It seems that Cornell Arts and Science College is considering changing distribution requirements. Does anyone know whether or when the rules are likely to change or what the new rules would be? We’ve read the current rules, but it is hard to tell what will be in place in the fall. Thanks.
http://as.cornell.edu/arts-sciences-curriculum-committee-final-report
It looks like they’re still gathering feedback and proposals and could vote on making any changes on May 1st. From what I’ve heard, it’s still a fairly contentious subject so I’m not sure whether or not any proposed changes would ultimately pass.
My understanding of current proposals is that many want to simplify the current distribution requirements, add in a requirement about community engagement/diversity, and change the foreign language requirement (this last part is facing the most contention, with many professors speaking out against it).
My guess, based on nothing but speculation, is that if anything does change, it will only change slightly. Change is typically slow to happen in extremely bureaucratic organizations (which Cornell is), so I doubt that too much will ultimately be affected. As it is, distribution requirements have a fairly limited effect on overall coursework; I was able to fulfill almost all of the requirements simply by accident (courses I was already planning to take fulfilled the requirements) within my first two years. People like to stress over the different distribution categories, but really it’s not too difficult to fulfill.
@Ranza123 – Thanks! We are looking forward to visiting later this week!