1.0 Overview and History of the Core Curriculum Project

The Core Curriculum at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul provides a structure through which the educational philosophy of the institution is achieved. A common set of learning outcomes that are aligned to the mission and philosophy of the institution ensures that the institution’s educational objectives are effectively defined and implemented in the academic programming provided to its students. Assessment of these outcomes enables the institution to continually improve the quality of the academic experience for its students.

Every five to seven years the Core Curriculum is reviewed, and revisions are made in response to the changing needs of students. In spring 2019, Dr. Janet Sommers, University Provost, established a Core Curriculum Steering Committee consisting of the following individuals: Dr. Feng-ling Margaret Johnson (Co-chair), Dr. Susan Johnson (Co-chair), Dr. Lara Bronson, Mr. Adam Dolezal (Project Manager), Ms. Heidi Hoefs, Dr. Don Johnson, Ms. Jessica Moore, Dr. Heather Peterson, and Dr. Brad Sickler.  The Committee received a charge from Dr. Sommers to complete the review and recommendations for a revised Core Curriculum with the goal of the new Core Curriculum being launched in fall 2021.

The Steering Committee conducted extensive research through discussion and surveys of constituent groups, exploration of models used at other institutions, and review of current recommendations regarding general education models. Extensive review of the University’s missional documents including its Philosophy of Education were conducted to be sure that all recommendations aligned with the purposes of the institution. The University of Northwestern faculty were involved throughout the 2019-2020 academic year in providing input which culminated in the approval of seven key outcome categories to guide the development of a revised Core Curriculum.

In late spring 2020, the faculty affirmed a new overall structure for Northwestern’s Curriculum which was defined as 50-50-25 referring to the total number of credits to be in each category of the curriculum. Fifty credits were assigned for the Core Curriculum, 50 credits were assigned to the major field, and 25 credits were assigned to the Enhanced Curriculum, allowing students to build strength into their overall program and to better use transfer credits for those transferring into Northwestern’s programs. However, through the Core Curriculum revision process, the Core Curriculum Steering Committee came to the conclusion that a 50-credit Core Curriculum did not retain the academic strength that the faculty desired. Therefore, the final proposal set forth a curriculum structure assigning 55 credits to the Core, 50 credits to the academic major, and 20 credits to the Enhanced Curriculum consisting of electives.

In November 2020, the faculty approved the proposal for the revised Core Curriculum with an implementation date set for fall 2021.  This was further approved by the Board of Trustees in December 2021.  The summary of this work is presented throughout this site.