Senate Document SD 05-8

(Supersedes SD 88-33)

(Amended and Approved, 4/10/2006)

TO:                             Fort Wayne Senate

FROM:                       Educational Policy Committee

DATE:                        April 10, 2006

SUBJECT:                 Pedagogical Framework for the IPFW Baccalaureate Degree

DISPOSITION:         To the Presiding Officer for implementation

Whereas, SD 88-33 Goals and Objectives of the IPFW Baccalaureate Degree  is not sufficient in defining baccalaureate education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne,

Resolved, That the Fort Wayne Senate approve the following statement of the Pedagogical Framework for the IPFW Baccalaureate Degree to replace SD88-33 Goals and Objectives of the IPFW Baccalaureate Degree in defining baccalaureate education at IPFW.

Pedagogical Framework for the IPFW Baccalaureate Degree

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne is a comprehensive public university serving the higher education needs of northeast Indiana.  Students who earn a baccalaureate degree at IPFW will be able to apply their knowledge to the needs of an increasingly diverse, complex, and dynamic world.  To that end, IPFW continually develops and enhances curricula and educational experiences that provide all students with a holistic and integrative education.

The Framework

The IPFW faculty has identified six foundations of baccalaureate education.

∙     Acquisition of Knowledge : Students will demonstrate breadth of knowledge across disciplines and depth of knowledge in their chosen discipline.  In order to do so, students must demonstrate the requisite information seeking skills and technological competencies.

∙     Application of Knowledge: Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply that knowledge, and, in so doing, demonstrate the skills necessary for life-long learning.

∙     Personal and Professional Values: Students will demonstrate the highest levels of personal integrity and professional ethics.

∙     A Sense of Community. Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to be productive and responsible citizens and leaders in local, regional, national, and international communities.  In so doing, students will demonstrate a commitment to free and open inquiry and mutual respect across multiple cultures and perspectives.

 ∙     Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Students will demonstrate facility and adaptability in their approach to problem solving.  In so doing, students will demonstrate critical thinking abilities and familiarity with quantitative and qualitative reasoning.

 ∙     Communication: Students will demonstrate the written, oral, and multimedia skills necessary to communicate effectively in diverse settings.

These pedagogical foundations in toto provide the framework for all baccalaureate degree programs.  The foundations are interdependent, with each one contributing to the integrative and holistic education offered at IPFW.