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Fall 2004 Advising and Registration FAQ's
TCNJ's redesigned curriculum is aimed at providing increasingly powerful learning experiences for our students. Some of these classes, especially for first year students, began this year. Changes to curriculum are nothing new. There are modifications every year in recognition of disciplinary innovation and educational enhancements.
In this case, because the changes are comprehensive in scope involving both liberal learning and the majors, we are referring to the whole project as " Transformation." As with all previous changes, our commitment is to avoid impeding current student progress in any way. If problems arise in individual cases, the College is committed to making reasonable accommodations within accreditation guidelines. The goal and intent of this transformation is to provide an enhanced educational experience. We are converting from an academic program that documents program completion generally in 120 or 128 semester hours to a course based system. The transformation has resulted in increased flexibility for most students. Students are encouraged to seek clarification and guidance regarding their individual program from their advisors and program chairs.
Contents
- General Information & Policy Questions
- Questions Specific to Liberal Learning and General Education
- Especially for Education Major and Certification Students
- Web Resources
- Contact Information
General Information & Policy Questions
What exactly is a transformed course?
A transformed course has been designed (or redesigned) to provide a richer experience than courses under the old curriculum. Students are expected to do more work in preparation for class, do more writing and more projects, and complete their work to a higher standard. These assignments are designed to strengthen critical thinking skills such as analysis, integration, problem-solving, collaboration and the application of theory to practice. Additionally, students are expected to be engaged in more collaborative efforts with other students.
What is a transformed curriculum and why did we change everything?
In developing this new curriculum, we have drawn on both our own expertise and national models. If you would like to learn more about our general approach, we recommend Making the Most of College , by Richard Light of Harvard University , who consulted with our faculty and staff two years ago. The title of Light's book is the goal of our academic transformation efforts.
The new curricular program will include:
- Redesigned majors with clear learning outcomes and an emphasis on greater flexibility;
- A new general education program (now known as Liberal Learning) that allows greater flexibility in choosing a set of courses that can be combined in ways that students find meaningful and that facilitates minors and double majors;
- Hundreds of new courses as well as hundreds of newly redesigned courses with clearly specified learning goals that link to the majors and/or liberal learning;
- Seminar classes (of 15 students) for first semester students that emphasize serious discussion of ideas, critical reading skills, persuasive writing, and faculty mentoring;
- Senior capstone courses in every major that integrate learning within a major and often involve a significant culminating project; and
- A new scheduling format that will allow students to more readily meet in small study or project groups outside of class.
Although you may not be familiar with the idea of a course-based system, it is widely used at institutions like Amherst , Brown, Bucknell, Colgate, and Pennsylvania . We believe that TCNJ students, like students at these other institutions, can benefit from a system that encourages flexibility and independence. In this new curriculum, more students will be able to pursue double majors, minors, global study experiences, and internships.
What is the general principle behind transforming a major and does that mean that if I graduate under the "old plan" my degree is worth less?
The general principle is to make it easier for students to concentrate on each course, and therefore to achieve a greater depth of understanding. By taking four transformed courses, rather than five regular ones, students are able to put more into each course and, thereby, to have a greater mastery of key concepts and abilities. A degree at TCNJ is valuable for many interdependent reasons. Instituting a new curriculum will make the degree more valuable in time, and that value will accrue to all TCNJ degrees, whenever they were granted.
Will Transformation mean that students need to take additional classes to complete their degrees?
No, most students will experience more flexibility. Upper class students will need the same or fewer courses to graduate, however. It may mean that students will take somewhat different classes or classes in different combinations than they initially planned.
If courses that were part of the student's initial program plan cease to be offered, students will be notified of appropriate substitutions. Waivers will be processed if there is no substitution. Students will not have to take additional courses to graduate during this transition period. Of course, some students may choose to take additional course work because new educational opportunities become available. Students are advised to discuss these kinds of choices with their advisors so that they understand the full implications of such choices.
With Transformation what Bulletin or Standards should students follow?
