The CAC initiative addresses the first four of the five priorities in SIUC’s "Priorities Statement." CAC aims to improve teaching and learning and to strengthen undergraduate education, especially with its focus on the agencies of student learning (writing, speaking, and critical thinking). One primary responsibility of the modern university should be to prepare a literate citizenry, people well prepared with the abilities to manage, manipulate, disseminate, and evaluate information. CAC will help us meet that responsibility. The quality of instruction will improve because students learn more and more efficiently when writing- and speaking-to-learn are common practices. Improved teaching and learning translates directly into better retention and more widespread academic success.

Finally, because CAC involves faculty across the disciplines in collaborative discussion of pedagogy, it directly contributes to faculty development, improves morale, and fosters the collegial spirit.  The CAC initiative also addresses major points raised by the Citizens’ Agenda, “The Illinois Commitment: Partnerships, Opportunities, and Excellence” (see http://www.ibhe.state.il.us/), which states the following: “In a world economy based on information resources and electronic communication, natural resources and a central location no longer ensure a competitive advantage.

If Illinois is to compete effectively in the 21st century, its economy must embrace technology; its natural resources must include knowledge; it must position itself on major information pipelines; and its workforce must be smart, adaptable and competent. Higher education will be the key (p. 1).

CAC prepares students with the communication skills necessary for applying their learning in real-world situations, for managing and manipulating information to acheive goals, and for putting their knowledge to work in a world increasingly dominated by electronic communication.

The Illinois Commitment also places a premium on the professional development of faculty: “As quality is enhanced and expectations raised, colleges and universities will be more responsive to students and their needs. Teaching and learning will be the focus of redesigned administrative and academic services” (p. 8). The CAC initiative promises to help SIUC meet this commitment by providing ongoing support for the faculty and graduate teaching assistants responsible for ensuring that students learn and can communicate their learning to others.