Baker University will welcome in the academic year Oct. 21 at convocation when the General Education Task Force introduces ideas that could shape Baker’s future core curriculum.

The theme for this year’s discussion will be the creation and implementation of a new general education curriculum model. Convocation will begin at 11 a.m. in Rice Auditorium with representatives from GET 3 discussing ideas such as the approach of emphasizing experiences relating to creativity, critical thinking and diversity.

In addition to members of the committee discussing their progress, University President Pat Long and others also will discuss general education and the importance of its transformation to the university as a whole.

The Baker Speech Choir will perform and food will be served after the event.

Rob Flaherty, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said the topic should interest current students, especially freshmen.

“It’s going to have an impact not only on their education but the nature of their degree,” he said.

In an effort to link convocation and Founder’s Day programs to strategic initiatives at Baker, Carol Schneider, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, will be on campus to deliver an address at 11 a.m. Feb. 12. in Collins Center. Schneider is known as a leader in discussions on transforming general education in the 21st century.