The Universities of Wisconsin system has proposed new core general education requirements, a move that has raised concerns among students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison regarding the future of its long-standing undergraduate ethnic studies requirement. This proposed framework aims to standardize credit transfers across the system.
Wisconsin Act 15, approved by the State Legislature in July, mandates the Board of Regents to establish policies for seamless credit transfers between institutions within the Universities of Wisconsin system. This legislative action is the driving force behind the new general education framework.
Key Takeaways
- New general education requirements proposed for Universities of Wisconsin system.
- UW-Madison's ethnic studies requirement is not explicitly listed in the new framework categories.
- Students and committee members express concern over potential changes to the requirement.
- Universities of Wisconsin state the framework does not mandate changes to individual university requirements.
- Board of Regents expected to approve new categories in November.
New General Education Framework Details
The new framework proposes that all campuses align their general education requirements with six broad categories. These categories span 10 to 12 courses and total 30 to 36 credit hours. The goal is to create a more consistent educational experience across the system, making it easier for students to transfer credits.
The proposed categories are:
- Mathematics and quantitative reasoning
- Communication and literacy
- Social and behavioral science
- Humanities and arts
- Natural science and wellness
- Civics and perspectives
Fact Check
The ethnic studies requirement has been unique to UW-Madison since the 1970s. It is not currently a system-wide requirement for all Universities of Wisconsin campuses.
Student Concerns Over Ethnic Studies
A significant point of contention is the absence of ethnic studies from the new list of core general education categories. UW-Madison has had an undergraduate ethnic studies requirement in place since the 1970s, making it a unique aspect of its curriculum compared to other system schools.
"I learned about this change during our Ethnic Studies Committee meeting just this past week," Olani Aboro, a student representative for the Ethnic Studies Committee, told News 3 Now. "The problem lies in the fact that, the ethnic Studies subcommittee wasn't contacted or we weren't told that part of what's being affected is the ethnic studies credit here in Madison, because this is a unique thing that UW Madison has in their curriculum that other schools don't necessarily have."
Aboro's committee reviews courses that seek to fulfill the ethnic studies credit, ensuring they meet the program's objectives. She emphasized the value of these courses, citing her own experience.
Last semester, Aboro took a Folklore 102 class. She stated, "I learned a lot about, like, Asian American history that I never would have learned if I didn't take that class. It was so refreshing, and it really did teach me like how to interact with other people differently."
Students like Aboro worry that if the requirement is removed or altered, fewer students will enroll in these courses voluntarily. They believe that with many other required courses for graduation, students might not prioritize ethnic studies if it becomes optional.
Background
Wisconsin Act 15 was passed to streamline the transfer of credits between the different universities in the system. This aims to benefit students who move between campuses, ensuring their academic progress is not lost.
Universities of Wisconsin Clarification
News 3 Now inquired whether changes to general education requirements were linked to federal funding or policies concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This question followed Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin's announcement in July regarding the sunsetting of UW's Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement.
Mark Pitsch, director of media relations for the Universities of Wisconsin, provided a statement. He clarified that the new Core General Education Requirements are primarily focused on credit transferability.
"The development of the Core General Education Requirements does not change or require changes to university general education, school/college, or major requirements. Its intent is to ensure a seamless transfer of general education credits across the Universities of Wisconsin, helping students move between universities without losing progress toward graduation."
Pitsch's statement highlighted that this student-centered approach is designed to provide greater consistency and transparency in general education. It also aims to reduce the time it takes for students to complete their degrees and lower attendance costs.
Autonomy for Individual Universities
The statement from the Universities of Wisconsin also confirmed that ethnic studies or cultural diversity courses are not mandated by the Board of Regents for all campuses. Individual universities maintain discretion in this area, and this autonomy is not subject to change under the new framework.
Each university will map its existing courses into the six broad categories. This mapping process will be handled by each institution individually. UW-Madison has indicated that it does not plan to change its own course requirements for now.
Despite these assurances, Aboro expressed that students still lack complete clarity on the future of ethnic studies at UW-Madison. She hopes the requirement will remain in place.
"Having a class talking about certain people, groups that aren't necessarily like largely represented, I think it helps people feel a lot more seen, a lot more welcome on the campus," Aboro said. "Everyone should take an ethnic studies class if they can."
Next Steps for Approval
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents is expected to approve the proposed new general education categories and requirements in November. Following this, the plan will undergo a period of public comment. Final approval from President Jay Rothman is anticipated by the end of December.
The outcome will determine the structure of general education across the system and could influence how specific requirements, like ethnic studies at UW-Madison, are integrated or maintained within the broader academic framework.
