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The IDEAs in Action General Education curriculum applies to all first-year students and transfer students who matriculate as degree-seeking undergraduate students in fall 2022 or later. The curriculum was approved by Faculty Council in spring 2019 and launched in fall 2022. This page is primarily aimed at faculty and staff. If you are a student seeking more information about this curriculum, please refer to the IDEAs in Action website and Catalog.

First-Year Foundations

Student Learning Outcomes

*Students register for one First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch. Not both.

Focus Capacities

Student Learning Outcomes

Reflection & Integration

Student Learning Outcomes

Pre-Registration Process

The Office manages the pre-registration process for first-year students in the fall semester. Learn more.

Training Sessions

IDEAs in Action Training sessions were held during the 2021-22 academic year. Session descriptions and links to the recordings are available below. For additional information, visit the IDEAs in Action website and FAQs page.

The IDEAs in Action General Session is designed for faculty, directors of undergraduate studies, student services managers and campus student services professionals who want to gain a broader overview of the IDEAs in Action curriculum. The various components of the curriculum along with FAQs from the website will be discussed.

Video links using Panopto

Faculty Ambassadors

  • James Thompson, Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Curricula
  • Kelly Hogan, Teaching Professor and Associate Dean of Instructional Innovation

The First-Year Foundations pillar will help students navigate their transition to Carolina and build a strong foundation for their future success. This session provides a detailed discussion on each of the requirements, including First-Year Seminar/First-Year Launch, Writing at the Research University, Ideas, Information, and Inquiry (“Triple-I”), College Thriving, and Global Language. This in-depth and interactive session includes perspectives from faculty and content experts along with the resources needed to guide and support undergraduate exploration.

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Faculty Ambassadors

  • Li-Ling Hsiao, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for First Year Curricula
  • Cary Levine, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for the Triple-I Program

Faculty ambassadors discuss their respective focus capacities and highlight the breath of departments incorporated in each focus capacity. The session also discusses the different ways that writing, presenting, and collaboration are included in each focus capacity course. This in-depth and interactive session includes perspectives from faculty and content experts along with the resources needed to guide and support undergraduate exploration.

Video links using Panopto

Faculty Ambassadors

  • James Thompson, Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Curricula (both sessions)
  • Amy Chambless, Teaching Professor, Department of Romance Studies (11/11/2021 session) 
  • Sabine Gruffat, Professsor, Department of Art and Art History (11/11/2021 session)
  • Geetha Vaidyanathan, Teaching Professor, Department of Economics (11/12/2021 session) 
  • Jennifer Weinberg-Wolf, Teaching Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy (11/12/2021 session) 

The Reflection & Integration pillar helps students put their capacities into practice through concrete experiences. These opportunities help students reflect upon, deepen, and connect knowledge and capacities. Each faculty ambassador discusses their respective area, including Research & Discovery, High-Impact Experience, Communication Beyond Carolina, and the Campus Life Experience.

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Faculty Ambassadors

  • Troy Blackburn, Professor and Associate Dean for the Office for Undergraduate Research
  • Amy Cooke, Teaching Associate Professor, Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program
  • Bobby Kunstman, Director of Student Life and Leadership
  • Jennifer Larson, Teaching Professor, Department of English and Comparative Literature
  • Nina Martin, Associate Professor, Department of Geography

This session focused on the effective use of the Tar Heel Tracker & Summary Report, the General Education Progress Bar, the Catalog and Archived Catalogs, and the IDEAs in Action website.

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Panelists

  • Roger Kaplan, Assistant Registrar
  • Kristin Richards, Assistant Director for Thrive Hubs
  • Julie Dockens, IT Manager for Student Administration, ITS

Session Topics

  • IDEAs in Action and 3 Key Pillars (review)
  • The Appreciative Advising approach
  • Appreciative Advising strategies while engaging students in the IDEAs in Action curriculum

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Panelists

  • Laura Kuizin, Assistant Dean, Academic Advising Program
  • Eric Smith, Academic Advisor, Academic Advising Program

Session Topics

  • Integration of Career Exploration and Education with the IDEAs in Action curriculum
  • Career resources with emphasis on 1.) the Focus 2 assessment, 2.) What Can I Do with This Major?, and 3.) the Handshake portal.
  • Demonstration of Heel Life and discussion about the Campus Life Experience requirement

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Panelists

  • Stephenie McIntyre, Director of Career Education, University Career Services
  • Bobby Kunstman, Director of Student Life & Leadership

Session Topics

  • IDEAs in Action and 3 Key Pillars (review)
  • Topics covered in College Thriving
  • Structure and organization of College Thriving
  • Demonstration of Canvas, a new learning management system (LMS)
  • Student and instructor feedback from the pilot classes

Video link using Panopto

Panelists

  • Erica Wise, Professor of the Practice, Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Kelly Hogan, Teaching Professor, Biology and Associate Dean of Instructional Innovation
  • Andrea Hussong, Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Abigail Panter, Professor, Psychology and Neuroscience and Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
  • Viji Sathy, Professor of the Practice, Psychology and Neuroscience and Director, Townsend Program for Education Research

Reports and Resources

Questions? Please contact the Curriculum Director.