NEWS ANALYSIS: No action taken on education overhaul

Three weeks ago, University President Judith Rodin and Provost Stanley Chodorow announced a general plan to create the Undergraduate Education for the 21st Century. They promised immediate action, especially since their goal was to complete and institute the program by the fall of 1997. But so far, no action has been taken. "I haven't heard any specific proposals," said Faculty Senate Chairperson Barbara Lowery. "I would assume they're going to get started right away." Students and faculty feel the program is on track and that the timetable is not problematic. "The issue had to be aired first," Lowery said. "You have to let the community know and you can't start off running." Chodorow said recently that the next step in the process is to appoint committee members beyond those on the Provost's Committee on Undergraduate Education. "Appointments to the [Undergraduate Education] Committee aren't complete and I'm not sure when they will be," Chodorow said. He added that he expects those appointments to be made in the near future. The administration must still select four students, one from each undergraduate school, and one faculty member from a professional school without an undergraduate program. At last Wednesday's University Council meeting, Chodorow said he had originally thought that Rodin was in charge of making the committee appointments. But, he said he found out earlier last week that "it turns out to be me." Chodorow added "a great deal of talk with various constituencies has gone on." Discussion surrounding the residential component of the undergraduate education plan has also continued. Chodorow recently said the ideas he and Rodin have announced are "no better or worse than the ideas of others" in the past, who have brought forth plans ranging from randomized housing to a college house plan put together by former Vice Provost for University Life Kim Morrision. "I don't have any comments to make about various housing plans," he said. "I want to let the committee work through the issues and variants and come to its conclusion." Student leaders said they hope the program will begin to pick up speed soon, although they added that they understand the situation. "I'm still waiting for the first meeting," said Student Committee on Undergraduate Education Chairperson Matthew Kratter. "In the scope of a three-year project, it's not a big deal to start a month later than they should have." Chodorow said communication will continue to be very important as the issue proceeds. "I want to be able to reach the widest possible constituency in a timely fashion," he added.