Amendment Proposal - ​Digital Skills Proficiency (DSP) 

 
Policy Authors:​ Grace Arsenault, Jamie Carlson, Sophia Cassam, Steffan Ortega 
Date Proposed:​ 5/18/2019 
Predicted Timeline: ​Effective​ ​AU 2020, applying to the Class of 2022 
 
Mission:  
DSP ensures that students leave the CEP major with an understanding of modern technology’s 
applicability in the world and in their own lives. The purpose of DSP is to enhance students’ 
understanding of the utilization and implications of digital material.  
 
After collaborating with CEP students and staff, and thoroughly exploring alternative 
methods, Headlights has determined that a credit requirement is the most equitable, 
complete and measurable way to incorporate digital skill development into the CEP 
experience. Headlights created this policy proposal with the diversity of our student body 
in mind--taking into consideration students’ diverse backgrounds, interests, and 
educational motives and capacities.  
 
Proposal Description:  
To fulfil the DSP requirement, CEP students must take a ​minimum of 3 credits​ that focus 
on digital technology and its practical and theoretical roles in our world. Students must 
select a class off the approved DSP course list or use the DSP course rubric to ​determine if 
an otherwise unlisted class can count towards the credit​. ​The selected course is at the 
discretion of the student and must be marked with ​DSP​ in the student’s ISP to be verified 
by the program manager. ​Courses that fulfill the DSP requirement may include GIS, digital 
design, data analysis, and digital media analysis, among other fields. Course activities 
should encourage​ critical thinking about the societal implications of digital technology. 
 
The three credits may simultaneously satisfy other requirements, including methods, 
electives, or general university credits. This change would potentially extend the number of 
credits needed to graduate from 73-81 to 73-84 credits. If students take a 300 level or 
above course that satisfies the DSP rubric, the credits required to graduate will remain 
unchanged. Only students entering CEP in Autumn of 2020 (or later) must meet the 
requirement.  
 
Ways to satisfy the DSP requirement: 
1. Take a 300 level and above course and have it count as a DSP and Methods credit 
2. Take a course below 300 level and have it count as a DSP and elective 
3. Use a course taken prior to CEP. This may include a course at any level that counts 
for University of Washington credit at a different institution.  
 
What ​doesn’t ​satisfy the DSP Requirement: 
1. An internship 
 2. A workshop or seminar 
3. Personal Projects 
4. Clubs or committees 
 
While all of the above activities are excellent opportunities to explore digital technology, 
and build digital skills, they lack a structured curriculum, making students’ depth of 
learning difficult to measure. DSP presents CEP students with the opportunity to 
strengthen their grasp of digital technology, regardless of the level they start at. By learning 
a new skill, or studying an unfamiliar field, students are enriching themselves and the 
communities they engage with.