Advancing Academics

Once every five years, the members of the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education sit down and take stock of the state of Penn academics. They analyze virtually every component of the University's undergraduate learning experience, delving into teaching methods, access to quality research and student life initiatives. And at every step of the way, they make recommendations on how Penn can improve itself for the benefit of future generations. This week, SCUE released its most-recent of those reviews -- the 2001 White Paper. The 30-page analysis hits on a number of these important campus issues. Absent any major developments over the next few years, it will likely serve as the sole foundation for the student body's academic initiatives until the year 2006. For almost every current Penn student, that represents the balance of their time at the University and then some. That's why it's so important that today's Penn students assume the responsibility that comes with their experience here -- by taking note of the SCUE proposals and participating in the process of bringing about productive academic change. We commend SCUE for the extensive time and effort its members devoted to developing the White Paper. Students can --and should -- obtain their copy of the paper in the SCUE office at 209 Houston Hall, and will soon be able to access the document online. But simply reading the paper is not enough. In order to stimulate actual discussion and change on academic issues, SCUE should take this unique opportunity to put its work into motion -- by organizing student feedback forums and action-oriented sessions with faculty and administrators. By focusing renewed attention on the state of academics at Penn, the committee is in a key position to make a difference in the scholastic experiences of Penn students for years to come. It's an opportunity not to be squandered.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.