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Guide to the Stanford University, President's Office, Commission on Undergraduate Education, Records
SC1150
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Table of contents
Call Number: SC1150
Creator:
Stanford University. Office of the President
Title: Stanford University, President's Office, Commission on Undergraduate Education, records
Dates: 1980-1994
Bulk Dates: 1993-1994
Physical Description:
4 linear feet (4 boxes)
Summary: The Commission on Undergraduate Education at Stanford University was established to address fundamental issues pertaining
to the undergraduate curriculum and related programs and services at Stanford. The Commision's report was released in October
1994.
Language(s): The materials are in English.
Physical Location: Special Collections and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 36-48 hours in advance. For more
information on paging collections, see the department's website: http://library.stanford.edu/spc.
Repository:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6064
Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 725-1022
URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc
Restricted until 2021. Audio-visual materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use
copy.
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the
Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, California 94305-6064. Consent
is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission
from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner, heir(s) or assigns. See: http://library.stanford.edu/depts/spc/pubserv/permissions.html.
Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research
and educational purposes.
[identification of item], Stanford University, President's Office, Commission on Undergraduate Education, Records (SC1150).
Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
The Commission on Undergraduate Education (abbreviated internally as CUE) was established to address fundamental issues pertaining
to the undergraduate curriculum and related programs and services at Stanford. Over a nine month period in 1993 and 1994,
the commission sought input about the university’s degree requirements, major programs, advising system, residential education,
academic calendar and use of technology in teaching and learning.
The Commission was comprised of fourteen faculty members, two students, two alumni, and the Vice-Provost for Institutional
Planning, and was chaired by History Professor James Sheehan. Lowell Price, Senior Associate Provost for University Governance,
and Administrative Assistant Mary Jane Reese performed staff duties.
The Commission’s goal was to clarify the goals of a Stanford undergraduate education and to recommend ways to insure that
these programs were appropriate and effective in support of those goals. They were encouraged to pursue the broadest possible
range of issues touching undergraduate education, including the curriculum, teaching practices, advising and other extra-curricular
aspects of the college experience at Stanford. Within this comprehensive scope, however, the Commission was specifically charged
with the following responsibilities:
-to articulate the educational goals of Stanford’s educational program to consider whether the curriculum, including the range
of undergraduate degrees, majors, and distribution requirements adequately and effectively meets the needs of students
-to consider whether it is possible and desirable to give more students the opportunity to graduate in less than four years
-to consider the special educational requirements of students in the engineering and science disciplines
-to consider whether various modalities of teaching are used effectively, including individual tutorials, seminars and research
projects, and to consider ways of instruction made possible by computers, video equipment and other forms of new technology
-to review the purposes and quality of ancillary services such as the undergraduate advising system and the residential education
program
The Commission was asked to report its findings and make recommendations by October 1, 1994. In its final report, the commission
recommended developing a new science course for non-science majors, strengthening Stanford’s writing and language requirements,
redefining the Cultures, Ideas and Values courses, strengthening the advisor system, and enhancing the role of teaching in
faculty selection and compensation. The commission also suggested creating a post of vice provost for undergraduate education.
Their report represented the most extensive review of undergraduate education since the 1968 Study of Education at Stanford.
The preceding was adapted from the Commission’s Charge and Summary as published in its 1994 report, and a 10/12/1994 Stanford
New Service press release about the report’s findings.
Stanford University. Office of the President
Education, Higher--Aims and objectives--California
Stanford University--Administration.
Stanford University--Curricula.
Universities and colleges--Planning.