2013 Curriculum Institute

Welcome to the 2013 Curriculum Institute.

This past year was a challenging one for curriculum leaders. Changes in regulation and system policies have forced us to have difficult conversations at our campuses about the scope of our college’s mission, the inclusion and sequencing of courses in our curriculum, and the offering of degrees, certificates, and programs in order to assist students in reaching their educational goals. Engaging our colleagues in critiquing curriculum and programs is never easy, but the difficult conversations can lead to more thoughtful curricular decisions that benefit our students, our communities, and our institutions.

Curriculum leaders have done excellent work this past year, but we all know the work never ends – it just shifts and morphs. With that in mind, this year’s fabulous ASCCC Curriculum Committee has compiled a program to help you meet new and continuing curricular challenges on your campus. We selected the theme of “Everything Under the Sun” because the program contains a broad range of curriculum topics and issues. We expanded the program by adding 10 additional breakouts on Thursday and Friday to be able to address as many topics as possible, including course repetition, which will be discussed a number of times J. To help those who are new to curriculum, we scheduled a Curriculum Boot Camp on Thursday morning as well as a number of breakouts (marked with an asterisk in the program) to cover the curriculum basics.

We urge you to share the information you receive at the institute with your colleagues when you return to your colleges. The presenters will post their slides and handouts on the AS - CCC website, which will allow you to access the information when you need it. By using the website to disseminate these resources, the Academic Senate advances its commitment to sustainable and environmentally sound practices.

Finally, I invite you to make the most of this institute by taking the opportunity to spend some time in the company of others who love what they do. While you’re here, take advantage of the next three days to meet new colleagues, connect with old friends, and find those who share your devotion to curriculum. Use your time at the institute to rejuvenate so that you may return to your campus ready to meet the next curriculum challenge. Thank you for attending the institute. Enjoy!

Julie Bruno
Chair, ASCCC Curriculum Committee