Blake Benson

This document outlines the operating procedures for the Systemwide General Education Council (SWGEC), established by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR). Its core purpose is to oversee the unified general education framework for Kansas public higher education, ensuring standardization, accessibility, and efficiency to foster student success and seamless transfer. The SWGEC's mission focuses on implementing and maintaining this framework through established structures and processes. Key goals include annual reviews of institutional framework application, managing requests for deviations, developing procedural guidelines, and collaborating with the Transfer and Articulation Council on related transfer policies.

This implementation progress report details the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy's efforts to enhance literacy proficiency statewide. The plan, established by Senate Bill 438, aims for 100% of the elementary teacher workforce to achieve Science of Reading and Structured Literacy credentials by 2030, and for 90% of students to read at Level 2 or higher in English Language Arts assessments, with 50% reaching Level 3 or 4, by 2033. Key strategic priorities include strengthening undergraduate and clinical literacy experiences, expanding professional learning for all educators and paraprofessionals, revising education leadership programs, establishing a statewide coaching network, and seeking International Dyslexia Association accreditation for relevant programs.

Key discussions included the AY 2026 Program Review for Wichita State University (WSU), where staff recommended acceptance of the report and associated recommendations. The committee also addressed the AY 2025 Program Review Follow-Up for Kansas State University (KSU), considering KSU's updated recommendations for programs previously placed on action plans or slated for phasing out/merging. Specific updates were reviewed concerning the finalization of the merger of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies and American Ethnic Studies programs, the progress on the Geography/Geospatial Sciences and Geology merger, and the decision to discontinue the MS in Fashion Studies program due to limited market demand. Other matters included updates on a Reduced-Credit Baccalaureate Degree, a Systemwide Faculty Leadership Initiative on corequisite innovation, and general Academic Affairs updates.

The meeting covered reports from the Chair, President & CEO, Council of Faculty Senate Presidents, and Students' Advisory Committee, focusing on legislative updates, strategic plan progress, and national initiatives. Standing Committee reports were presented for Academic Affairs, Fiscal Affairs & Audit, and Governance. The Fiscal Affairs & Audit Consent Agenda included actions on a Program Statement for HVAC Renovations at KU, and Bond Resolutions for stadium renovation at WSU and the Agriculture Innovation Initiative at KSU, including a Master Lease Agreement execution at KSU. The Technical Education Authority consented to approving new academic programs (AAS in Electrician, Technical Certificate in Medical Assistant) at MATC and Washburn Tech, designating them as Kansas Promise Act eligible programs, and addressing Excel in CTE fees and course reclassifications. The Discussion Agenda included a Legislative Update, Commerce Economic Development Update, Pillar III University Reports, discussion on a Board Member Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement, approval for naming an academic unit at WSU, and a Work Session on Proposed Legislation.

The committee meeting included actions on new certificate and degree program proposals from community colleges and technical colleges. Specifically, the committee acted on a proposal for a Computer Support Specialist program from Manhattan Area Technical College, including proposals for a Technical Certificate A, Technical Certificate B, and an Associate of Applied Science degree. Additionally, action was taken on a proposal from Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology for an Electric Power Distribution program, consisting of a Technical Certificate B and an Associate of Applied Science degree. The committee also considered the eligibility of these new programs under the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act (Promise Act). Supporting documentation was provided regarding labor market demand, program rationale, cost estimates, and coordination efforts with other institutions.