U of G has decided to retain minors and other secondary areas of study. The decision was finalized this week by the University’s Senate and based on a recommendation from the Board of Undergraduate Studies (BUGS) following a year-long review.
The review was carried out by a working group of faculty, staff and students. It gathered information on how to best meet the academic objectives of all secondary areas of study, including minors, areas of emphasis and certificates. Members met with deans’ councils, department curriculum committees, program counsellors, student government leaders and registrarial staff. The group also held town-hall meetings and consulted with alumni.
In a final report to BUGS, the working group recommended retaining minors and secondary areas of study as discrete categories of study. The decision was responsive to students’ preferences for specialization and breadth at the undergraduate level, the report said.
Among other things, the group also recommended the University adopt a standard definition of secondary areas of study; review minors, diplomas and certificates to ensure offerings are relevant to students’ needs and learning objectives; standardize the number of credits needed to complete a minor, diplomas and certificates; and review minors with low enrolment (fewer than 10 students).
The working group was organized last spring after members of Senate suggested additional consultation after BUGS approved in principle the elimination of minors in degree programs.