Policy Number: D1.4
Policy Name: General Education Framework

  1. Rationale

    The proposed General Education framework intentionally progresses through three educational phases designed to give students a strong foundation, a series of perspective categories, and finally the opportunity for deeper study and integrative learning experiences through immersion in a series of related courses. Additionally, general education elective courses may be specified by programs to support the major field of study.

    Students take two courses in the foundation category. These courses introduce students to the intellectual life of the university and provide a focus on communication skills to prepare them for future coursework and career preparation. The seven perspective categories are designed to introduce students to a variety of important areas of inquiry that provide ways of knowing about the world. The perspective courses will introduce students to fundamentals of a liberal arts and sciences discipline (methods, concepts, and theories) while addressing specific general education learning outcomes. Finally immersion is offered through a set of three related general education courses in a theme or discipline. The immersion supports deeper learning within a focus area, and also provides opportunities for integrative learning through pedagogical approaches such as linked courses, team-teaching, and trans- and interdisciplinary experiences.

  2. Policy Statement on Requirements

    In accordance with RIT Policies and Procedures Section D1.G, "Courses will be evaluated using the criteria set forth by the New York State Education Department INYSED) and Sciences Guidelines and the RIT Student General Education Student Learning Outcomes.

    Each type of degree award requires a different number of general education credits as mandated by NYSED. When providing guidance, NYSED uses the term "liberal arts and sciences" to refer to general education. In accordance with NYSED's guidelines, students in the following programs must complete, at a minimum, the number of credits indicated in each category, as illustrated in Table 1.

    The table shows the minimum number of semester credit hours (sch) required in each category. Details regarding the general education framework can be found on the Provost's Academic Curriculum Development website.

General Education Framework
BS
BFA
AAS
AS
Foundation
First-Year Writing Intensive Course
6
6
6
6
Perspectives Categories
24
12
15
15
Immersion
9
9
0
0
General Education Electives**
21
3
3
9
MINIMUM TOTAL
60
30
24*
30

*NYSED requires 20; RIT framework exceeds the minimum requirement
**Elective course credits plus other category credits must equal the minimum required.

  1. Responsible Office Academic Senate and the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

    For inquiries, contact: Academic Senate - asenate@rit.edu
    Office of the Provost - academicaffairs@rit.edu

  2. Effctive May 8, 2014

  3. Policy History
    Approved May 8, 2014