University Consortium for
Geographic Information Science
www.ucgis.org

The Straw Report: Model Curricula
by Suzy Jampoler

The UCGIS Task Force reported on its efforts to define and develop closely articulated Geographic Information Science and Technology (GI S&T) model curricula at the Summer Assembly in Asilomar, California. The Straw Report Model Undergraduate Curricula for Geographic Information Science and Technology (GI S&T) is intended to provide a baseline for the restructuring of existing undergraduate programs in the area of GI S&T in the United States as well as for the efficient establishment of new educational activities in this area. The current Model Curricula are being developed as an efficient, flexible, multi-path structure supporting four-year undergraduate programs in the United States. The flexibility of multiple paths, each corresponding to some specific educational outcome ranging from general education on the one hand to the specialized education of professionals on the other, will address the needs of a number of interdisciplinary groups and permit easy adaptation to varying institutional goals and resources. It is also anticipated that future development of the Model Curricula will make them appropriate for community colleges and non-US universities and colleges.

In this report, we have adopted a view emphasizing a number of curricular “paths” that may enjoy a number of common features but lead to significantly different outcomes for the undergraduate students. The interdisciplinary nature of GI S&T is reflected in the divergent academic outcomes that reflect the desires of students working in this area. The goal of the report is the dissemination and adaptation of curricula that will result in more highly and relevantly educated graduates, greater consistency in GI S&T degree-granting programs, and increased communication across academic disciplines with an interest in GI S&T.

The ultimate success of any such curricula development effort depends upon the active participation of a significant component of the GI S&T community including both academics and practitioners. UCGIS invites you to review the report and comment through the on-line survey.

For further information, contact Susan McDonald Jampoler, UCGIS Executive Director at execdir@ucgis.org .

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