Dear Faculty Colleagues,

In compliance with SB 37, we have established the Faculty Council to advise the administration on academic matters. I thank you for your cooperation and I, once again, thank Council members for giving their valuable time in advancing the University forward.

I write to you today to outline the process we are embarking on as we comply with the requirements of SB 37 as they pertain to the core curriculum.

To build the context for this process, we all know that the mission of the University of Houston is to teach and conduct impactful research. We, as committed and passionate faculty members, can agree that educating students is a serious responsibility, one that comes with our commitment to expose our students to different perspectives. Our responsibility is to give them the ability to form their own opinions, not to force a particular one on them. Our guiding principle is to teach them, not to indoctrinate them. It is within this context that I am:

• asking you to please review all of your course titles, course syllabi and course content to ensure that whether knowingly or unknowingly, you are not violating our academic commitment;
• asking department chairs and deans to help you align your courses with this promise by providing an objective assessment of your course titles and course syllabi;
• and in addition, to prepare for the upcoming required review of core curriculum, asking the Provost's Office and the Office of the General Counsel to conduct a preliminary review of all our core courses against the conditions set forth in SB 37[1] by adopting the process and timeline outlined below:

Phase One: Offices of the Provost and General Counsel will conduct a preliminary review of all core courses and place them in three categories: (A) core courses that meet the conditions; (B) core courses that do not meet the conditions; and (c) core courses that partially meet the conditions. Completion by end of December.

Phase Two: The results of Phase One will be shared with the Curriculum Committee of the Faculty Council to seek their advice and feedback. Completion by end of February.

Phase Three: The final analysis will be presented to the Board of Regents at an upcoming meeting.

Phase Four: When Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board issues additional guidelines or conditions, we will undertake the formal required review.

Thank you for your help and cooperation as we complete this undertaking to comply with the state law.

With warm regards,

Renu Khator

[1] To ensure the courses are: 1) foundational and fundamental to a sound postsecondary curriculum; 2) necessary to prepare students for a civic and professional life; 3) equip students for participation in the workforce and betterment of society; and 4) ensure a breadth of knowledge in compliance with applicable accreditation standards.