Prosperity Widely Shared challenges Oregon State University to graduate every enrolled student while advancing transdisciplinary research and innovation and contributing to economic and workforce development. Our push to improve graduation rates necessitates, among other things, innovative, modern, and rigorous academic programming fitted to 21st century student needs. That programming must also be accessible to all learners, especially those who have historically struggled, been disadvantaged in, or even excluded from higher education, while simultaneously maintaining academic rigor, high standards for learning, and an understanding of faculty time commitments. The intellectual underpinnings and structures of some academic programs may date back 50-200 years and reflect the interests of the (demographically homogeneous) designers and the economic realities of that time (e.g., plentiful faculty positions).

The Division of Academic Affairs and the Graduate School invite proposals to participate in an Academy for Academic Program Renovation. The Academy is intended to support a comprehensive update and modernization of undergraduate and graduate program offerings while reducing barriers and maintaining rigorous standards. The Academy addresses the fundamental need to reimagine curricula in an information-rich society where the goal of a course of study must go beyond the transmission of content and strongly focus on the development of skills to critically analyze, assess, and apply information in a rapidly changing world. In addition, a renovated curriculum should include the voices of those historically excluded from academic discourse and effectively prepare all graduates for the dynamic job market. For doctoral students, that job market increasingly lies outside academia.

We also acknowledge the multiple, significant challenges currently facing higher education, including: 1) the rapid pace of technological development, including the exponential growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI); 2) the declining confidence in the value of higher education among Americans; 3) the need to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that span disciplines; 4) the urgent need to recruit and retain talented people from underrepresented groups; and 5) the need for training in transferrable skills such as teamwork and effective communication. To address these challenges, higher education must evolve to demonstrate relevance to students and families, continuing to be a force for positive change.

Departments and programs participating in the Academy, which launches in January 2025, will be supported in their work by OSU experts committed to enhancing the quality of undergraduate and graduate education and training. Renovated programs will be implemented as soon as possible, but no later than Fall 2026.  Budget may include faculty and staff time and OPE, graduate student time (provided they are working directly for the project), external consultants, supplies, and technological tools. Before requesting support for other expenses contact the appropriate office (Academic Affairs or Graduate School). Funds will be awarded in stages subject to meeting project milestones agreed by the project lead and either the Division of Academic Affairs (undergraduate proposals) or the Graduate School (graduate proposals). At the graduate level, for this pilot year, only programs with an enrollment of at least 25 and offering a doctorate are eligible, but plans may include both the master’s and the doctoral degree. At the undergraduate level, proposals must consider how a renovation will increase student enrollment and/or student outcomes.

Proposals for participation in the Academy are due December 15, 2024, with a letter of intent due October 15, 2024. The letter of intent, an email to the appropriate office, should specify which program(s) are planning to apply, and must cc the dean of the proposing college.

PROPOSAL CONTENTS (See templates in menu below)

  • Cover sheet
  • Project description (up to 5 pages)
  • Project timeline with milestones and deliverables
  • Budget (up to $100K) and budget justification

Each proposal must describe the status of the curriculum including any recent revision efforts, and how, if funded, the project will revise existing curricula and course design across an entire major or course of study. Each proposal must include plans to address all these design elements.

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