General Education Council
Summary of 1997-1998
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking assessment by the Council continued through
efforts of Council members working in conjunction with
the Director of Assessment and the Division of Biological
Sciences. Biology classes were tested at the start and
completion of the fall term to establish a base line
for the majority of incoming freshman. With the cooperation
of the Teachers College and in conjunction with the Project
30 grant, we were allowed to test the fall and spring
education students returning to campus after student
teaching. That data is in need of analysis, although
Biology has looked at the role of their program and how
it influences pre and post testing. This study is both
longitudinal and a “Polaroid” assessment
of critical thinking, and will require more time to collect
substantial data. A cursory analysis shows our students
to be average to their peers across the nation.
2nd Bachelor’s Degree
General Education requirements for those wishing a 2nd
bachelor’s degree were considered by the Council
for those holding ESU and non-ESU degrees. In both cases
the requirements for the 2nd degree were made much more
student friendly. ESU students will have no further General
Education requirements and non-ESU students will have
their transcripts evaluated. Then the Director of General
Education will specify additional requirements if needed
for the student to meet the overall content, level and
nature of the current program. Unique requirements for
the 2nd degree will still need to be completed, such
as World Regional Geography for anyone in teaching.
Faculty Forums
With the cooperation of Bill Samuelson, and the Teaching
Enhancement Center (TEC) working with the Council arrangements
scheduled two spring forums on improving student learning.
These forums developed from the survey findings from
the TEC on student attitudes and study habits. An electronic
forum and the TEC newsletters were used prior to both
forums to instill faculty interest. Students were represented
at the forums with favorable responses from both faculty
and students attending.
Multicultural Intensive Courses
The Council did not receive an evaluation of the multicultural
intensive sections of Cultural Literacy courses in General
Education as anticipated. We did however, clarify the
requirement through several avenues; including the Bulletin,
the SAC office, general e-mail to all faculty, as well
as a clarification in several locations of the Schedule
book. The Director worked with degree analysis to emphasize
the requirement of degree contracts and PACE evaluations,
and to introduce editorial changes in the upcoming new
edition of the Undergraduate Catalog.
Student Focus Group Lunches
Student focus group lunches were held again this past year.
Topics ranged from Multi-Cultural classes and writing
intensive courses to issues related to our faculty forums
on how students felt about these topics. Surprisingly,
students felt that more graded homework and quizzes would
improve student learning experiences and study habits.
Computer Literacy Survey
The computer literacy survey for the summer of ’98
was evaluated by the Council and scheduled for distribution
in the summer’s New Student Program. That summary
is attached.
Intensive English Recommendation
An Intensive English Program policy regarding testing international
students was considered by the Council. It was accepted
with the stipulation that ACT test scores be the same
as EG 100 and EG 078.
Computer Literacy Requirements
Computer literacy recommendations are still in the office
of the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences. It is a goal
of Dean Black to have the College determine the computer
expectations for LA&S majors and decide a strategy
to ensure that students meet these expectations.
Non-Council Activities
Campus Governance
The Committee on Campus Governance reviewed the General
Education Council and met with the Director. They did not
recommend any changes in governance.
Flint Hills Technical College
Former President Schallenkamp signed an agreement with Flint Hills
Technical College to provide the general education courses
for the Associate of Applied Science degree. Their AAS
programs require some 19 hours of general education in
contrast to other AAS programs. This is the third semester
that this cooperative program used the ESU SAC office,
Admissions office, and the Registration office to provide
on-site enrollment and advising for FHTC students.
Exceptions, Waivers or Substitutions
The Director met with 74 individuals during the academic
year on general education matters. Each situation was
evaluated to determine if substitutions, a waiver or
no action on the request was needed. Two additional students
were seen for evaluation of their programs for a second
bachelor’s degree.
Respectfully submitted,
Rodney J. Sobieski, Director
Last Updated April 17, 2007