R. 11 Resolution Regarding Curriculum Changes in Introductory Biology Courses

Whereas according to Article 1.6 of our charter, the University Assembly may “make recommendations to the University faculty or the respective college faculties in academic matters of concern to the UA;

Whereas according to Bylaw 1.6.a., Academic matters may include curriculum;

Whereas an article in the Cornell Daily Sun on November 2, 2009 entitled “Bio Major Removes Intro Course; Two Electives to Take Its Place” states that “The instructors of the introductory courses, however, did not play a major role during the deliberation process” and that “the members of the [Biology Curriculum Transition] committee were unavailable for comment”;

Whereas students and faculty in the biological sciences that were neither consulted nor informed by the Biology Curriculum Transition Committee have an interest in curriculum review and change;

Whereas the many students interested in taking introductory biology as an elective to explore the breadth of the biological sciences have an in interest in curriculum review and change;

Whereas the students interested in taking introductory biology as a prerequisite for taking upper level courses in majors outside biology or applying to medical school have an interest in curriculum review and change;

Whereas major changes in curriculum should be transparent to interested students, staff and faculty;

Whereas an article in the Cornell Daily Sun on November 16, 2009 entitled, “C.U. Not Alone in Changing Bio Curriculum” states that “Another key factor in the decision to adjust the curriculum comes from future changes in MCAT requirements for medical school admissions”;

Whereas Cornell University should be above teaching to the test;

Be it resolved that the Biology Curriculum Transition Committee will do everything in its power to make its deliberations transparent and to seek input from the Cornell community. We suggest that Biology Curriculum Transition Committee use as a model the format established by the UA to create a transparent and inclusive process when it undertook a revision of the Campus Code of Conduct by holding public forums and setting up a website that seeks and displays input from the campus community and makes the committee’s deliberations transparent.

Respectfully Submitted

Randy Wayne
Faculty Representative