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UCORE: University Common Requirements Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement

Prospective UCORE Course on Introducing Students to the Palouse

Daniel Rieck
Students reflect on and sketch their observations of the Palouse at Kamiak Butte.

An interdisciplinary WSU team has received a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant to develop a series of courses for students to dig deeply into Palouse history and culture. They hope the program will give students a greater understanding of the unique region while also helping them to grow strong roots — building understanding of what it means to be an active citizen and to be part of a community wherever they end up.

Every year students from across Washington and around the world come to study at Washington State University.

But during their time here, how much do they really get to know the beauty, history, and unique landscapes of their Palouse home?

An interdisciplinary WSU team has received a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant to develop a series of courses for students to dig deeply into Palouse history and culture. They hope the program will give students a greater understanding of the unique region while also helping them to grow strong roots — building understanding of what it means to be an active citizen and to be part of a community wherever they end up. The project is one of 224 education grants for curriculum innovation in the humanities awarded by NEH.

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WSU DAESA Announces 2020 Division Awards to Faculty, Staff, and Students

Daniel Rieck

The Washington State University Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA) honored outstanding faculty, staff, and students for their contributions throughout academic year 2019-20 to its programs that promote student, teaching, and learning success and excellence university wide.

The Washington State University Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement (DAESA) honored outstanding faculty, staff, and students for their contributions throughout academic year 2019-20 to its programs that promote student, teaching, and learning success and excellence university wide.

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Revised UCORE website replaces handbook

anne.peasley

As of Spring 2020, the UCORE website has become the primary resource for information concerning UCORE policy, procedure, and curriculum for faculty, advisors, and students. The website has fully taken the place of the PDF UCORE Handbook, which is now a historical document. If you currently use a link to or downloaded PDF version of the UCORE Handbook, please disregard it moving forward.

The Handbook’s table of contents has been transformed into a navigation tool that connects the information formerly documented in the PDF Handbook with its location on the UCORE website.

⇒View the UCORE Handbook-Website Crosswalk

Tell us your thoughts on the new website by filling out the UCORE Website Feedback Survey.

Applications Due March 23 for Richard G. Law Excellence Award for Undergraduate Teaching

Daniel Rieck
Kara M. Whitman takes a celebratory photo with Clif Stratton and Dick Law after receiving the Richard G. Law Excellence Award for Undergraduate Teaching.

Washington State University announces that applications and nominations for the Richard G. Law Excellence Award for Undergraduate Teaching will be accepted through Monday, March 23.

The new recipient will be recognized at the WSU Undergraduate Education awards ceremony in April.

Presented since 2013, the Law Award recognizes outstanding teaching by faculty on all campuses who teach courses in the University Common Requirements (UCORE) curriculum. Eight faculty members have so far received the Law Award, said Karen Weathermon, member of the Law Award selection committee.

“The Law Award recognizes exceptional educators for their efforts to provide top learning experiences for their students.”

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WSU Accepts Smith Teaching and Learning Grant Applications Through March 23

Daniel Rieck
An oil-on-canvas painting by WSU student artist Christina Sagrelius that depicts snowy hills reminiscent of the Palouse in winter.

WSU faculty with innovative ideas to enhance teaching and learning are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $5,000, announced Mary F. Wack, vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement.

PULLMAN, Wash.—Washington State University faculty with innovative ideas to enhance teaching and learning are encouraged to apply by March 23 for a Smith Teaching and Learning Grant of up to $5,000, announced Mary F. Wack, vice provost for academic engagement and student achievement.

There are three focus areas of this year’s awards: increasing course completion by reducing high C-DFW rates (grades of C-minus, D, F, or Withdraw) and/or closing equity gaps; incorporating undergraduate research in lower-division curriculum; and, improving student writing in M courses (Writing in the Major). Proposals should address one of the areas through innovative practices that improve student learning.

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Clif Stratton to Lead WSU UCORE General Education Program

Daniel Rieck
Clif Stratton, Clinical Associate Professor of History

MEDIA: Mary F. Wack, WSU Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, 509-335-8044, mwack@wsu.edu

Clif Stratton, Director of the WSU UCORE Program, 509-335-2230, clif.stratton@wsu.edu

Clif Stratton, Clinical Associate Professor of History.PULLMAN, Wash.—Washington State University history professor Clif Stratton has been named the new director of the University Common Requirements Program, known as UCORE, announced Mary F. Wack, vice provost for undergraduate education.

Stratton will continue to teach in history’s Roots of Contemporary Issues program, for which he served as assistant director for several years. Roots is a two-course, first-year-experience cornerstone of the UCORE curriculum. He will also teach history and Honors College courses on race and modern U.S. history.

“It’s a great honor to lead the University Common Requirements Program,” said Stratton. “It is central to the mission of the university. It touches virtually every student on every campus, from their first-year through capstone courses.

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