General Education Council
Summary of 2003-2004
September 8, 2004

Higher Learning Commission Self Study Report

The Council revised and approved a document, drafted by Catlett, presenting patterns of evidence for Criterion Four of the HLC Self Study.

General Education Course Syllabi

The Council collected syllabi for all general education courses taught during the Spring 2004 semester. Instructors highlighted those sections of the syllabus which evidenced how the course met the goals and guidelines of ESU’s General Education Program. Course syllabi will be available for the HLC accreditation visit.

Advanced Courses as Alternatives to General Education Requirements

The Council approved several English courses—EG 350: Folklore, EG 355: Mythology, and EG360: Women’s Literature—as upper level alternatives to fulfill the Literature & Ideas component of general education.

General Education Substitutions for Accommodating Students with Disabilities

The Council explored the possibility of identifying course substitutions for required general education courses to accommodate students with documented disabilities.

General Education Program Review

The Council examined Vice-President John Schwenn’s perspectives and ideas for revising the general education program. As part of this review, the Council discussed ways of implementing civic engagement, such as the American Democracy Project, on campus.

Brighton Computer Laboratory

The Council visited the mathematics lab and learned how computer assisted instruction is used to deliver general education mathematics courses.

University Council on General Education Constitution

The Council revised the Constitution and will send a draft copy to Dean Sobieski and Vice- President Schwenn for approval.

University Council on General Education Website

The Council approved implementation of a General Education Council website to be housed in the LA&S Dean’s office.

Exemptions, Waivers, or Substitutions

Between August 1, 2003 and August 1, 2004, the Director handled 123 general education matters with students. Each situation was evaluated in terms of whether or not a substitution, waiver, or exemption was in the best interest of the student and whether or not the decision maintained the integrity of the goals and requirements of the general education program. Sixty-five substitutions were approved, three exemptions were approved, twenty-five waivers were approved, six requests were denied, six requests are either still pending or no action was taken, and eighteen evaluations of second bachelor degree seeking students’ general education requirements were logged.

Respectfully submitted,

Gerrit Bleeker
Interim Director of General Education

 

Last Updated April 17, 2007