Mod System Case Study

The Issue: In the past couple of weeks, buzz has been generated about the possibility of changing the current Mod System. Some are open to changes being made while others are adamantly against it. The current system has gone unaltered for many years, due to the fact that nobody had felt a need for making changes. As a student, I believe that the system runs smoothly as is, and do not feel any desire for it to be changed.

There is no harm in an initial overlook of the system: evaluating the school, without judgment of the system, or intent of finding flaws to change. Self evaluation is important. However, steps being taken to actually initiate changes to system is a valid cause for tension and anxiety. Any possible changes to be made to the system must be made with the utmost consideration and should not be made rashly. Changing the long standing system would be a big deal to both students and staff.

The student body has been kept somewhat in the dark about the process of making changes to the system. The specifics of
Implementing this change would theoretically take away a key benefit of the current system: having the ability to take a multitude of varied courses that you personally choose.

Some classes at CSW that are mandatory or highly recommended run for multiple Mods (ranging from two to four Mods in length). These classes are usually considered “core classes” (mostly math and language related courses) and cannot be condensed further than they are. If you are taking these multi-Mod courses with this proposed Five Mod system, there becomes very little room for elective courses after requirements are met. The current Mod System was intended for optimal flexibility and variability, and this proposal does not allow for that.

Proposal Three: Six Mod system, with one additional “Intensive Mod”, during which students have an intensive study in one