Managing curricula change in engineering at Texas A&M University

Growth and change have characterized American higher education for a long time [1]. Ideas for academic change have been proposed by nearly everyone, from students and faculty members to deans and university presidents, responded to by a wide array of decision-makers, and implemented within diverse administrative arrangements. Since change is omnipresent, it is important to recognize its impact on overall organizational performance. By understanding change and increasing their capacity to create their own futures, universities can continue to equip their students for the rapidly changing, highly competitive environments in which they will practice. The paper describes a change management model developed and used by the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University during the implementation phase of their new engineering curricula. As applications of the model the paper offers two case studies of significant curriculum change: first-year and sophomore curriculum restructuring. The change model synthesizes earlier change management models and our experience with the two major curriculum changes. Our case studies and curriculum change model may help other institutions undertaking significant curriculum change.

Managing curricula change in engineering at Texas A&M University Academic Article