Undergraduate Curriculum Committee

This committee oversees the undergraduate educational activities of the university, reviewing degree requirements, academic rules and regulations, new and continuing interdepartmental programs, and other related issues.

The Undergraduate Curriculum Committee consists of the Dean of Arts and Sciences, who serves as chair; five faculty chosen for two-year terms in an election at-large conducted by the Faculty Senate; two faculty members appointed for one-year terms by the Dean; three undergraduate students 2 elected by the student body and one appointed by the Student Union President; and one graduate student elected by procedures established by the Graduate Student Association. The Committee may invite chairs of the School Councils to participate in its deliberations as appropriate.

The Undergraduate Curriculum Committee oversees the undergraduate educational activities of the university. It reviews the educational and curricular activities of departments, programs, and other academic units contributing to the educational mission of the university, as well as academic rules and regulations, and makes recommendations for action to the Dean of Arts and Sciences, Provost, or Faculty Meeting, as appropriate. It is informed by the Provost of any proposed university action that might affect the educational mission, and advises the faculty on the merits of such action.

The Committee reviews all proposals for new undergraduate educational programs or for the discontinuation of existing programs and submits recommendations to the Faculty Meeting.

Acting on the basis of the recommendations of the School Councils, or the Councils of the Graduate School, the professional schools, or the Rabb School, the Committee approves all changes in concentrations, minors, programs, and other undergraduate academic requirements, as well as proposals for independent concentrations. The Dean of Arts and Sciences ensures that changes in the undergraduate curriculum that have important consequences for graduate or professional education are brought to the attention of the Council of the Graduate School or the professional schools for review.

The Committee is responsible for overseeing the periodic review of undergraduate academic programs mandated by faculty legislation, and for overseeing other such reviews as requested by the Provost or Dean of Arts and Sciences. The Committee ensures that faculty with appropriate scholarly expertise participate in each program review. The Committee recommends approval of the continuation of existing academic programs, or their discontinuation to the Faculty Meeting.

The Committee reviews all proposals for changes in the general education curriculum. Substantial changes to the general education curriculum will be submitted to the Faculty Meeting for its approval. The Dean of Arts and Sciences will determine whether a proposed change must be submitted to the Faculty Meeting.

The Committee makes recommendations to the appropriate academic unit or Academic Dean concerning improvements in undergraduate education.