Pathways and Strands - Two Models of General Education

Pathways and Strands* are models of general education that draw deliberate and explicit connections across disciplines, and provide opportunities for students to reflect upon and synthesize their educational experiences. Both models retain elements of the current distribution model, in which students take a fixed number of foundational courses from several designated areas. On completion of these foundational courses, students then take a series of courses organized around a particular theme. This lends focus, cohesion, and intentionality to the general education experience, inviting students to draw and explore connections between courses, fields, and disciplines.

We invite you to review the two revised General Education (aka, Grizz Core) models developed by the General Education Program Revision Ad Hoc Committee (GEPRAHC): Model Black, a Pathways model and Model Gold, a Strands model. The committee reviewed feedback from the campus community, examined curricula at other universities, consulted with General Education experts, and studied the literature on best practices in General Education when crafting these two models. Both models include the following elements:

• They Incorporate a First Year Experience (FYE) course which combines an academic course with academic success components.

• They balance distributive and theme-based integrative elements. Students can choose a theme that interests them and is interdisciplinary in nature.

• They emphasize flexibility for students and faculty.

• They incorporate high impact practices and transferable skill building.

• They respond to prior OU campus feedback by emphasizing 1) writing across the curriculum, 2) oral communication and human connection, 3) awareness of difference and power, 4) quantitative reasoning and 5) and the need to provide students with the tools and skills needed for success.

The models differ in how those elements are organized and what foundational course categories they require. When reviewing the models, please keep in mind that the choice between the models is not either/or, but is rather an opportunity to consider what options will work best for OU students. Also, note that the committee is not specifying a number of credits in the models, but is rather focusing on specifying a number of courses. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) which accredits Oakland University sets a bare minimum of 30 credits for General Education programs.  

The Grizz Core Models cheat sheet provides a quick summary of the two models, course categories, Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) and design principles.

To view the summary presentation that we have been giving to to the senate and units across campus, please use this link. More details about the models and First Year Experience courses can be found below.

* Note: We highly recommend the book General Education Essentials by Paul Hanstedt to those wishing to learn about general education models. The e-book is available through the Kresge Library.

First Year Experience (FYE)

• General Education experts suggest that a First Year Experience (FYE) course is the single most important change we can make.

• FYEs are associated with: higher GPAs, increased graduation rates, greater rates of retention, better attitudes toward higher education, and more credits accrued. They provide shared experiences and community building.

• FYEs will exist on GRZ prefix (not owned by any unit) and will be small class-sizes.

The GEPRAHC is proposing two different FYE models: Experiential Projects and Transformative Texts. Both proposed models will include the same Academic Success component and will include Peer Mentors. Both will also include a 1-2 credit transfer student version that focuses on the academic success component. Click on the links below to access detailed information about the FYE proposals.

Note: The illustrations below were generated using ChatGPT.

Universal Expectations for the Grizz Core Curriculum 

The GEPRAHC has also been working on developing certain design principles or universal expectations for the curriculum. Through the Grizz Core sequence, we want students to acquire the tools needed to thrive in their academic and professional studies. At its core, we believe learning should be meaningful, relevant, and fun. We aim to spark student curiosity and imagination through engaging and timely coursework. We will introduce them to OU’s campus and resources, as well as new perspectives and experiences. And we will provide them with opportunities to learn and work in the company of others. Whether personally or professionally, our aim is to set students up for future success. 

While the rules and design principles remain a work-in-progress, you can review some of our expectations for the Grizz Core in this document.

Generative AI and Emerging Technologies

The GEPRAHC has been discussing the role of Generative AI (GenAI) and other emerging technologies in the Grizz Core curriculum, as well as reviewing some of the latest research on the impacts of GenAI on student learning and the development of critical skills. Much like the studies and faculty opinions across the country, the committee views the use and impacts of emerging technologies as both an opportunity and a risk, that must be approached thoughtfully. Please review this page for some of our preliminary thoughts on this issue, as well as a link to some recent publications on the topic.