Mission Statement and Charge:

The existing general education program at UNO was developed in the late 1980s and became effective in Fall 1990. The general education requirements were designed to “ensure that each graduate of UNO possesses certain academic skills, experiences the breadth of a liberal education and develops an appreciation for the cultural diversity that exists in the nature and the world” (2005-2006 UNO undergraduate catalog, p. 65). There have been few, if any campus changes, since the program was originally implemented and no extensive review or campus discussion of the existing program.

The impetus for review of general education at UNO comes from multiple sources and initiatives at the institution. Forces related to reviewing general education include the University commitment to strategic planning and continuous improvement. UNO has an active and on-going strategic planning process that emphasizes accountability. Therefore, the university has chosen to pursue the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) path for institutional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission/North Central Association. Additionally, significant changes in the faculty and administration, both in personnel and organizational structure, in the years since the existing general education program and assessment plan were developed provide an impetus for review and discussion. Finally, the campus commitment to developing a comprehensive electronic portfolio system (myMAPP—Mapping Academic Progress through ePortfolios) for faculty, students, departments, colleges, and the institution highlighted the lack of clear objectives or student learning outcomes for the existing general education program. As a campus with a commitment to strategic planning, on-going improvement, and accountability, it was inevitable that general education would need to be integrated into those efforts.

The UNO model for General Education review and assessment is one that will articulate the overall educational goals or objectives, develop student learning outcomes for the goals/objectives, and use assessment results to improve student learning.  Rather than beginning with wholesale curriculum change, the review will emphasize data-driven, faculty-initiated improvements to courses, curriculum, or other aspects of the students’ learning experiences and environment based on assessment of student learning

The purpose of the Task Force will be to facilitate and organize the general education review process, collect existing data, information, and assessment results and return information to the faculty for review and change initiatives.  The Task Force will facilitate the following:

Articulate our common educational and intellectual goals for UNO students.
      •Map goals and expectations with existing faculty practices
        identifying alignments and disconnects.

Develop assessable student learning outcomes for the educational goals. 

Advance commitment to continual improvement,
      •“closing the loop” using assessment to improve student learning,
      •use of a student e-portfolio  (myMAPPtm—Mapping Academic
        Progress through e-Portfolio) for assessment.