From the From the Chronicle, Duke's daily student newspaper
Pratap Raya

February 5, 2001

Along with 15 other schools, Duke was recently recognized by the Association of American Colleges and Universities for excellence in undergraduate education.

Curriculum 2000, which was implemented last fall, may have been a key factor in securing Duke's latest award, which praised the University for "strengthening liberal arts education" and providing "stimulating learning environments" for its students. The curriculum requires students to take courses in traditional areas such arts and social sciences, and integrates areas of study such as Cross-Cultural Inquiry as well as Science, Technology and Society.

Ross Miller, director of programs for the AACU, praised the new curriculum and highlighted its integrative education.

"What made Duke stand out among the other applicants was its student-centered and learning-centered education," he said. "The general studies matrix of the core curriculum also provides students with a diverse undergraduate education."

The AACU selection process focuses not on faculty members' credentials, but on students' learning experiences — like what they take out of their classes, Miller said. He emphasized Duke's ability to provide a rigorous, yet supportive, environment.

Robert Thompson, dean of Trinity College, said that winning the award will allow other institutions to see the University's blueprint for developing its new curriculum.

"The goal is not just to make Duke better but also to contribute to improving higher education in general," Thompson said. "This is a national forum for the exchange of ideas and identification of best practices."

The AACU consists of 700 accredited public and private colleges and universities. This is the first year that the organization has held a national competition to recognize schools for innovative undergraduate programs. The United States Air Force Academy, the University of Michigan, Colgate University and the University of Southern California were among the 15 other schools receiving the award. Seventy-three schools were considered for the award.

The 16 "Leadership Institutions" form AACU's Consortium on Quality Education, which has already met once. It will meet again this spring to further its goal of "sharing information on the best practices of university campuses."

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