SU Faculty Vote to Retain Credit-Based Curriculum

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University faculty today voted to reject changing from a credit-based to a course-based curriculum. The final tally was 159-147.

“The success of American higher education has always rested on the constant ‘sifting and winnowing’ by which competing ideas shape the future,” said SU Provost David Buchanan. “While the proposed curriculum transformation was not endorsed by a majority of the faculty, the investigation and debate of the idea has suggested various changes to the current system that we will implement in the coming years. The entire process has been healthy and illustrates the concept of shared governance in action.”

“The discussion of how best to serve our students will continue, informed by the hard work we have done this year,” said Dr. Maarten Pereboom, president of the Faculty Senate.

SU students must take 120 credit hours to graduate, averaging 30 credits a year.  Under the proposed curriculum change, students would have taken 32 classes averaging eight classes a year.  Many private schools including most Ivy League campuses use this model.  In the course-based curriculum, students may take fewer courses, but go more in-depth in those they do take.

SU had considered revising the curriculum because, proponents said, it would better prepare students for a more competitive—and increasingly global—community.  Opponents often voiced concern surrounding uncertainty regarding the impact on specific programs and future levels of funding.

Administrators said they would continue to support a more incremental approach to curriculum change.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu. "