Students are responsible to meet the academic requirements and standards in place at the time of matriculation to their program at TCNJ unless one of the following occurs:
- Students declare or change their major after initial enrollment. If this occurs, students are responsible to meet the requirements of the major associated with the academic year in which the change occurs.
- Students interrupt their enrollment for greater than one year. If this occurs students are responsible to meet the graduation requirements associated with the academic year of the return.
- It is in students' best interest to switch to the new curriculum. If this happens they will be provided with a new Program Planner (a.k.a. Control Sheet) with the changes and substitutions duly noted. Curricular changes that enhance flexibility or expand options are examples.
How will I know what is changing in my major?
The process for this will vary from program to program depending on numbers of majors and complexity of change. Most major programs will hold information sessions, print flyers or post alternative degree progress on their websites. The information sessions are very important and students should make every effort to attend. Some programs will utilize advising holds and individually communicate to each student. In the latter case, students will be blocked from registration until they consult with their advisor.
How do I know if a course is transformed?
Transformed courses begin with 3 letter prefixes. This is new for all departments except for Art.
- The Art Department has diversified their prefixes to show distinctions between Digital Arts (ADA), Graphic Design (AGD), Art History (AAH), Art Education (AAE) and Fine Arts (AFA) classes.
- Some other Departments are using diversified prefixes as well. As an example students will find English Departmental offerings listed as follows: Literature (LIT), Comparative Literature (CMP), Journalism & Professional Writing (JPW), Composition & Creative Writing (WRI), English Language (LNG) and English Education (EED).
- If you do not find a course where you are used to looking, scroll through the list for related topics. These diversified prefixes will better inform student transcripts in the long run.
The Fall 2004 semester seems to include fewer classes than in the past. Is that true?
There are fewer classes on the Fall 2004 schedule for the following reasons:
Transformed classes are designed to award a course unit or 4 semester hours. Given the increased demand of courses students are expected to take fewer courses per semester, as it takes fewer of these for a full degree program.
Where can I find course descriptions for transformed courses?
The new 2004-2005 Bulletin will be available on the web in September. You can find some course descriptions on TESS. http://tess.tcnj.edu/ For courses offered in Fall 2004 not documented on either of these sites, please check with the Department offering the course for more information.
If a student originally takes a course in an untransformed state and then wants to retake the course to earn a better grade, will the grade in the transformed course replace the previously earned grade?
Yes, if the class is a direct replacement. As an example, MAT 127 Calculus A is the transformed version of MATH127 Calculus I. A student who takes MAT 127 can use the Retake policy to replace the grade earned in MATH127. However, if an academic program discontinues a course under transformation and does not replace it with a course of similar content, students will not be able to replace the grade in the discontinued course with a grade in a course of dissimilar content.
Will student's financial aid be affected by transformation?
No. Financial aid will continue to be awarded based on full time or percentage of full status.
If a student takes a 3-semester hour course elsewhere, will it count as a 4 semester hour course at TCNJ?
No. Credits will be awarded or transferred based on the quantity awarded at the institution where taken. However, such a course may meet an equivalency at TCNJ. As an example, a student might take a course that has been approved as an equivalency to PSY 101 at Rutgers. At Rutgers the course is awarded 3 semester hours. The course will be applied in transfer as 3 credits and will be credited as one course in the social science category for liberal learning. It is also possible that some courses taken elsewhere will transfer in combinations. Getting advance approval is important.
I am a transfer student. How does all this apply to me?
Transfer students were provided Program Planners (a.k.a. Control Sheets) at the time they enrolled at TCNJ. These sheets document work accepted upon transfer and designate remaining requirements. These requirements remain in place unless major curricular change occurs such that it is in the student's best interest to switch to the new curriculum. If this happens students will be provided with a new Program Planner with the changes and substitutions duly noted. Students who entered as transfers with specific questions regarding transfer credit should consult with their advisors or staff in the Office of Records & Registration. Program requirements generally apply to all categories of entering students unless specifically accepted on the Program Planner at point of entry.
With Transformation, can I still attend summer school elsewhere and transfer in the credit?
