Precept Under Review

by Martine Lamotte
Contributing Writer

The role of Freshman Preceptorial classes within the Liberal Arts educational system was reviewed last weekend at a three-day workshop held at Union’s Hale House.

A total of nineteen deans and academic officers from ten peer institutions attended this workshop, including, Colgate University, Hamilton College, Wheaton College, Skidmore College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Hampshire College, Middlebury Collge, Mount Holyoke College and Lafayette University.

The idea for this seminar was suggested several weeks ago due to an increase in faculty complains that the material covered in the core curriculum did not coincide with their area of expertise.

In other words, it is difficult for a professor of environmental science or engineering to read and intellectually discuss issues relevant in a humanities class.

As a result, it is not unusual for a faculty member to deviate from the reading schedule so that no more than half of the original syllabus is followed.

On the other hand, it is not surprising that the Union College Scholars Program, which follows a preceptorial curriculum for two consecutive terms, had fewer faculty complaints due to the fact that they are given the opportunity to teach within their field of expertise.

In this program, professors are not only given the option but are also encouraged to create the themes they will be teaching. In this case both the faculty and students have a more positive and enthusiastic view of the FP10 experience.

One of the most debated topics at the conference was the content of the common curriculum, last redesigned in 1994. The underlining goal of creating a rich freshman experience evolved differently at several of the liberal arts institutions that attended the seminar.

For example, some schools tie the Preceptorial seminars into their advising programs, allowing the students more contact with their advisors and freshman groups.

At other schools, seminar students are grouped to share the same residence halls. Additionally, outside activities are planned to complete the experience.

David Hayes, Chairman of Union’s Freshman Preceptorial Review Group, defines an ideal first-year seminar class as the "gateway to liberal arts education," where the material is meant to be diverse and inspire curiosity.

The course is not designed with the same discipline as other specialized Union classes; it is designed to inspire discussion and expose students to issues unrelated to their majors.

The most obvious solution to this Preceptorial transformation would be to rearrange the professors so that everyone can teach within their area of expertise. This way, the faculty will feel more comfortble with their new students, and professors will be less hesitant to join the program.

This may not be the correct solution if the goal of Freshman Preceptorial is to develop perspective and motivate learning.

If an appropriate balance between the writing, critical thinking and discussion has been reached, the flexibility of what theme a certain professor chooses to teach during one of the five units does not impact the final outcome. The students will still benefit from the class.