Undergraduate Core Curriculum Redesign Provost's Update

Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to share my approval of the proposed model for a redesigned Core Curriculum, marking a significant milestone in our shared commitment to the university's strategic plan and goal of redesigning Jesuit education.

This milestone reflects the thoughtful work of so many across our community who have dedicated time, creativity, and care through the discovery and design phases. Your collective vision has reimagined what it means to educate students for lives of purpose, courage, and leadership in the Jesuit Catholic tradition.

The redesigned core model is a renewed expression of who we are and who we aspire to be. It deepens our commitment to integrative learning, the Ignatian ideal of educating the whole person, and preparing students to navigate a complex world.

As we enter Phase III: Implementation, I invite nominations (of others or of yourselves) to serve on the following task force and/or in two leadership positions:

• The membership of the Core Curriculum Implementation Task Force will guide this important next phase. Faculty, librarians, and staff are encouraged to participate as we ensure a smooth and inspired launch of the new Core Curriculum.
• The appointment of an inaugural director of the Core Curriculum, who will provide vision, leadership, and coordination for the implementation and ongoing development of the redesigned Core Curriculum.
• The creation of an inaugural Initial Year Faculty Fellow position, focused on leading the development of the Golden Gateway Initial Year Core Course experience through faculty engagement, communication, and course development support.

More information about these opportunities and how to submit your interest can be found on the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Redesign page. 

We are also investing intentionally in our faculty, whose creativity and commitment will bring the new Core Curriculum to life. Starting in the spring, this investment includes faculty formation on teaching in the Ignatian tradition and course development workshops to support teaching in the initial year experience. More details and dates on these opportunities will be forthcoming.

As we move forward in this process with my formal approval, I will also be sharing several requirements around AI proficiencies and entrepreneurial skills with the task force to strengthen the model and implementation, ensuring that our next steps remain responsive to both the spirit of the design and the evolving needs of our students. These refinements will help us fully realize the potential of this transformative work. In closing, I want to express my gratitude to all who have contributed to this significant effort and to those who will carry this work forward. Together, we are shaping a Core Curriculum that reflects the heart of USF’s mission to educate minds and hearts to change the world.

Best regards,

Eileen Chia-Ching Fung
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs