New CWU General Education Program Presented by: Angelia Riveira Associate Director of Running Start

What do the old and new gen education look like?

Major Changes 12 requirements for students to complete in the new general education The old general education had 16 requirements New general education includes three main components: Engage: First Year Experience Explore and Connect: Knowledge Areas & Pathways Connect, Create, & Empathize: Culminating Experience This replaces the basic and breadth skills in the old general education Writing and lab-science courses are no longer required Foreign language is now a graduation requirement instead of a general education requirement

I. Engage: First Year Experience Students will take three classes to satisfy this requirement. These need to be completed within their first 60 credits as a matriculated student. First Year Experience Seminar (184) Academic Writing I (ENG 101 satisfies this) Quantitative Reasoning (most math courses offered through CHS satisfy this)

II. Explore and Connect 8 Knowledge Areas 6 Pathways Students must take one course in each knowledge area Students must take at least 3 courses within the same pathway Students who take 5 or more courses in the same pathway will receive a special designation on their transcript

Knowledge Areas Academic Writing II Community, Culture, & Citizenship Creative Expression Global Dynamics Humanities Individual & Society Physical & Natural World Science & Technology

Pathways Civic & Community Engagement Health & Well-Being Perspectives on Current Issues Social Justice Sustainability Ways of Knowing

CHS & the Knowledge Areas & Pathways CHS offerings are available in each knowledge area and pathway It may be easier for students to satisfy more general education requirements through CHS with the new general education program than it was with the old general education. New courses have been created as part of the new general education. Talk with your liaison if you are interested in expanded offerings.

III. Connect, Create, & Empathize: Culminating Experience Students will take this in their junior or senior year at CWU. There will be multiple options for students to choose from. At this time, students are not required to take the culminating experience course in their major.

New General Education & Transferring Credits Students will still be able to transfer their credits to other institutions the same way they could with the old general education. It is safe for students to take courses within the new general education program as they are more likely to transfer into general education requirements or associate degree requirements at other institutions. Students should keep a copy of their syllabus in case questions come up at their new institution.

New General Education & Associate Degrees CWU and other public baccalaureate institutions do not offer associate degrees in Washington State. Students who want to earn an associate degree can transfer their CHS credits to a community college. Following CWU’s general education program is a safe plan for these students, but it is still a good idea for them to review requirements for the community college they plan to attend.

New General Education & Associate Degrees AA DTA Requirements (general)* CWU General Education Requirements ENG 101 (5 credits) 2nd composition course (5 credits) Academic Writing II Quantitative course (5 credits) Quantitative Reasoning Humanities (15 credits) Creative Expression & Humanities Social Science (15 credits) Community, Culture, & Citizenship; Global Dynamics; Individual & Society Natural Science (15 credits) Physical & Natural World; Science & Technology Transferable Electives (15) General Electives (15) Total Credits: 90 Total Credits: 46-66 *These are the “general” requirements for AA-DTAs offered at community colleges. Some colleges may have specific requirements unique to their institution. Students are safest looking at those requirements and, in general, taking 5 credit courses.

Other Transfer Reminders Students must send official transcripts to their new institution. Credits will generally only transfer if students earn a 2.0 or higher. If they are participating in dual credit programs through multiple institutions, they need to request transcripts from all of those institutions. Our office can help students with transfer questions. Use a dual credit tracking sheet to keep track of credits from different institutions (example)

Advising Resources for CHS Students Students have the option to request advising assistance on the High School Partnerships website: http://www.cwu.edu/college-hs/request-advising Advisors will contact the student to work with them on their questions Students can use the UConn Early College Experience Transfer Database to view the likelihood of colleges accepting dual credit: http://web2.uconn.edu/ece/credit_transfer_database/index.php

The number one reason credits don’t transfer is because students don’t send their official transcripts to their new institution!!!

Questions?