The Dean of Undergraduate Studies Records document the development of a general education curriculum for undergraduates at Oregon State University in the early 1970s, the College and University Teaching Project to improve instruction, and other aspects of undergraduate education. The collection includes committee records, reports, publications, and related documentation and correspondence.
The records of the Ad Hoc Committee on General Education (1971-1974) include minutes, reports, correspondence and responses received by the committee as well as draft and final proposals regarding development of a general education program for undergraduate students at Oregon State. The Committee was appointed in 1971 with the charge to develop a policy statement about general education at Oregon State University, including a definition and rationale; complete a literature review on general education; and provide recommendations. A 1973 compilation of responses from schools and departments on campus to the proposed general education requirements is also included.
The bulk of this collection consists of materials documenting the College and University Teaching Project (1974-1980), a faculty development program to improve instruction at Oregon State. These materials include brochures, progress reports, and publications. The College and University Teaching (CAUT) Project began as a special workshop in the summer of 1974 sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Studies to provide instruction to Oregon State faculty on new and innovative methods to improve teaching. The progress reports include detailed descriptions by faculty participants of modifications they made to courses as a result of the project. The CAUT Project was led by Dean N. Osterman (CAUT Coordinator) and Benjamin P. Purvis (CAUT Project Director). The materials include several reports and publications about the program written by Osterman.
The Dean of Undergraduate Studies Records include a program summary of the University Exploratory Studies Program for the 1972-1973 academic year, prepared by Morris LeMay, and the June 1982 report of the Enrollment and Retention Committee. This committee was appointed by President MacVicar in 1980 to examine current policies and procedures regarding admission and retention of undergraduate students and make recommendations for modifications to current practices and procedures.
The Index to Advising Resources for 1976-1977 and 1977-1978 provides an index to sources for answering various advising questions that may be directed to advisors, faculty, or administrators.
Correspondence and reports pertaining to policies and procedures for credit by examination at Oregon State using the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject examinations are included in the collection.
