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 Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU), Minister’s Binding Policy Directive: Framework for Programs of Instruction (2009), 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 General Education courses in Ontario College Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs offered by Mohawk College. It may also apply to Ontario College Certificate and Graduate Certificate programs at the discretion of the Schools delivering the programs. This policy does not apply to the breadth requirements for degree or collaborative degree programs offered by Mohawk College.

 

3. Definitions

“Elective General Education Courses” are General Education courses that are openly selected by students outside of their program of study.

“General Education Courses” are Diploma level courses in a topic area that is outside of a student’s main vocational field and addresses at least one of following themes: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding; and Understanding Science and Technology.

“Program Mandated General Education Courses” are General Education courses that are required for students registered in a specific program.

 

4. Principles

  1. In accordance with MTCU guidelines, 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 Program of Instruction, 2009).
  2. General Education courses (whether Elective or Program Mandated) are intended to provide students the opportunity to broaden their general knowledge and strengthen their generic/transferrable skills (i.e., critical thinking, communication, problem solving) by exploring non-vocational topics in at least one of the five themes (Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, Understanding 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 Associate Dean for the Department of Liberal Studies is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate selection of General Education courses is maintained, and that this policy is updated and complied with as required.

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

The Dean, School of Community, Justice and Liberal Studies is responsible for approving the pool of General Education elective courses.

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

 

6. Rules

  1. Consistent with the MTCU requirements, all Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs at Mohawk College will include a minimum of three (3) General Education courses. Ontario College Certificate and Graduate Certificate programs do not have minimum requirements for General Education.
  2. A maximum of one (1) General Education course may be mandated by a program and two (2) General Education courses should be electives and freely chosen by the student.
  3. All General Education courses (whether Mandated or Elective) will meet the criteria outlined in this policy and the approval of the Department of Liberal Studies.
  4. General Education courses must be introductory in nature and not require a prerequisite. Each course must be equivalent to (3) credits (approximately 42 hours of instruction over a typical 14- week semester).
  5. General Education courses identified as being too similar to a program’s core curriculum (as determined by the Department of Liberal Studies in consultation with the Center for Teaching and Learning) will be deemed “Restricted”. Students cannot take Restricted courses to fulfill the General Education requirements for their program.
  6. 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

September 2024

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