Full Classrooms, More Majors: A Curricular Playbook for Language Programs (Sep. 10)

NOTE: THIS WEBINAR WILL NOT BE RECORDED. Presenters: Brian Olovson, Federica Santini, Kennesaw State University What happens when a language department stops defending its curriculum and begins rebuilding it around student interests? At Kennesaw State University, a department-wide self-study of the Department of World Languages and Cultures identified six areas of concern, including rigid course sequences, course offerings with limited student appeal, demand for culture courses taught in English, an outdated senior seminar, misaligned program learning outcomes, and growing student demand for micro-credentials. Each finding was met with a targeted curricular response. The results have been substantial. Overall enrollment increased by 47% from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 and by an additional 45% from Spring 2025 to Spring 2026, while enrollment in the major grew by 29.1% within a single academic year. This webinar traces each finding and its corresponding solution in practical detail, from menu-style course pathways and reconceived course titles to a career-focused capstone, a professional e-portfolio assessment model, and adoption of the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Throughout, the emphasis remains on practical transfer to other institutional contexts. Participants will leave with downloadable resources, adaptable strategies, and sample assessment instruments suited to programs of varying size, language composition, and institutional profile. NOTE: THIS WEBINAR WILL NOT BE RECORDED.

Descriptions on this page are excerpted from ACTFL's own published materials.