The C & I process for the Gen Ed program mirrors the one used by other academic units. Each area committee provides the academic unit level review for a proposal, while the GEC serves as the college-level reviewing body. However, given the unique scale and scope of the program, it is best to begin any C & I action by having a preliminary conversation with either the program’s C & I chair or the appropriate area coordinator. Some actions may also require the approval of the Committee on Academic Programs or the Board of Visitors.
Examples of C & I actions that require Gen Ed approval include:
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Adding or deleting a course from the program
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Adding or deleting a course in the program from a new or existing major or minor
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Making a program course a prerequisite for a course offered by any other program
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Adding or deleting a requirement to the program, such as a competency test
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Changing the structure of the program by creating a new track or a new area
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Adding, deleting, or modifying the learning outcomes associated with an area of the program
The General Education Council approved an updated C & I handbook in April 2024. These documents replace all earlier versions of the handbook and its related forms. The updated C & I handbook explains the General Education program's curriculum process and how it intersects with the university's Curriculog process.
Faculty who are creating short-term study abroad programs and think they might like to develop an overseas version of an existing Gen Ed course must secure an “endorsement” from the appropriate area committee. Faculty should consult with the area coordinator in advance and complete the Study Abroad Approval Form. This process is intended to foster study abroad opportunities for faculty and students, while ensuring that courses overseas align with learning outcomes on main campus.
If there are questions, please contact gened@jmu.edu.
