Policy 2010: General Education/Liberal Studies/Goal Areas

University Policy #2010

Section 1. Policy

Consistent with MnSCU policy and policy throughout higher education, Metropolitan State University has developed general education and liberal studies requirements to facilitate depth and breadth of student learning.

Section 2. Authority

This procedure is issued pursuant to the authority granted under the Rules and Regulations of the Minnesota State College and University System.

Section 3. Effective Date

This procedure shall become effective and remain in effect until modified or expressly revoked.

Section 4. Responsibility

The responsibility for implementing this procedure is assigned to the deans/directors and provost and vice president, academic affairs.

Section 5. General Education/Liberal Studies (GELS) and Goal Area Requirements

Enrolled students must complete at least 48 credits that meet either the general education or liberal studies requirements included in the Catalog at the time of their admission, or the general education and liberal studies requirements adopted at any time subsequent to the publication of the Catalog in effect at the time of their admission.

1. General Education/Liberal Studies Requirements.
   The following requirements must be met by students admitted spring 2003 or later:
   • Distribution Requirements:
     • Writing (at least two courses totaling 6 semester credits or more; one course should be at the introductory and one at the intermediate level)
     • Oral and Visual Communication (at least one course totaling 3 semester credits or more)
     • Mathematical/Logical Reasoning Competency (at least one course totaling 3 semester credits or more at college algebra level or above)
     • Natural and Physical Sciences (For students admitted for semesters earlier than Fall Semester, 2017 – at least one course totaling 3 semester credits or more, including a laboratory, simulation or field experience. For students admitted for Fall Semester 2017 and beyond – at least two courses totaling 7 semester credits or more, where at least one course includes a laboratory.)
     • History, Social and Behavioral Sciences (at least two courses in different disciplines totaling 6 semester credits or more)
     • Humanities (at least two courses in different disciplines totaling 6 semester credits or more)
2. Liberal Studies Requirement: Of the 48 credits, 8 must be at the upper division (300 or higher) level.
3. Goal Area Requirements:
   • Cultural Diversity: (at least one course totaling 3 semester credits or more
   • Global Awareness: (at least one course totaling 3 semester credits or more)
   • Ethical and Civic Responsibility: (at least one course totaling 3 semester credits or more)
   • People and the Environment: (at least one course totaling 3 semester credits or more)

Note: The Goal Area requirements may be satisfied from courses meeting general education distribution requirements, liberal studies, major, minor or program requirements, or free electives, consistent with the overlap limitations in Section 8.

Section 6. Exemptions

1. Students who have completed the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MTC) or who have completed an Associate of Arts degree from a MnSCU college or university since 1985, do not have to complete additional general education requirements, but must complete a minimum of 8 upper division credits to fulfill the liberal studies requirements.
2. Learning opportunities other than courses (e.g., internships, prior learning) may be used to meet general education and liberal studies requirements.
3. The first writing course and Mathematical/Logical Reasoning requirements can be waived for students placing above the required competence level on the university’s diagnostic assessment test.

Section 7. Credit Limitations

Courses counted for general education/liberal studies/goal areas must be at least two semester credits or three quarter credits. Example: A general education distribution requirement of six semester credits can be satisfied by three 2-credit courses from at least two disciplines.

Appropriate liberal arts courses of less than two semester credits may be used to meet General Education/Liberal Studies electives only.

Section 8. Overlap

The following principles will govern the use of overlapping courses:

1. Overlap between GELS/goal areas and all minor requirements and major and minor prerequisites is unlimited.
2. A student may use a single course to meet only one of the following areas: cultural diversity, global awareness, ethical and civic responsibility, and people and the environment.
3. Other than overlap between GELS/goal areas and major requirements, any number of courses may be used for overlap purposes, provided they meet the criteria stated in sections 1. - 5.

Section 9. Appeals

Appeals regarding general education or liberal studies requirements will be referred to the IFO Faculty General Education and Liberal Studies committee.

Students may appeal decisions relative to academic requirements, program approval and graduation under the provision of University Procedure #300 Student Academic Appeals.

Section 10. Exceptions

Major department chairs and curriculum coordinators may make exceptions to the general education/liberal studies/goal area requirements, including accommodations for students with disabilities. Exceptions should be communicated to the IFO Faculty General Education and Liberal Studies committee for purposes of recording in DARS.

Section 11. Review

This procedure will be revised as necessary.

Section 12. Signatures

Issued on this 18th day of May 2017

Virginia Arthur, President