To:  Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee                   

From:  New Student Orientation Committee

Date:  Amendment to General Education.

The Curriculum and Educational Policy Committee of the University Senate recommend that the General Education Requirements be amended to add a requirement #9, effective Fall 2004.

9. FRESHMAN EXPERIENCE COURSE: 

1-3    credits required of all entering freshmen and transfer students with less than 60 credits.  This course would include utilization of campus resources, goal setting, values exploration, relationship of academic planning and life goals, discipline specific career exploration and critical thinking.  Students who change majors will not be required to take a second freshman experience course. 

RATIONALE:

Research shows that students who make an early bond to the university of their choice have greater success throughout their college careers.  Participation in a Freshman Experience course contributes significantly towards that vital connection by introducing them to the rigors and rewards of higher education.  A typical introductory course will contain Core Content material, Course Related Activities and Discipline Specific Topics. 

This addition to General Education will enhance Objectives 1 (effective communication skills in English), 2 (effective problem solving skills) and 3 (effective computer utilization skills) and the development of understanding of relationships between various academic areas.

The General Education philosophy, objectives, and requirements are attached.  We have also attached a freshman course template which identifies content typical to freshman experience courses.

Approved:  March 26, 2003

Casimir Barzcyk           

Maria Longas

Susan Scachitti

Linda Mura

Janice Tazbir

Christine Shinn