Updates on new gen eds arriving in fall 2027

Updated general education courses are expected to arrive in fall 2027, coming after three years of preparation through task forces and special committees.

Led by Associate Vice Provost for Curricular Innovation Belkys Torres, the General Education Reform Task Force was formed in summer 2023 to review Pitt’s current curriculum model, which had not been updated since 2006. The goal of the task force, which is made up of Pitt faculty, students, staff, advisers and alumni, is to find the best education model that allows students to pursue new interests and have more flexibility in their course scheduling.

The newest addition to the reform is the upcoming formation of the ad hoc committee, which will work alongside the task force. 

Jared Stonesifer, a University spokesperson, said the ad hoc committee is being assembled to review and implement recommendations from the Gen Ed Task Force.

“We recommended creating a university-wide curriculum review committee with content specialists that are made up of faculty, staff, and students who serve on this team to coordinate and support assessment efforts across departments and campuses,” Stonesifer said. 

Stonesifer said the reform is driven by the goals and priorities of students’ success, equity and inclusion, transparency and measurable learning outcomes. 

“This project aspires to develop a curriculum and learning outcomes — as described in the Plan for Pitt — that are unified, measurable and flexible while encouraging student skill development in areas such as critical thinking, communication, leadership, data analysis, intercultural and global competency, and collaboration,” Stonesifer said. 

According to John Stoner, co-chair of the University Senate’s educational policies committee, the new gen eds will remain centered in a liberal arts based-curriculum, combined with a focus on digital literacy so students can translate those skills into their careers.

Brendan White, chair of Student Government Board’s academic affairs committee, is an active representative on the task force. White has been involved in the drafting process and has provided his perspective as a student and representative of the student body. 

“Students have been consulted throughout the process, and Associate Vice Provost Belkys Torres and her team have been intentional to engage students in this fundamental change,” White said. 

Sofia Doval, executive board member and liaison to the academic affairs committee, said SGB actively communicates to the entire student body all updates in the reform process and gives students the opportunity to provide feedback through various outreach events. 

“We have provided updates in reports at public meetings leading up to and following Drafting Days and Task Force meetings,” Doval said. 

Students currently enrolled at the university will not be affected by these changes, as it will only affect incoming and transfer students, according to White. Students enrolled prior to 2027, with the expectation that the reform will conclude at that time, will still follow the current model of curriculum.

The General Education reform will continue to work towards a more student-centered education system, as University officials continue developing the reform, according to Stonesifer.