Academic dean and guest columnist Scott Furlong, in between classes at MAC Hall, says liberal education is alive and thriving. CHANCELLOR'S NOTE: The value of a liberal education — and I'm not talking politics — is something I have written about in previous issues of Chancellor's FYI. This month, I turn this space over to Scott Furlong, our new dean of liberal arts and sciences, to describea national initiative to promote liberal education. Scott also cites examples of how a UW-Green Bay education is benefiting our students and community. Scott assumed the dean's postion July 1, 2007. Previously, he was a member of our Political Science faculty for 14 years, serving as chair of the Public and Environmental Affairs academic unit and also as co-director of our program for first-year students. Bruce Shepard
	At UW-Green Bay, every year is LEAP Year I would like to thank Chancellor Shepard for the opportunity to discuss with you an important UW-Green Bay and UW System initiative and share just a few of the exciting campus activities going on related to this initiative.       In 2005, the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) started a 10-year initiative to promote liberal education. This initiative, Liberal Education and America’s Promise (or LEAP), provides a series of learning outcomes and goals that all colleges and universities should be promoting. Many of us feel it is fitting that, during this leap year, we promote the ideals discussed in the LEAP report. I believe the value of a liberal education is critical to every student’s education and represents the central component of any undergraduate degree.       “Liberal education” unfortunately is a loaded term that often is misconstrued to mean ideologically to the left, rather than its actual meaning referring to the idea of liberating one’s mind. A liberal education encourages an individual to think and be creative, to make decisions based on reasoned analysis. It continues to be one of the best ways to educate our students and ensure their success in an ever-changing world.       Let me share with you some of the essential learning outcomes discussed by the LEAP report and also just a few examples of how a UW-Green Bay education already is at the forefront.       These desired learning outcomes include: (1) knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world; (2) intellectual and practical skills; (3) personal and social responsibility; and (4) integrative learning. A more in-depth discussion of these outcomes is online at http://liberaleducation.uwsa.edu/. These are not controversial and, in fact, are strong testaments to what we all believe is necessary to succeed in life. Business leaders know this. Surveyed by AAC&U, they indicated strong consensus that a liberal education foundation is important for the people they hire, and what they would recommend to anyone pursuing a college education.       In addition to these learning outcomes, the AAC&U provides “Principles of Excellence” that institutions should strive for when educating students. Principle One discusses the idea of making excellence inclusive and connecting school, work and life (and, I’ll add, community). At UW-Green Bay, faculty, staff and students are working on a number of efforts to bring their considerable expertise to address local, national and global concerns. Our history students and faculty are working with the National Railroad Museum to develop outreach programs including a new exhibit on the Pullman Porters. Our Urban and Regional Studies program has helped in a number of efforts with the downtown On Broadway, Inc., including current redevelopment of the Larsen site. Students in our Biology of Women class have conducted a service learning project with a community agency of their choice on aspects of women’s health.
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Office of the Chancellor, David A. Cofrin Library, Suite 810 University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 920.465.2207 Comments to: Chancellor's Web Manager E-mail: Chancellor Revised 03/25/2008