General Education Policy

Policy Number: AS-2005-1996

Policy Title: General Education Policy

Policy Owner: Vice President, Academic

Effective Date:

Last Revised:

On this page:

  1. Purpose
  2. Application and Scope
  3. Definitions
  4. Principles
  5. Accountability and Compliance
  6. Rules
  7. Policy Revision Date
  8. Attachments
  9. Specific Links

1. Purpose

In accordance with the Ministry of  Colleges and Universities  Binding Policy Directive: Framework for Programs of Instruction ), General Education curriculum must be included in all Ontario College Diploma Programs. 

This policy articulates the operational framework for General Education Elective curriculum development and delivery at Mohawk College.

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all Ontario College Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs offered by Mohawk College. This policy does not apply to  degree or collaborative degree programs offered by Mohawk College. 

3. Definitions

“General Education Elective Course” are a general education course that is selected by students to meet their General Education requirements

“General Education Courses” are. a diploma-level course designed to strengthen generic skills and breadth of knowledge in at least one topic area that is outside of a student’s chosen vocational field. General Education courses support learning in Arts in Society, Civic life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and/or Science and Technology

“Program Mandated General Education Courses” are a specific general education course that all students in a diploma or advanced diploma must complete

4. Principles

  1. The purpose of General Education is to contribute “to the development of citizens who are conscious of the diversity, complexity, and richness of the human experience…and, who, as a result, are able to contribute thoughtfully, creatively, and positively to the society in which they live and work” (MTCU Framework for Programs of Instruction, 2003; rev. 2009).
  2. General Education courses (whether Elective or Program Mandated) are intended to strengthen students' generic/transferrable skills (i.e., critical thinking, creativity, communication, problem solving) and breadth of knowledge by exploring non-vocational topics with broad-based personal or societal importance.
  3. General Education courses are designed to address at least one of the following themes mandated by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities:  Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.

5. Accountability and Compliance

5.1 Accountability Framework

This policy has been approved by the Senior Leadership Team.

5.2 Compliance

The Vice President, Academic is responsible for monitoring compliance to this policy and updating the policy as required. 

The Associate Dean and Dean of the School responsible for general education electives is to ensure the appropriate selection of General Education Elective courses is maintained. 

All Deans and Associate Deans are responsible for ensuring that each Program of Study complies with the General Education requirements stated in this policy. 

6. Rules

  1. SA Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs at Mohawk College will include a minimum of three (3) General Education courses with the following conditions:

    • The general education requirement includes at least two (2) General Education Electives
    • A program may identify one (1) mandated general education course that all students must take.
  2.  Ontario College Certificate and Graduate Certificate programs do not have minimum requirements for General Education.
  3. All General Education courses, whether Program Mandated or Elective, will meet the following criteria and the approval of the Dean , or designate, responsible for general education at the college. Each course must be equivalent to a minimum of (3) credits.
  4. General Education courses identified as being too similar to a program’s core curriculum (as determined by the Associate Dean responsible for General Education and in consultation with the Associate Dean for the Centre for Teaching and Learning) will be deemed “Restricted”. Students cannot take Restricted courses to fulfill the General Education requirements for their program.
  5. Students with academic credits from other post-secondary institutions may be eligible for exemption from a General Education course, if the transferring course meets the requirements outlined in this policy Mohawk College’s Credit Transfer Policy. There is no time limitation on the assessment of past credentials for General Education exemption.

7. Policy Revision Date

7.1 Revision Date

November 2029

7.2 Responsibility

The Vice President, Academic will be responsible for reviewing this policy every five years or earlier where required.

8. Attachments

This section has been left blank intentionally.

9. Specific Links

AS-2000-2013 Program Quality Policy 

AS-2002-2014 Credit Transfer, Educational Pathways and Articulation Agreements Policy

MTCU Binding Policy Directive- Framework for Programs of Instruction