Recent department decisions to remove eight credits between University of Idaho students and a diploma were not required. While many departments decided to switch, others are still discussing lowering requirements or have decided it was not realistic.
More than 25 programs housed within four colleges decided to make the change. Degree programs within the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Science, and the College of Natural Resources, and one within the College of Art and Architecture have lowered graduation requirements.
Mark Nielsen, associate dean, said none of the College of Science degree programs exceeded 120 credits, so making the change did not affect students much.
“We just viewed it as if the university decided 120 credits are needed for a bachelor’s than there is no reason to insist otherwise,” Nielsen said. “We don’t have a long list of requirements that add up to 120. I think it’s true for most majors across campus. Even so, most major requirements plus core requirements come in under 120.”
Nielsen said the reason students end up with more than 120 credits is because they change their majors or add minors.
Steve Hollenhorst, associate dean for CNR, said the change was made because it seems to be the standard for universities across the country, including natural resource programs.
Hollenhorst said some programs reduced core requirements while others reduced either free or restrictive electives. He said the benefit will be entirely with the students.
“I think it’s going to be really good for students,” Hollenhorst said. “It will help them graduate on time, keep cost down for the family and reduce pressure and stress every semester because there will be an average of one less credit to take.”
Eleven departments within CLASS, the largest college at UI, lowered requirements, but others maintained current curriculum.
“Some in CLASS are able to do that because they had a significant number of electives so they could make that change,” said Katherine Aiken, dean of CLASS. “It depends on the curriculum if they have that kind of flexibility. Those that had room in their curriculum without jeopardizing the integrity of the program did so.”
Aiken said it may allow students to complete their program in a timelier manner, but the most important thing is that the change was only made as long as it did not impact the quality or integrity of the program.
“From an advising sense students have to be careful to pay attention to what their degree requirements are,” Andrew Brewick, director of advising services said. “A lot of departments made the change, but that is not for every student. So I think students will need to use their degree audits and talk to their advisers to know what they need for their specific program.”
Brewick said this is especially true for double majors who might have different requirements for each major.
The changes will take effect during the summer session when the new catalogue begins, said Jeanne Christiansen, vice provost of academic affairs.
Although some programs have yet to make the change, Christiansen said she suspects those who have been evaluating their credits will make the change.
Brewick said the change will make it easier for students to graduate on time, but also said the decrease does not mean the challenges are any less.
“This doesn’t mean a student can’t take 130, or 140 credits toward a degree program,” Brewick said. “Students shouldn’t necessarily aim for the minimum, but take all the courses needed to help them be a good professional and a good citizen.”
Katy Sword can be reached at [email protected]