, reviews, and evaluates programs and policies pertaining to the operation of the General Education Program. The GEC may also initiate curricular proposals relevant to the General Education Program. (This information is From CMU’s website.)
The General Education Program at Central Michigan University provides all CMU students with a wide-ranging undergraduate education that prepares them to adapt and excel in their future careers. Graduates of CMU leave with a broad understanding of the forces, ideas, and values that shape our changing world. They learn how to think like an artist, a humanist, a natural scientist, and a social scientist. They can use these ways of thinking to understand new areas of knowledge relevant to the modern world. They are skilled in working with others, including those of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and in thinking reflectively about themselves as individuals and members of society. Graduates value rational inquiry, honesty in scholarship, and life-long learning. (This information is From CMU’s website.)
The GEC began in 1977 as a subcommittee of the University Curriculum Committee. Professor Denis Thavenet served as the first chair. (This information was found in the collection.)
