By Brian Baker, (Whetstone Staff)

Wesley College faculty passed a new core curriculum Feb. 27.

The proposed core curriculum would follow a progression model where students would have a set number of 100-level classes to take as a freshman, 200-level integrated classes as a sophomore, and 300-level themed classes as a junior.

The current core requires 45 credits. The newly proposed core would require only 36.

“Although some faculty felt that not everything was answered, the new core curriculum needed to move forward and it passed by a good margin,” said Dr. Patricia Dwyer, vice president of academic affairs.

A new curriculum committee will decide which classes fit the bill.

Wesley will begin implementing parts of the new curriculum as early as next semester with several first year seminars.

“In the fall, we will start transitioning to the new curriculum,” Dwyer said. “For example, if a student would like to take the new first year seminar, they have the option to do so.”

Beginning in fall 2014, Level 1 or 100-level classes deal with essential skills and competencies.  Level 2 involves breadth of knowledge, with classes covering arts, literature and religion. Level 3 deals with depth of understanding.

Dwyer hopes for a dramatic change by fall 2014, when the core will be fully implemented.

“We hope the new core will help distinguish Wesley as a really outstanding liberal arts college with a core curriculum that will assist students in getting skills and knowledge to succeed in careers,” she said.

The current core has been in effect for 20 years.

Dwyer expressed her gratitude to the faculty who worked on the new curriculum.

“There have been several attempts in the past to change the current core, but no one ever pulled it off,” she said. “Then this faculty made it happen over two and a half years. It’s incredible.”