Background information on a new general studies curriculum at Southwest Texas State University is presented, along with faculty views about the new curriculum. The proposed three-level program covers essential skills, disciplinary perspectives, and integrative courses. Specific skills and content are outlined, along with the number of credit hours for each area. Students would also be required to complete 18 hours of writing intensive coursework in their degree program. While the interviewed faculty supported the concept of a solid academic foundation, there were serious misgivings about the design of the proposed new program. Of concern were a severe work overload and the realities of the state's enrollment-driven funding formula. Some faculty feared that funds accessible to the university would be allocated only to departments responsible for actively generating student credit hours. Increased or continued funding for faculty positions might be directed to departments that demonstrate high student demand for their courses. While the ideals of general education were appreciated, faculty found financial realities important, and many questioned whether, instead of focusing on the new curriculum, the current academic foundations program could have been revised. (SW)