University Council will hear a presentation on NIU PLUS, a general education reform program hesitantly endorsed at an Oct. 29 Faculty Senate meeting.

NIU PLUS recommendations include a reduction of up to 11 credit hours of undergraduate requirements if students complete their general education at NIU, take major studies courses that satisfy general education requirements, take general education or major studies courses that satisfy writing requirements and take a career success course in the major degree program.

Faculty Senate approved a motion to endorse NIU PLUS, as well as a second motion expressing its concerns regarding implementation of the program, which is expected to be introduced into course catalogs in fall 2015. The second motion garnered 25 yeas, six nays and two abstentions.

A report of the program can be viewed at niu.edu/plus.

Other business

University Council will have two second readings of proposed changes to the university bylaws concerning academic councils and committees.

A proposed revision, where a vice provost for faculty affairs would be added as an ex officio, nonvoting member to the Committee on Multicultural Curriculum Transformation, will be read.

A proposed revision to the University Assessment Panel, where two faculty or staff members from academic support units, appointed by the vice provost will be added, will be read.