Ferris Case Study
Major Revisions to General Education
Chronological record of curriculum reforms, competency framework adoption, and assessment policy changes.
Full timeline
- Institutional
Ferris Institute Founded
Woodbridge N. Ferris establishes the institute in Big Rapids.
- Institutional
University Status
Ferris State College becomes Ferris State University.
- GE Revision
Competency Framework
Shift toward measurable learning outcomes in general education.
- MTA
MTA Statewide Launch
Michigan Transfer Agreement replaces MACRAO; Ferris participates as receiving institution.
- GE Revision
Major GE Redesign
36-credit competency-based general education program adopted.
- Program Evolution
Cybersecurity Program Launch
New bachelor's program reflects career-oriented mission.
- Policy
Assessment Protocol
Annual gen ed assessment reporting standardized.
- Program Evolution
Data Analytics Added
Interdisciplinary program bridges gen ed QR and professional majors.
- MTA
MTA Course Mapping Update
Gen ed courses re-mapped to MTA categories.
- Policy
AI Writing Policy Pilot
First-year composition AI guidelines implemented.
Revision details
- policy
2024
AI in Writing-Intensive Gen Ed Courses
Pilot policies for generative AI use in first-year composition and communication courses.
- AI use guidelines for ENGL 150
- Information literacy module update
- Academic integrity syllabus language
- mta
2022
MTA Alignment Update
Course mapping updated to reflect Michigan Transfer Agreement notation and receiving-institution feedback.
- MTA course notation refresh
- Transfer pathway documentation
- Community college partner workshops
- assessment
2019
Assessment and Reporting Protocol
Standardized assessment reporting for all gen ed competencies with annual review cycle.
- Annual assessment calendar
- E-portfolio pilot
- Direct and indirect measures defined
- curriculum
2017
Comprehensive Gen Ed Revision
Multi-year task force redesigns general education with employer advisory input and career alignment.
- 36-credit gen ed framework
- Ethics and professionalism competency added
- Upper-level integration requirement
- Employer advisory board established
- assessment
2013
Competency Framework Introduction
Academic Affairs initiates shift from seat-time distribution to measurable competency outcomes.
- Competency rubrics adopted
- Assessment plan for communication and QR
- Faculty development workshops
- governance
1984
University Status and Expanded Liberal Arts
Transition to Ferris State University broadens bachelor's programs and formalizes distribution requirements.
- University governance model
- Expanded bachelor's degree portfolio
- Formalized gen ed distribution
- curriculum
1911
Ferris Institute Founding Curriculum
Woodbridge N. Ferris establishes vocational and industrial education with foundational literacy and citizenship coursework.
- Industrial arts core
- Basic communication requirements
- Character education emphasis