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By Jonah Grinkewitz

������ will host a series of open forums this fall as part of its General Education Reform Initiative: Reimagining the Future of General Education Together. This is a chance for students, faculty and staff to contribute to the conversation around improving the University’s general education.

The first two forums – one in-person and one virtual – will provide opportunities for the ������ community to reflect on the University’s mission and goals, share input and join in the discussion. The final forum will be a panel discussion and Q&A with members of the six groups who were tasked with researching components of general education: First-year experiences, general education models and structures, faculty resources and support, the purpose and value of general education, high impact practices and student learning goals and competencies.

There will be in-person and virtual options to participate.

Forum 1: In-Person Discussion

• Date: Oct. 1, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Location: North Café, Webb Center
• Agenda: Participants will complete a guided writing prompt: What skills or competencies should an ������ graduate have in the 21st century? Attendees will break into groups for discussion, with a notetaker, before sharing insights with the larger group.

Forum 2: Virtual Option

• Date: October 21, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• Location:
• Agenda: This virtual option will have the same format as Forum 1.

Forum 3: Panel Discussion

• Date: November 18, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
• Location: North Café, Webb Center
• Agenda: Representatives of the general education reading groups will participate in a panel discussion and Q&A. The General Education Reform executive committee will also report on the initiative’s progress.

The General Education Reform Initiative is a multiyear, campus-wide undertaking involving students, faculty and staff. Feedback will be gathered and considered through surveys, department and program meetings, focus groups and forums like these.

The last general education reform at ������ took place in 2010. 

“Since that time, our institution, our students, and our world have changed tremendously,” said Amy Johnson, assistant vice president for Academic Success. “General education should prepare graduates for a lifetime of personal and professional success. It should be meaningful, inspiring to students, foreground transferable skills and competencies, and reflect the mission of the institution. This is an exciting time for creativity, innovation, and collaboration to (re)imagine the cornerstone of an ������ academic experience.”

For questions or more information, you can reach out to the executive committee members: Megan Corbett (m4smith@odu.edu), Martha Daas (MDaas@odu.edu), Amy Johnson (a23johnso@odu.edu), Tatyana Lobova (TLobova@odu.edu), Jenn Sloggie (JSloggie@odu.edu) and Josh Wallach (JWallach@odu.edu).