Program monitoring
In order to determine the extent to which the various courses are contributing as they should to the general education program, we obtain information from the instructors of record regarding:
- the ways in which the course address the goal and outcomes of the program
- how the goal and outcomes are reflected in course assignments
- the percentage of the course grade that is derived from assignments directly related to general education outcomes.
Instructors are asked to provide this information in course syllabi.
One of the outcomes of the program, (to gain a basic understanding of the natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, humanities and fine arts) is addressed in the structure of the program, which requires students to take Introductory and Further Studies courses in the various broad fields of inquiry.
In addition, the General Education Committee uses a General Education Course Proposal Form and the course syllabi to determine the appropriateness of a course for the program and the extent to which the course addresses the outcomes.
- Since such courses will vary in the extent to which they can involve library research, public speaking, mathematics and writing, the general education committee is responsible for developing and maintaining a matrix.
- The matrix documents which general education courses at the introductory and further studies levels have components that require students to apply their library research, mathematical, and written and oral communication skills.
- Students and advisors use this matrix when planning courses of study to ensure that students obtain practice in applying their newly-acquired skills while completing the rest of their general education program.