Marquette University has appointed a new director for the Core Curriculum Review Committee who will take charge of the university’s general course requirements for the next three years.

John Su, associate professor and director of the undergraduate studies program in English, will now have a say in the university core of common studies requirements.

“I’m super excited to have this opportunity to work with our amazing faculty from across the colleges,” Su said in an email. “We have nationally and internationally recognized teachers and researchers here, and I’m always learning from my colleagues.”

The previous director, Michael Monahan, associate professor of philosophy, served on the committee since 2009. Su said he hopes to build onto what Monahan left behind.

“I think he has (a) good vision, but I think it’s too early to tell if the core is going to change,” said Jilly Gokalgandhi, undergraduate representative and business senator for the Marquette Student Government. “Changes happen over time so it’s kind of out of the realm of jurisdiction of the director, but more so in the realm of what time allows and what resources allow and professors and student interest.”

Gokalgandhi, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, is the only student representative on the committee. She said her role is to “serve as the students’ voice” and she is excited for the energy Su will bring to the committee.

Her perspective is that students don’t always see the importance of the core curriculum. According to Gokalgandhi, it helps build a strong, well-rounded learning background.

“It teaches you how to think, not what to think,” she said. “It’s important to be critical and constantly assess if that’s what the core is doing for students.”

Su’s goal is to shed some light on its significance.

“Marquette’s core is built upon the ideals of Catholic, Jesuit and liberal arts traditions,” Su said. “Both of these traditions are about transformative education — meeting each student wherever he or she is as a unique individual, and helping each student to develop the skills and capacities to succeed.”

Gary Meyer, vice provost for undergraduate programs and teaching, said when it came to choosing the new director the committee looks for specific qualities. Familiarity with the core courses and the assessment process are two important traits, and Su’s experiences in the English department made him an ideal candidate.

As a whole, the committee identifies strengths and weaknesses and manages the core requirements. Su’s responsibilities will range from assessment to approval of new courses. According to Meyer and Gokalgandhi, last year’s initiative for the committee was assessing core courses.

Su will not officially take his position until June, and director is the only non-voting member of the committee.

“I can’t think of a better person to be honest with you — I’m really excited to work with John (Su),” Meyer said.

Su said his role as a faculty member will change when it comes to time spent in the classroom, but his role will also grow as he looks forward to helping undergraduates succeed in the future.

“My interactions with students here at Marquette over the years have been truly, truly wonderful,” he said.