Discovering What NIU Graduates Should Know, Value, and Be Able to Do

Northern Illinois University’s “Great Journeys Strategic Plan ” identified general education reform as a major priority. The first phase of this reform requires a review and discussion of the university’s baccalaureate degree goals. That is to say, what knowledge, values, and skills should NIU graduates develop? What ideals should be promoted? During the Spring 2009 semester, the NIU Baccalaureate Review Task Force gathered information on these questions through two primary strategies—focus groups and an online survey. By the end of the semester, 929 people had responded to the online survey. In addition, 45 focus groups were held with different constituency groups of students, faculty, staff, administrators, commissions, centers, and employers. Information gathered through the focus groups and online survey showed remarkable similarity. People identified and emphasized the same goals despite different backgrounds. Three core themes emerged from the data analysis. Specifically, participants thought the baccalaureate curriculum should create graduates who have mastered critical thinking, communication skills, and an understanding of context (the “Three Cs”). These themes will be presented to the university community during the Fall 2009 semester