Greg Young, MSU's vice provost for undergraduate education MSU semester debuts with new curriculum, new college and new major by Carol Schmidt A new curriculum, a new college and major and a renamed department are among the innovations that awaited Montana State University students this fall. Several key MSU programs have been upgraded or reorganized to better serve the students, according to Greg Young, MSU's vice provost for undergraduate education. MSU's new curriculum, called Core 2.0, was rolled-out in the fall semester. Six years in planning and testing have been spent developing the set of fundamental courses that advance writing, diversity and critical thinking, Young said. Dubbed Core 2.0 by an MSU computer science student who won a contest to name the new set of basic courses that each MSU student must take before graduation, the new curriculum features four key components. Each student enrolling in the new curriculum will have a first-year seminar with no more than 16 students and one faculty member, a course in diversity, a course in contemporary issues in science, four inquiry-based courses in which the student learns how professors make discoveries and create knowledge, as well as a research and/or a creative experience. All new students in 2004 will enroll in Core 2.0, but continuing students will have the choice to enroll in Core 2.0 or continue in the former curriculum. Young said Core 2.0 incorporates a smaller number of required courses than the more traditional curriculum. "I believe (Core 2.0) is a positive change that will focus more on discussion, interactive learning and smaller classes," said Young, who added that hundreds of MSU faculty members were involved in developing the new curriculum. "Rather than passive absorption of facts and dates, it encourages a student to bring critical thinking to the learning process." Students entering MSU with an undeclared major will now be enrolled in the University Studies program, upgraded from the former General Studies program. Young said there can be an advantage for students to enroll in the University Studies program and take time to choose their major, as is the practice with about 700 MSU students who annually begin their careers with an undeclared major. Mary Noll heads the University Studies program. A new degree in Liberal Studies is also now being offered. Young says the recently approved major is perfect for students seeking a flexible cross-disciplinary degree. "Some of the most exciting advances are made at the intersections of disciplines," Young said. "We hope that this major will make MSU a better institution and offer our students more choice in planning their own academic direction while preparing them for a changing work force. It will not be an easy curriculum." The Liberal Studies major is one of five existing programs that compose the new University College, which is overseen by Young. The others include the University Honors program, the Undergraduate Scholars program, the University Studies department and the Directed Interdisciplinary Studies. Young said the reorganization of the programs makes them easier to present to students and also will encourage cross-disciplinary study. Young said the new college will more clearly organize MSU structure and highlight the special academic opportunities available to all students.