April 2, 2009

Senate creates steering committee to focus on core curriculum

The University Senate has established a steering committee to discuss the feasibility, meaning and potential implementation process of a core curriculum.

Joan Fulton, chair of the University Senate’s Steering Committee, coordinated the call-out for volunteers that was issued in January and the subsequent selection process.

"We had more than 50 nominations for the committee, which was wonderful to see," says Fulton, professor of agricultural economics. "This shows that there is a strong interest in this topic at a grassroots level."

The development of a core curriculum is one of the key priorities listed under the area of student success in the "New Synergies" strategic plan. Chris Ladisch, vice provost for academic affairs, and Andrew Luescher, chair of the Senate's Educational Policy Committee and associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences, will lead the 33-member committee.

Members of the core curriculum steering committee are:

* Jean Paul Allain, assistant professor of nuclear engineering.

* Dennis Buckmaster, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering.

* Charles Calahan, clinical assistant professor in CDFS.

* Karen Chang, assistant professor of nursing.

* Jason Clark, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.

* Jason Curtis, vice chair of Purdue North Central Faculty Senate and associate professor of biology.

* Donatella Danielli, professor of mathematics.

* Angelica Duran, associate professor of English.

* Demetra Evangelou, assistant professor of engineering education.

* Michael Fosmire, associate professor of library science and head of physical sciences, engineering and technology division.

* Andrew Gillespie, associate dean of International Programs.

* Michael Harris, associate dean and professor of chemical engineering.

* Pedro Irazoqui, assistant professor of biomedical engineering and electrical and computer engineering.

* Christine Ladisch, vice provost for academic affairs and professor of consumer sciences and retailing.

* Andrew Luescher, chair of Educational Policy Committee and associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences.

* Erina MacGeorge, associate professor of communication.

* Howard Mancing, professor of Spanish.

* James McGlothlin, associate professor of health sciences/industrial technology.

* Dennis Minchella, associate head and professor of biological sciences.

* Stacey Mobley, assistant professor of foods and nutrition.

* James Mohler, assistant department head and professor of computer graphics technology.

* Michael Morrison, associate professor of history.

* JoAnn Phillion, associate professor of curriculum and instruction.

* Randy Rapp, associate professor of building construction management.

* A. G. Rud Jr., head and associate professor of educational studies.

* Chris Sahley, associate dean in the College of Science and professor of biological sciences.

* David Santogrossi, associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and associate professor of psychological sciences.

* Denton Sederquist, alumni representative and general manager of Tarkington Residence Hall.

* Ian Shipsey, the Julian Schwinger Distinguished Professor of Physics.

* Mark Tucker, associate professor of youth development and agricultural education.

* John Umbeck, professor of economics.

* Susan Watts, professor of management.

* James Weisman, clinical assistant professor and assistant director of veterinary technology.

* Sigrid Zahner, assistant professor of visual and performing arts.