NCC: Project Phoenix files

After implementing a new curriculum structure called Core Curriculum in 1963, North Central College experienced a financial crisis due to decreased enrollment. As a result, in 1970 the College held a series of all-campus workshops to study and review curriculum, a process that became known as Project Phoenix. Calling for academic and campus reform, Project Phoenix studied the faculty evaluation by students, the academic calendar, a 3x3x3 term plan, and new academic courses and programs. In 1971, a new academic plan was adopted under the guidance of the dean of faculty, Dr. Richard Eastman.

Through Project Phoenix, committees were created to study specific aspects of College reform. These committees under the Master Committee were separated into two levels: Top Down and Bottoms Up. Top Down had four subcommittees which were composed of students and faculty: A. Teaching Methods and Approach (grading procedures, faculty evaluations, counseling, etc.) B. Curricular Structure (courses, hours, credits, academic calendar, study 3x3x3 plan, etc.) C. Co-Curricular Programs (off-campus programs, campus publications, community service program, etc.) D. Special Curricular Program (Freshman year, Black studies, interdisciplinary opportunities, etc.) The Bottoms Up level focused on a complete course revision and required departments to evaluate each course offered.