Faculty face a constant challenge in maintaining a timely curriculum that keeps pace with modern technology, new innovations, and complex social, political, and economic issues. As well, there are many spheres of influence on curricula beyond the department level. Beyond the University, we also must meet the standards for accreditation set forth by the Society of American Foresters and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Typically, the Forestry Department conducts a major review of the curriculum every five years, in sequence with the ten-year interval of curriculum reaccreditation review by the Society of American Foresters. A close look at Forestry matriculation sheets from the past few years will show some minor changes from year to year.
Undergraduate students have a responsibility and role regarding their curriculum as well.
As stipulated in the OSU catalogue, the ultimate responsibility of knowing and following a curriculum falls on each and every individual student enrolled in the program. You are expected to know your curriculum and how it is structured. Further, you have a role in curriculum development. The faculty encourages your constructive evaluation of our courses and we regularly seek student input during major curriculum reviews. Your views can be very important in helping the faculty maintain a curriculum that is effective, broad, and diverse.