The new General Education Requirements go into effect for all new students, students declaring a major and students changing school or college (changing major) in Fall 2005. 

 Every student should meet a set of core requirements, listed below.  Most schools and colleges will have additional requirements for their majors. Be sure to check with your advisor!!!

The General Education system is designed to provide you with the foundations of learning that will be valuable through your years at the University and then after you graduate. They will enable you to understand, appreciate and enjoy the past and present diversity of human achievement and perspectives at the levels of individuals, groups and cultures and in relation to the natural world. They will give you the skills and flexibility to face the changes and challenges of the future, to participate fully in society and to lead full and satisfying lives.

The General Education system is governed by four principles:

Universality. All students at the University of Connecticut should have the same University General Education Requirements irrespective of their major, School or College. Schools and Colleges may not restrict the courses that students are allowed to use in fulfilling the University General Education requirements.

Accessibility. All students at the University of Connecticut should have timely access to General Education courses and support services.

Transferability. Students must be able to transfer from one School or College to another without having to repeat General Education Requirements. A procedure should be established for the smooth transition of students who transfer into the University from other institutions.

Faculty Participation. General Education courses should be taught by faculty; resources should be allocated to promote this practice.

The General Education Curriculum consists of four Content Areas and five Competencies. 

The four Content Areas are:

Content Area 1 – Arts and Humanities.  Six Credits taken from two different departments/academic units

Content Area 2 – Social Sciences. Six Credits taken from two different departments/academic units        

Content Area 3 – Science and Technology. Six to Seven Credits taken from two different departments/academic units, includes one lab course

Content Area 4 – Diversity and Multiculturalism.  Six Credits, including three credits in International courses.

Content Area Rules:

·        Courses in Content Areas One, Two and Three must be taken in six different academic units/departments.  These courses can be counted towards the major.

 

·        Normally, the six credits required as a minimum for each Content Area will be met by two three-credit courses.  However, in Content Area One, students can include a one-credit performance courses.  No more than three credits of performance may be used to meet the Content Area One requirement.

 

·        In Content Area Three, one of the courses must be a laboratory course of four or more credits.  NOTE:  This lab requirement is waived if you have passed a “hands-on” lab course in the biological and/or physical sciences.

 

·        In Content Area Four, at least three credits shall address issues of diversity outside of the United States.  These courses are listed as International Courses in the General Education section of the catalog.

 

·        One, and only one, Content Area Four course may also count as a Content Area One, Two or Three course.

**Specific courses are listed in the Draft Catalog Copy.

Competencies:

The five competencies are:

Computer Technology
Entering students are expected to have a basic working knowledge and computer skills (entry-level expectations).  Each major program has determined the skills required of its students (exit expectations) and has included the development of these skills into the major requirements, usually through course work.  If you feel you need additional help, online learning modules should be available for all students beginning Summer 2005. 

Information Literacy
Information literacy involves a general understanding of how information is created, disseminated and organized, and an ability to access and utilize information in your academic work.  Basic information literacy is taught in ENGL 110/111 to all incoming freshmen.  Each major program has included the advanced information literacy competencies and included them in research and writing courses required for the major.

 
Quantitative (Q)
All students must pass two Q courses, which may also satisfy Content Area requirements.  One Q course must be in Math or Statistics.  Some schools/colleges and majors may require more Q courses for their students. Your advisor can help you determine which Q courses best suit your plan of study.

Second Language
If you passed three years of a language in high school (or the equivalent), you have fulfilled the Second Language competency requirement.  Otherwise, you should take one year (two semesters) of a language at UConn.  This requirement is still under review by GEOC, and is subject to change pending the decision of the subcommittee.

Writing (W)
All students must take either ENGL 110, 111 or 250.  Additionally, all students must take two writing-intensive courses, which may also satisfy Content Area requirements.  One of these courses must be at the 200-level and associated with the major.  Some schools/colleges and majors may require more W courses for their students. Your advisor can help you determine which W courses best suit your plan of study.

Questions?
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page, or you may send an email to GEOC.