The Undergraduate Coordinating Council approved a proposal last week which drops the constitution test as a requirement for NIU students graduating after December 1989.

This legislation officially withdraws the requirement in the Illinois School Code which states students must demonstrate a working knowledge of both the state and federal constitutions.

James Norris, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, brought the test issue to the attention of the University Legal Council early this semester, citing that all students must pass a similar test before graduating from high school.

Pamela Jackson, Chairperson of the General Education Commission, said this was the reasoning behind the decision. “The Council agreed that it was a waste of time for students to repeat a test which is so similar to one they have already taken,” said Jackson.

NIU Legal Counsel George Shur said ULC researched the matter and issued a new interpretation of the state law, which said the School Code is applicable only to the public school system.

Jackson said no decision has been made regarding requirements to take the place of the test. “Right now, we just have to hope that students are interested enough in our government and its policies to take the initiative and select courses that will broaden their understanding in these areas,” said Jackson.

There are two main issues that need to be weighed when considering the addition of graduation requirements, Jackson said. “First we have to look at the current general education curriculum and assess whether we have provided an appropriate emphasis on government and politics. Secondly, we have to encourage other departments to look at the curriculum and propose ways we can improve it,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the general education committee encourages departments to make proposals regarding the core curriculum, adding that all sides of the issue will be carefully examined before a decision is made.