II.A.12. The institution requires of all of its degree programs a component of general education based on a carefully considered philosophy for both associate and baccalaureate degrees that is clearly stated in its catalog. The institution, relying on faculty expertise, determines the appropriateness of each course for inclusion in the general education curriculum, based upon student learning outcomes and competencies appropriate to the degree level. The learning outcomes include a student’s preparation for and acceptance of responsible participation in civil society, skills for lifelong learning and application of learning, and a broad comprehension of the development of knowledge, practice, and interpretive approaches in the arts and humanities, the sciences, mathematics, and social sciences
Faculty participation and ongoing discussions within departments and the Curriculum Committee have resulted in the approval of GE requirements. The identified GEO competencies and requirements were thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Curriculum Committee before implementation in fall 2012. This information has been included in the College catalog since 2012 and is available on the College website. 1
The General Education program is the core of the undergraduate degree for all students, regardless of their degree programs. The General Education Outcomes describe competencies students should be able to demonstrate on completion of the General Education requirements for an AA or AS degree. The program is organized around five domains: Communication, Information Technology Literacy, Critical Thinking, Global Awareness & Cultural Competence, and Personal Development & Responsibility. The General Education requirements apply to students in the first two years of the B.Ed. program, with additional GE requirements embedded in third year courses. 2
The GER consists of 13 introductory collegiate courses as listed:
- Communication: ENG 150, ENG 151, SPH 153
- Information Technology Literacy: ICT 150
- Critical Thinking: MAT 151 AND PHSCI 150/150L
- Global Awareness & Cultural Competence: HIS 150, HIS 151, HIS 161, HIS 170, HIS 171
- Personal Development & Responsibility: PSY 150 & HEA 150
ASCC GE courses have been reviewed as part of the articulation negotiation with other colleges and universities and have been deemed comparable. Associate of Science (AS) program degrees and certificates have been reviewed by Community Advisory Councils to assure expected skills for employment.
The process for General Education emphasizes a thorough review of General Education Outcome Qualities and Competencies by the Assessment and Curriculum Committees. The Curriculum Committee is comprised of broad based representation of faculty from all academic programs and departments. The Academic Assessment Committee is comprised mainly of faculty.3
Students must be familiar with the General Education basic content and methodology in order to be successful in the second year courses. Students who have completed the GE sequence of courses have demonstrated success in subsequent coursework. Student achievement data is monitored through course matrices and syllabi for GE courses.
General Education program provides an appropriate foundation for continued study or employment. Additional analysis is needed to validate the impact of the new GE requirements as students are applying these skills through their chosen programs of study, employment and pursuit of advanced degrees either on or off-island.4
Through Program Review and Assessment Data reports, the institution documents how well students are achieving identified outcomes for each College course. Departments are required to report student achievement data for course retention, employment and other endeavors. ASCC students are applying these skills as they continue to attain the goals and outcomes of general education requirements for GE courses and their chosen programs of study.
The rationale for GE courses was communicated to all stakeholders via Power Point presentations, dialogue and discussion with both the Curriculum and Assessment Committees, all academic departments and at all levels of management. These GE presentations were made to faculty and staff.
General Education content and methodology was determined by the Assessment Committee and Curriculum Committee to be in alignment with institution’s Core Values and Mission Statement. The Curriculum Committee reviewed and approved the proposed outcomes needed for students to succeed in upper level courses and required GE courses. The General Education philosophy and domains are listed in the ASCC General Catalog 2012-2014 and 2014-2016.5