/Institutions/Walla-Walla-University/json/current/2025-2026-Governance-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Walla-Walla-University/json/current/2025-2026-Governance-Handbook.json

2025-2026 Governance Handbook > Part 3: Academic > 3.2 Committees > 3.2.19 General Studies Committee

3.2.19 General Studies Committee

(Bylaws)

1. The committee is responsible to the University Senate.
2. The committee consists of a chair, five faculty members elected by the faculty in multi-candidate elections, the Associate Vice President for Academic Administration, the director of the Honors General Studies Program, and the Registrar or designee. At least one faculty member should be elected from each of the three academic areas. Faculty members should be selected to favor broad academic representation and involvement in general studies courses.
3. The chair is appointed from the faculty by the Vice President for Academic Administration. The term of the chair is two years and may be renewed once for a total consecutive term of four years. The chair serves as an ex officio member of the University Senate and the Curriculum Committee.
4. The term for elected faculty members is five years. Terms should overlap to provide continuity. 
5. The work of the committee is to
   1. Conduct regular, data-informed reviews of the overall effectiveness of the General Studies Program
   2. Oversee regular assessment of the General Studies Program
   3. Develop recommendations and submit proposals for changes to the General Studies Program regarding curriculum and student learning outcomes
   4. Review proposals for adding or selecting courses in the General Studies Program
   5. Host an annual open forum in which faculty are invited to discuss issues related to the General Studies Program
6. The committee meets at least twice a month during the academic year. 

(Procedures)

1. Protocol

   1. The agendas are developed by the committee chairperson.

   2. Actions are taken by committee consensus or majority vote.

   3. Committee workload (average in clock hours per quarter):

      i. Chair: 30 hrs.

      ii. Member: 15 hrs.

   4. Reporting procedures

      The chair of the General Studies Committee will present an annual assessment report to the University Senate  

   5. Proposals to add or delete general studies courses

   Academic departments submit proposals to add or delete courses in the General Studies Program to the General Studies Committee (and to the Curriculum Committee in conjunction with any other departmental program changes). The General Studies Committee relays the results of its deliberations to the Curriculum Committee.

2. Communication

   1. Minutes are recorded by a designated committee member.

   2. Copies of minutes are sent to the Central File.

   Documentation

   1. Rationale for actions are recorded in the committee minutes.

 

(Pending final approval by the Board of Trustees)