Forum Post
Many of us (I think) have just learned of the proposed change in bachelor’s degree credit number at WSU from 120 to 90. This is a shocking development that was not vetted through rigorous discussion and debate among the University faculty. Aside from this major failure, the general plan will undoubtedly destroy the academic integrity and standing of this R1 institution. I cannot even begin to imagine how this will reduce the quality of students and their ability to compete for entrance to graduate or professional schools or in the global job market. Perhaps more to the point, once invoked, how will a B.S. degree from WSU compare to one from UW? Not well, in my opinion.
Has anyone asked the students what they think of this plan? Or is the plan simply to bring in more students and boost tuition at whatever the cost to the academic integrity of this proud institution?
I encourage the administration and the faculty senate to put the brakes on this ill-conceived idea before it is thoroughly discussed or, in a worst-case scenario, come to regret this decision at great cost to our reputation.
Response
The proposal to change the Academic Regulations (50, 53, 114) to allow for the development of proposals for reduced credit bachelor’s degrees was met with strong debate in the recent (1-29-26) faculty senate meeting. The faculty forum posts above highlight some of the concerns with proceeding down a path that would make a reduced credit degree, one requiring only 90 credits, possible.
Given the strong reaction to these proposed changes, the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, in partnership with the Vice Provost for Academic Engagement & Student Success, has prepared a FAQ document that explains in detail what this proposed 90 credit bachelor’s degree is and what it isn’t, and how it compares to the current bachelor’s degree. The FAQ has now been sent to faculty by email, along with a link to a Qualtrics questionnaire seeking broader feedback from faculty and departments across the university. The Faculty Senate Executive Committee will compile this feedback and communicate the results at a future Faculty Senate meeting. This will better inform our discussion in the Faculty Senate and any future vote on changes to our Academic Regulations.
Comments