Faculty Senate to make recommendations regarding distribution system
The Faculty Senate will establish a working group to study Rice’s distribution credit system at its meeting this Wednesday. According to Student Association Senator Rushi Bhalani, the group will create recommendations for the Committee for Undergraduate Curriculum.
Bhalani, a Baker College sophomore, said the group, which includes professors, administrators and two student representatives, will discuss topics such as the approval process by which courses are allocated as Division I, II or III and consider implementing thematic course requirements serving a similar purpose as the First-Year Writing Intensive Seminar program.
Bhalani said the group is considering decreasing the distribution requirements from the current 36 hours to 30 hours.
“Obviously, with the institution of the 18-hour credit cap, the distribution system requirement might need a few changes,” Bhalani said.
SA President Griffin Thomas said the process of examining the distribution system typically occurs every 5-10 years. According to Thomas, the current recommendations could take years to be perfected before all the members of the Faculty Senate held the final vote for approving any changes.
“One of the last times Rice went through this, it took three years to complete before the recommendations were ultimately voted down by the faculty,” Thomas said.
Thomas and Bhalani said they encourage any student input to the working group.
More from The Rice Thresher
O’Rourke rallies students in Academic Quad
Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso, Texas spoke in front of the Sallyport to a sea of sunglasses and “end gun violence” signs April 17. The rally, organized by Rice Young Democrats, took place in the academic quad from noon to 2 p.m.
Uncertainty, fear and isolation loom over international students after visa revocations
With the wave of international student visa revocations across the country, including three students at Rice and two recent graduates, international students have expressed fears that their visas will soon be terminated without warning.
All bike no beer: bikers race remaining heats without spectators
Modified Beer Bike races, dubbed “Bike Bike,” were held at the track April 18 from 5-8 p.m. Results were released by email April 21.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.