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Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Institutional Assessment of Compliance

Self-Audit

CORE REQUIREMENT

2.7.3 In each undergraduate degree program, the institution requires the successful completion of a general education component at the collegiate level that (1) is a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. If an institution uses a unit other than semester credit hours, it provides an explanation for the equivalency. The institution also provides a justification if it allows for fewer than the required number of semester credit hours or its equivalent unit of general education courses.

X Compliance   Partial Compliance   Non-Compliance

Narrative:

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) provides learning experiences for those preparing for immediate entry into the workforce upon graduation, for those transferring to a baccalaureate institution, and for community members seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills [1] [2] [3]. The College offers programs and courses of study in general, developmental, technical, and career education; student development; community and public service; and lifelong learning. Through these programs, courses and activities, the College awards continuing education units, diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees consistent with the comprehensive nature of the institution [1] [2] [4].

BSCTC provides academic, general education, and transfer curricula leading to the Associate Degree. Requirements for completion of associate degrees are published in the KCTCS 2006-2007 Catalog [1] as well as the BSCTC 2006-2007 Catalog [2]. Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees require a total of 48 credit hours of general education. The 48 hours include a core transfer component of 33 credit hours comprised of at least one course from humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. Students are exposed to a variety of learning experiences and have flexibility in selecting course options to fulfill these general education requirements. Associate in Applied Science degrees require completion of 15 credit hours of courses approved for general education status including at least one course from humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. Special course requirements for each degree program offered at BSCTC are included in the College's catalog [1] [2].

Degree

Program

Hour for Completion

Reg. Gen. Ed. Hours

Social Behavior Science

Hum Fine Arts

Natural Science Math

AA

Associate in Arts

60

48

X

X

X

AS

Associate in Science

60

48

X

X

X

AAS

Air Conditioning Technonlogy

67-70

19-20

X

X

X

AAS

Automotive Technology

68-78

18

X

X

X

AAS

Business Administration

62-72

21

X

X

X

AAS

Computer Aided Drafting

65-70

18

X

X

X

AAS

Criminal Justice

60-61

36-37

X

X

X

AAS

Dental Hygiene

76-82

34-37

X

X

X

AAS

General Occupational/Technical Studies

60-76

15-27

X

X

X

AAS

Human Services

64-65

33-34

X

X

X

AAS

Information Technology

70-75

22-23

X

X

X

AAS

Machine Tool Technology

71-77

18-19

X

X

X

AAS

Medical Information Technology

62-67

24-25

X

X

X

AAS

Nursing

72-74

34-35

X

X

X

AAS

Respiratory Care

76-78

22-23

X

X

X

AAS

Surveying & Mapping Technology

61-76

16-31

X

X

X

AAS

Welding Technology

60-71

18-19

X

X

X

General education courses are developed to "enable students to develop their own values, pursue goals, and contribute to the political, moral, social, and cultural enrichment of society" [1]. These general education courses must contain competencies that allow students to communicate effectively, think critically, learn independently, and examine relationships in diverse and complex environments. Each general education course offered at BSCTC incorporates learning outcomes that meet these competencies [1].

In 2005, the Council on Postsecondary Education implemented a General Education Transfer Policy to promote the transfer of general education credits and to promote cooperation among postsecondary institutions [3]. This Policy is recognized by all of Kentucky's public postsecondary institutions and courses are recognized as equivalent and are fully transferable toward a baccalaureate degree [3]. KCTCS maintains a web site that contains all of the transfer agreements with the four-year universities [5].

Supporting Documentation:

 

Source

Location/Special Instructions

1

KCTCS 2006-2007 Catalog, pages 64-69

http://www.kctcs.edu/catalog/index.cfm?action=display&cs_id=7&cc_id=24#cc

2

BSCTC 2006-2007 eCatalog pages 48-56

http://www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu/admissions/docs/catalogs/Catalog_2006_2007.pdf#page=49

3

Kentucky CPE Transfer Framework

http://cpe.ky.gov/policies/academicinit/transfer

4

BSCTC Mission Statement

http://www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu/administration/mission.html

5

Big Sandy Community and Technical College Transfer Information

http://www.bigsandy.kctcs.edu/academics/transfer.html