General Education at George Mason University

1
General Education at George Mason University

• Senate Task Force on
• General Education
• Fall 1999

2
Overview of Presentation

• 1. What weve done so far.
• 2. Summary of general education models.
• 3. Remarks on the SCHEV report.
• 4. Comparison of enrollment patterns for
  different degrees.
• 5. Presentation of mission statement and proposed
  goals and objectives.
• 6. Our next steps.

3
What Weve Accomplished

• Reviewed SCHEV Report
• Compared GMU with other General Education models
• Discussed goals/objectives
• Reviewed enrollment data and current requirements
• Received some input from other faculty members
• Discussed commonalities and possible changes
• Reviewed progress with new Provost and Faculty
  Senate Chair

4
Summary of Other General Education Models

• American University
• Penn State University
• Mary Washington College
• William and Mary College
• University of Virginia

5
Remarks on the SCHEV Report

• GMU score goes up with committee activity
• Undercounts GMU requirements in most degree
  programs
• Current score as recomputed places us among the
  highest in the state

6
Current Enrollment Patterns

• Some commonalities
• Freshmen-to-Senior enrollment
• Embedded in majors/minors
• Mixes of lecture/seminar classes

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Urban Systems Engineering, B.S.

• 24 credits in humanities and social sciences
• 30 credits in mathematics and basic science
• 66 credits in engineering and computer science
  courses

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B.A. Degree in Psychology, minor in Dance

• 56 credits in general education
• 36 credits -- Psychology Degree Requirements
• 18 credits -- Dance Minor

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Mission Statement for GMUs General Education
Program

• GMUs Mission Develop critical, analytical, and
  imaginative thinking skills address complex
  issues make well-founded ethical decisions and
  find meaning in their lives.
• General Educations Mission To liberate and
  broaden the mind and, in conjunction with each
  students major degree program, to produce
  graduates with vision and perspective as well as
  intellectual skills and knowledge.

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Administration/Faculty Objectives

• Develop an appropriate administrative structure.
• Allocate significant and predictable levels of
  resources to the program.
• Actively recruit faculty to teach in the program
  by providing recognition and incentives for
  participating in program.
• Develop an on-going assessment program and
  timetable for the program.

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Curriculum Objectives

• Operational Skills
• Communication and Literacy Skills
• Quantitative Literacy
• Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Focused Skills
• Aesthetics Responsiveness
• Citizenship
• Ethics/Values

• Knowledge Areas/Modes of Thought

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What Are Our Next Steps?

• Refine goals/objectives
• Continue to study other programs
• Analyze projected impact on GMU programs
• Seek to develop a unique stamp for GMU
• Elaborate on the links between General Education
  and majors/minors
• Consider modes of assessment
• Present report to Faculty Senate
• Seek more faculty input public hearings, e-mail
• Propose changes and implementation process

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The Overarching Question What distinctive
combination of skill and knowledge areas will
best prepare George Mason University students for
the 21st Century?