What Do You Think?

In spring 1996, President Malcolm Gillis, Provost David Auston, and the Faculty Council jointly appointed an Ad Hoc Curriculum Review Committee, asking it to develop recommendations for a program of General Education-the academic requirements all students must meet, regardless of their major. During the 1996-97 academic year, committee members shared their own experiences and preferences, discussed programs that have been instituted at other colleges and universities, and considered how they might best draw on the wisdom and creativity of the university's several constituencies: students, faculty, administrators, staff, parents, alumni, benefactors, employers, and policymakers. The committee met with every department in the university and held several open meetings as well. It will continue such meetings through fall 1997 and plans to present its recommendations to the faculty early in spring 1998.

At this point, the committee feels it would be extremely helpful to hear from Rice alumni. As an alum, what do you feel was best about your Rice education, what was lacking, and what do you think is important for all Rice students, regardless of their major, to gain from their undergraduate years at the university? (If you did not attend Rice as an undergraduate or if you receive Sallyport Owlmanac as a parent or friend, feel free to respond to the questions that are appropriate for you.)

Thank you for the time you take answering these few brief questions. The committee assures you that it will consider your answers seriously as it seeks to carry out its charge.

Sincerely, THE AD HOC CURRICULUM REVIEW COMMITTEE

William Martin (Sociology, Chair)

Brandon Bidlack (Undergraduate Representative)

Sidney Burrus (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Priscilla Huston (Provost's Office)

John Hutchinson (Chemistry)

Walter Isle (English)

Benjamin Lee (Anthropology)

Kathleen Matthews (Biochemistry and Cell Biology)

Carol Quillen (History)