The Council on Academic Affairs postponed the proposal to revise the cultural diversity requirement for general education at its Thursday meeting.

“We all indicated we believe increasing student exposure to diversity is important,” said Christine Roszkowski, chair of the Council on Academic Affairs. “However we are not certain it has been structured in the way it would best serve both the university and the students.”

Student Body President Cole Rogers proposed the idea to increase credit hours for the cultural diversity requirement.

“I want research and discussion to expand cultural diversity from three to six credit hours,” Rogers said.

CAA recommended a sub-committee with student representation to get data to support the passing of the proposal and to see what the effects of the change would be.

At next week’s meeting, CAA will compile a list of responsibilities for the committee. The responsibilities could include the possibility of having other courses, aside from general education courses, be able to fulfill the general education requirement, Roszkowski said.

Some members on CAA said if the requirement applies only to general education, the requirement would ignore the purpose of students’ majors.

The members concluded they want to see recommendations on how the goals will relate to diversity, and what is the best way for CAA to consider incorporating the proposal into the curriculum.

“We are not going to assume general education is the best way,” Roszkowski said. “We want to see other opportunities available.”

CAA member Julie Campbell said she wanted to know what effect the proposal would have on transfer students who come in with an associate degree and their requirements.

CAA member Jeff Stowell said his concern is students might take courses they have to take and do not want to take for the same expense.

Another issue was raised about senior seminars being included to fulfill the cultural diversity requirement – an issue that will be discussed with the sub-committee as well.

Brittni Garcia can be reached at 581-7942 or at bmgarcia@eiu.edu.