Debate starts in Senate meeting

     A senate bill to change the Integrative Studies (IS) requirements passed after a fiery debate yesterday.

     The goal of the bill was to change the current Integrative Studies requirements that make up the college’s general education core to ones that pertain more to the needs of the 21st century students.

     The new Integrative Studies program hopes to enhance the integrative nature of the classes created by the opportunity made by the curriculum transition from quarters to semesters.

     Those opposed to the bill felt that it didn’t fulfill the need of the nontraditional student that has already gained life and cultural experiences.

     “What about mothers or war veterans? Are we going to try to teach them things that they’ve already experienced?” said Dana White, professor of the Theater Department.

     Professor Kerry Strayer of the Communication Department stood up and assured White that efforts were being made catering to those select individuals.

     “I am working on putting together a TYE, a transitional year experience, as compared with an FYE” said Strayer. “It will be more of an orienting class for adult students transferring students and other students that come out of different circumstances other than coming just out of high school.”

     The other major argument was that since the IS classes didn’t require a prerequisite that professors would have to “dumb down” their class material.

     Troy Burton spoke out saying that those expressing concern seem upset because they will need to put in extra effort to adjust their study to put an integrative spin on it.

     Bruce Bailey of the Business Dept, who had been one of the teachers to express their concern, quickly stood up to retaliate. He felt as though some classes are just too elaborate to not require a prerequisite class. “It’s not that we can’t have the best of both worlds, we just can’t afford the best of both worlds” said Bailey.

     Sarah Fatherly who presented the bill remains confident in the bill. “Nothing was asked that wasn’t already talked about” said Fatherly. “Now we will go back to specific departments and try to figure out how we can cater to their needs. It’s come down to we created the architecture, how do we build the house?”

    Some students at the meeting feel that this is the biggest step taken toward transitioning to a semester curriculum and that faculty members just need to give it a chance.

     “Let the plant of the IS program grow a bit before you call it a weed,” said junior student senator Matt Miller.

     The Bill passed with 106 members for, 18 against, and 15 abstentions.

     Other bills that passed was bill 09/10-3 that allowed Special Topics in Health and Physical Education classes and bill 09/10-4 that clarified campus-wide required math courses and expanded on requirement options. t&c