KU Applied English Center to implement curriculum changes focused on student flexibility
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the Applied English Center at KU will modify their curriculum to better adapt to student needs and schedules.
The curricular redesign focuses on how English courses are currently delivered, moving from larger and combined classes to more skill focused courses. Previously, students were enrolled in block classes that grouped skills. For example, reading, writing, and grammar together or listening, speaking, and grammar together. Now, they will be separated into individual courses such as advanced academic writing, allowing for more specific instruction and further student success while maintaining similar learning outcomes.
AEC Director Pamela Pearson notes the curricular changes come in response to the ongoing scheduling challenges being faced by students. AEC student-athletes and those involved in music programs have found it harder to fit these longer classes into their already busy schedules.
New course structure emphasizes individual language skills
The new structure also fits within current university standard meeting times, making it easier for upper-level students who are taking classes outside the AEC to integrate them into their plans of study.
“We will continue to customize the program as best we can to individual student proficient proficiency profiles,” Pearson said, “with student success as the overall goal.”
To achieve this curricular redesign, the AEC worked closely with campus partners, including the Office of the University Registrar, International Support Services, and KU Athletics, to ensure that the changes meet university requirements and support student needs.
Changes preserve learning outcomes and align with KU goals
Despite these structural changes, the curriculum content itself will remain largely the same. Learning outcomes have not changed but rather are being redistributed across different courses, retaining their accreditation with the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.
The redesign also strongly aligns with KU’s Jayhawks Rising strategic plan, specifically with the institutional priority of Student Success and the campus goal of strengthening the Student Experience to Optimize Success through new opportunities for optimized enrollment, improved student progression, and modernized academic infrastructure.
The new curriculum has already been approved and added to the university’s course catalog, with full implementation set for the upcoming fall semester.