Part III: A Case Study at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

This article presents a history of curriculum revision. Internal and external factors prompting the initial curriculum review included the Pew Report, a vision in the college for reform, and faculty retreats focusing on curriculum. The reformed curriculum was designed around a “core plus elective” strategy and was implemented following development by faculty representatives and approval by college and university levels of review. The curriculum was reviewed after being revised and after new courses were first offered, with further review of a few courses with specific challenges. Outcomes assessment was performed and curricular adjustments made. Challenges that arose during the process included organizing and documenting content as well as communicating the content and philosophy of the new curriculum to the various affected constituencies. A summary of factors considered essential to the successful design, implementation, and review of the new curriculum is presented; the majority of these factors would be applicable to reforms at other institutions.