General education Program course Approval Procedures

The Core Curriculum Committee (CCC), a subcommittee of University Undergraduate Programs Committee (UUPC), oversees the development, implementation, and assessment of the General Education Program. The CCC includes three representatives from the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, two representatives from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and one representative from each of the other colleges offering undergraduate degrees. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of Assessment of Undergraduate Studies co-chair the CCC and are non-voting members.

The CCC reviews and approves courses for inclusion in the General Education Program. Those interested in proposing a new or existing course for inclusion should submit the following documents:

1. Course Application Form
Determine the appropriate General Education category for your course and complete the corresponding  Course Application Form linked below.  There is a separate form for each general education subject area. Your course must meet the subject area description and the learning outcomes specified for the chosen subject area.  

Communication (6 credit hours) - Communication courses afford students the ability to communicate effectively, including the ability to write clearly and engage in public speaking.

Mathematics (6 credit hours) - Mathematics courses afford students a mastery of foundational mathematical and computation models and methods by applying such models and methods in problem solving. The Mathematics requirement is intended to give students an appreciation of mathematics and prepare them to think precisely and critically about quantitative problems.

Natural Science (6 credit hours; two courses, one with a lab, from two different departments) - Natural science courses afford students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

Social Science (6 credit hours; two courses from two different departments) - Social science courses afford students an understanding of the basic social and behavioral science concepts and principles used in the analysis of behavior and past and present social, political, and economic issues.

Humanities (6 credit hours; two courses from two different departments) -  Humanities courses afford students the ability to think critically through the mastering of subjects concerned with human culture, especially literature, history, art, music, and philosophy, including selections from the Western canon.

Sample Course Submission

We ask that you be as thorough as possible in addressing the learning outcomes associated with the chosen category (Please do not respond “refer to syllabus” to any of the questions). During our next accreditation review, we will be asked to demonstrate where, how, and to what extent FAU is meeting the outcomes of its General Education Progam. So, please be sure to identify specific course activities, assignments, assessments, etc. that specifically address the learning outcome listed. If a course has multiple sections, we ask that departments maintain consistency of content and outcomes, such as ensuring a common syllabus.

3. Course Change or Terminate Request or New Course Proposal
Approval of courses for inclusion in the general education program is contingent on receiving the approvals of your department, college undergraduate program committee, and college dean. If an existing course, please complete the Course Change Request and submit with a copy of the General Education Course Approval Form to your department chair. If it is a new course, please complete the New Course Proposal and submit with a copy of the Course Approval Form to your department chair. Approved requests will then go to your college’s undergraduate program committee, then to CCC, before moving on to the UUPC and UFS.

Once completed, please submit the materials listed above via email to Anthony Ambrosio at aambrosio@fsxd8848.com. Submissions must be made at least 10 days prior to the Core Curriculum Committee meeting so that revisions can be made (if necessary) and to ensure timely distribution to the committee. The committee meets the second Friday of each month at 9am. A representative should attend the meeting to present the course.

If you have any questions about the process or if you would like to discuss your course proposal further, please contact Anthony Ambrosio, Executive Director of Assessment for Undergraduate Studies, at aambrosio@fsxd8848.com or 561-297-4560.