[Source – odu.edu]
Engaging the ODU Community in General Education Reform
Old Dominion University (ODU) has launched a series of open forums this fall as part of its ambitious General Education Reform Initiative, titled Reimagining the Future of General Education Together. These forums offer students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to engage in discussions on reshaping the University’s general education curriculum. The initiative aims to modernize ODU’s educational framework, aligning it with contemporary academic, professional, and societal needs.
ODU announces open forums designed to reflect on the university’s mission and encourage community participation. They will offer multiple ways for attendees to share feedback, ensuring that the process is inclusive and representative of the diverse voices within the university.
ODU Announces Open Forums: Details Revealed
The first two forums, scheduled for October, will consist of an in-person session followed by a virtual option, providing flexibility for participants. Both sessions will allow attendees to explore and discuss the skills and competencies ODU graduates need to thrive in the 21st century.
- Forum 1: An in-person discussion will be held on October 1 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at North Café, Webb Center. Participants will engage in a guided writing exercise followed by group discussions, facilitated by notetakers.
- Forum 2: The virtual session, mirroring the structure of the first, will take place on October 21 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. via Zoom.
The final forum, scheduled for November 18, will feature a panel discussion and Q&A session at North Café, Webb Center. This forum will bring together representatives from six groups tasked with investigating critical components of general education, including first-year experiences, faculty support, and student learning goals.
General Education Reform: A Collaborative Effort
ODU’s General Education Reform Initiative is a comprehensive, multi-year project involving the university’s entire academic community. While ODU announces open forums, it’s important to note that the last reform of ODU’s general education system occurred in 2010, and the current initiative reflects the profound changes the university and the world have undergone since then.
“Since that time, our institution, students, and world have changed tremendously,” said Amy Johnson, assistant vice president for Academic Success. “General education should prepare graduates for a lifetime of personal and professional success. It should be meaningful, inspiring to students, foreground transferable skills and competencies, and reflect the institution’s mission.”
The reform will integrate feedback from surveys, focus groups, department meetings, and these open forums to ensure that the new curriculum supports student success and reflects ODU’s mission. The initiative marks a pivotal moment for creativity, innovation, and collaboration at the university.
For more information or to pose questions, individuals can contact executive committee members, including Megan Corbett, Martha Daas, Amy Johnson, Tatyana Lobova, Jenn Sloggie, and Josh Wallach.
