Strategic Agenda
Making Change Work:
Strategic Initiatives in Academic Programs
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Introduction
The University of Illinois began with a vision to provide higher education
and to positively impact Illinois society as a whole. Signed into
law by President Abraham Lincoln, the Morrill Act of 1862 established
federal
land grants intended to foster institutions focused on advancing
learning and improving the lives of citizens, initially through promoting
the
mechanical and agricultural arts. Chartered by the Illinois General
Assembly in 1867, the Illinois Industrial University embraced this
mission. As
the institution moved into the twentieth century, visionary leaders
at the University of Illinois conceived of a comprehensive university
that
would make world-class contributions to scholarship and society.
Comprised today of three campuses, located in Chicago, Springfield
and Urbana-Champaign,
the University of Illinois embraces the land-grant mission of comprehensive
higher learning, research and creative scholarship, and public outreach
and service. The University of Illinois' first campus, established
in the communities of Urbana and Champaign, provides the backbone
and venerable
tradition of the University of Illinois system.
The College of Agriculture was the first college established at the
University of Illinois, in 1868. In partnership with the United
States Department
of Agriculture, the Hatch Act of 1887 established the system of
agricultural experiment stations at land-grant universities devoted
to mission-oriented
research, and the Smith-Lever Act of 1914 resulted in the Cooperative
Extension System. Today, the College consists of seven academic
departments with three overarching program areas of teaching, research,
and outreach.
The Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station and University of
Illinois Extension remain integral subsidiaries of the College.
- Making Change Work, Version 1.0
The Vision for ACES Academic Programs
In concert with the Vision, Mission and Values of the College, the Vision of Academic Programs is to empower learners and teachers in ACES.
Mission and Values
The mission of ACES Academic Programs is to facilitate the
delivery of quality, integrated educational experiences
to students studying
the
agricultural, consumer and environmental sciences that
will guide their personal, academic, social and professional growth
and
development as they become contributing members of our
global
society.
We value:
-
opportunities for student growth and development
- quality teaching and advising
-
educational programs that are responsive to the needs
of the students
-
disciplined-based as well as
interdisciplinary programs
-
diversity, multiculturalism and global
awareness
-
fairness, integrity and honesty
-
cooperation and teamwork
- partnerships with faculty, students, staff and stakeholders
- education as a lifelong process
- the role of Academic Programs in fulfilling the mission of ACES
Undergraduate Education Core Knowledge Areas
Adopted by Undergraduate Educational Policy Committee, October 12, 2001
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign values the importance of providing a broad, liberal education with focus and depth in a chosen field of study for all undergraduate students. The undergraduate
curriculum should provide students with the opportunity
to prepare for
their initial employment
or advanced study, for a career path, and for life-long
learning.
The Undergraduate Curricula in ACES fulfill the
requirements for degrees conferred by the University
and consist
of several components.
Each
should contribute in a meaningful way to the general
education and professional
preparation of the majors who are enrolled. The
College has adopted seven core knowledge areas
that must
be addressed in each degree
program and
option. Competencies in these knowledge areas may
be achieved in classrooms and laboratories, in
field experiences
and
internships, through international
study and travel, and/or through the leadership
development activities of student clubs and organizations.
The University of Illinois and the College of ACES
enroll very talented students, products of the
schools of Illinois,
the
nation and the
world. The challenge to the faculty and administration
is to ensure that the
undergraduate programs in which these bright
students are enrolled provide added value through careful
attention to desired competencies
that should
be achieved in each core knowledge area.
View: Key Components of a Sound Undergraduate Education [Chart]
Subject matter expertise
Graduates should possess college-level scientific and technical skills in their chosen discipline. Advanced skills should be developed in areas that refine and extend the basic competencies and support the study of the major. Graduates should be able to continue their study of the subject matter area through graduate school, continuing education and self education.
Graduates should possess an awareness of
the profession and industry and be able to adapt
to changes in
the work force
and society.
History, culture, society and the arts
Graduates should have a grounding in the humanities and the social
and natural sciences, have an appreciation for different cultures,
and be able to think
and function in a global environment. Graduates should possess an elementary
ability to speak and read one language other than English and have familiarity
with the associated culture.
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Graduates should possess skills in solving problems through quantitative
reasoning and sound judgment. Graduates should demonstrate a systems perspective in critical
thinking, inductive and deductive reasoning, situation improvement, decision-making
and forming judgments of fact and values. Graduates should be able to
apply their knowledge and expertise in real-world situations and
assimilate the
components of their undergraduate education in a holistic way.
Communication
Graduates should possess the ability to communicate effectively through
written and oral mechanisms and listening skills, and they should
possess college-level
skills in managing information.
Leadership and interpersonal development
Graduates should possess interpersonal skills including self motivation,
ethics, work attitude and team effort, and possess skills in
group dynamics and team
work. Graduates should appreciate the importance of service to
the community and acquire life-long learning skills.
Computer technology
Graduates should demonstrate current proficiency in computer applications
and the ability to acquire proficiency in new computer applications,
as appropriate for life-long skills and as applied to the
chosen discipline.
Scientific inquiry
Graduates should possess the ability to use fundamental scientific
methods and skills to identify problems, propose testable
hypotheses, conduct
research, and devise acceptable solutions. Graduates
should also have the ability
to critically evaluate and interpret research, including
the analysis of data.
For a copy of the complete ACES Academic Programs Strategic Agenda, contact cacesoap@uiuc.edu
