Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Policy



General Education Policy

Students pursuing a two year associate of science, associate of arts, associate of applied science, or certificate program will complete a minimum sequence of courses known as the General Education Curriculum (GEC). The GEC is guided by a common set of student learning outcomes.

The BridgeValley General Education Student Learning Outcomes are designed to provide a foundation for future study and to expand the educational experience. The goal of the GEC is to provide opportunities and support needed to develop the skills, behaviors and attitudes that will enable the student to be successful as they matriculate through their higher education to graduate with the credentials needed to be employed in their chosen field. The GEC affords all students a common learning experience, provides opportunities through classes, labs and field experiences to advance student learning. In addition to being addressed by the GEC, each BVCTC program and discipline integrates these general education student learning outcomes into the major courses. It should also be noted that involvement in co-curricular activities and work experiences can contribute to the development of these skills, attitudes and behaviors.

Upon graduation students will be able to:

  1. Communicate effectively by listening, speaking, and writing using appropriate technology.
  2. Use quantitative and scientific knowledge effectively to solve problems, manipulate and interpret data, and communicate findings.
  3. Demonstrate interpersonal skills and ethical behavior appropriate for living and working in a diverse society.
  4. Apply critical thinking skills to analyze problems and make informed decisions.

General Education Program Requirements

Each degree or certificate program specifies courses students must take to satisfy the requirements for general education as well as the courses specified within the major. The same course may appear in more than one GEC category, but shall count only once towards graduations requirements. The requirements of each category must be satisfied.

The GEC includes courses in four areas of study as shown in the following table:

GEC Area Associate
of
Arts
Associate
of
Science
Associate
of
Applied Science
Certificate
Programs
1. Communication 9 6 3 3
2. Quantitative and Scientific Inquiry 6-9 6-9 3-6 3
3. Ethical Behavior, Diversity 3 3 3 0
4. Critical Thinking 3-6 6-9 3-6 0
Total GEC credit hours 24 24 15 6

Each program must include English 101 (or ENGL 109, for selected technical programs). A 100 level math course is required for all programs unless otherwise specified by State or accreditation requirements.

In addition to the above GEC requirements, all associate degree graduates must complete and document 15 hours of approved citizenship/volunteerism/service learning activities. Associate degree graduates are also required to complete a portfolio demonstrating proficiency of the general education core curriculum, and technical assessments demonstrating proficiency within the field of study.

BVCTC continues to collaborate with other state institutions of higher education to facilitate a smooth transfer of general education courses, taken for associate programs, to be accepted as general education courses for baccalaureate programs. Students should inform their program advisor of their possible intent to continue with a bachelor degree program after completion of their associate degree program. This will assist the student and advisor to select the GEC options that provide the smoothest transfer from associate programs to bachelor degree.

BVCTC Documentation of General Education Student Learning Outcomes

BVCTC uses a portfolio process to document attainment of the general education learning outcomes. The primary goal of the portfolio process is to document an enhance student learning at BVCTC. Students will select artifacts that demonstrate they have met the expected student learning outcome for general education. The portfolio is where students will collect completed assignments and other products from co-curricular, work, or community experiences. Students will organize the evidence along with written reflection papers detailing how this evidence connects with the expected learning outcomes and future benefits.

BVCTC students are informed of the general student learning outcomes during their first semester at the college and are also introduced to the required portfolio process to document the outcomes at the same time. Students may seek the assistance of advisors for production and maintain a portfolio throughout their academic program. The submission of the portfolio is a requirement for each major capstone course. Prior to the student’s graduation, the completed portfolio will be submitted by the student to his/her capstone course instructor or advisor, who will forward the portfolio for review at the institutional level.

A panel of BVCTC faculty, staff, and administrators, along with external reviewers from the community will be convened to review the portfolios. Data collected during these reviews of student portfolios will be analyzed and the findings reported. Each student will receive feedback on his/her portfolio submitted, and each program will receive an aggregate report of their program. This analysis is intended to provide information to the college as to what areas of the GEC might need improvement. Then, as appropriate, the institution will formulate recommendations to improve the attainment of the general education learning outcomes at BVCTC.


General Education Curriculum Core Requirements


The GEC policy focuses on four educational areas as outlined below. Upon completion of the General Education Curriculum, students are expected to:

GEC-1


Communicate effectively by listening, speaking, and writing using appropriate technology.

Requirements:


Successful completion of ENGL 101  (or ENGL 109 , for selected technical programs).

GEC-2


Use quantitative and scientific knowledge effectively to solve problems, manipulate and interpret data, and communicate findings.

GEC-3


Demonstrate interpersonal skills and ethical behavior appropriate for living and working in a diverse society.

GEC-4


Apply critical thinking skills to analyze problems and make informed decisions.

Note:


Courses listed with ~ indicate acceptance for transfer to other state colleges and universities as part of the core course work agreement.