There has been no change in current policy. Students currently enrolled at TCNJ should receive permission from the Office of Records and Registration in order to take courses at another academic institution. Advance approval guarantees that the course(s), if successfully completed with a grade of C or better, will be accepted for transfer credit. Advance approval will also include a designation as to whether a specific course will apply as major, minor, liberal learning or elective credit. For courses to apply to the major or minor, Departmental or Program approval is required. Students are reminded that credits, not grades, transfer. If you plan to attend summer school elsewhere, students are advised to gather course descriptions and consult with their advisors prior to petitioning. It will speed up the process.
Will student's AP awards be impacted?
No. Current awards stand. In most years there are minor changes to the AP tables. Student credit awards are based on the table in place at initial degree seeking matriculation.
I don't know who my advisor is. How can I find out?
- Most students can identify their advisors by selecting the "Advisor" link on the Student Services menu on TESS. Students finding nothing there can go to their home department for assistance. Open Option students should check with the Assistant Dean of their School.
- Faculty can link to their advisees (if assigned) through ARTIE.
- Staff trying to assist students in identifying their advisor may use Screen 119 of the SIS system.
What is the expected load for students under transformation?
The minimum full time load will be three full courses per semester. However, students should expect to carry and complete four courses per semester to graduate on time in four years. Some programs will require students to take five full courses in some semesters.
What if students think they need to take more than four courses? Which policies apply?
There may be times when students need to take in excess of four courses. This may be especially true for those who are close to graduation. Current policy requiring Program Chair approval, a minimum of sophomore standing, and a 3.3 GPA remain in place.
Please remember that transformed courses require substantial work for students and come with increased performance expectations. One should not expect that students who are experiencing academic stress taking 16, 17 or 18 hours are going to be able to do well taking 19 or 20 hours. These overload decisions should be made very carefully.
There are resources available to advise students on the necessity to take overloads. See your advisor or Department Chair. As a point of appeal or for further information contact the Director of Liberal Learning (Green Hall 218) or the Dean of Academic Services (Green Hall 118).
Will there be changes to the way GPA's or Deans List is calculated?
No.
Questions Specific to Liberal Learning and General Education
What is the New Liberal Learning Plan?
The College of New Jersey aims to educate students for citizenship in a modern democracy. Proceeding from the College's mission and its "Guiding Principles for Academic Work," liberal learning has three interdependent structural elements. The first sparks intellectual and scholarly growth characterized by students' increasing ability to pose intellectually challenging questions, confront significant problems, and apply focused rigor in seeking promising resolutions. This element ensures that learners gain habits of mind necessary to study and understand human knowledge and how it applies to complex problems. The second element enables students to relate beliefs, values, and intellectual habits to their civic role in society. Such vision requires deep understandings of ways race, ethnicity, and gender have shaped local and global communities. The third element fosters familiarity with essential knowledge about broad sectors of human inquiry. Such familiarity enables students to be conversant in the broad range of intellectual discourse. For more details go to http://www.tcnj.edu/~liberal/
Is there an Equivalency Chart?
Yes, here is a chart showing equivalent or analogous categories. More detailed course migrations will be available on the Liberal Learning/General Education web site.
Old Program Category |
New Program Category |
|---|---|
| Rhetoric I and II | Writing Proficiency/Speaking Proficiency |
| Mathematics | Quantitative Reasoning |
| Foreign Language | Language Proficiency |
| Athens/SET | First Seminar |
| Gender Studies Diversity | Gender Studies Civic Responsibility |
| Non-Western Diversity | Global Studies Civic Responsibility (expands non-Western) |
| Western Diversity | No Direct Analogy-partially folded into Global |
| No Analogous Category | Race and Ethnic Civic Responsibility |
| No Analogous Category | Community Engagement Civic Responsibility |
| Natural Science | Natural Science |
| Social Science (content or process) | Behavioral, Social, or Cultural Perspectives |
| History | Social Change in Historical Perspective |
| Philosophy or Religion | Worldviews and Ways of Knowing |
| Literature | Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts |
| Fine or Performing Arts | Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts |
How will I know what is changing in General Education or Liberal Learning?
Comparison tools are available on the Web. See the Liberal Learning Site at http://www.tcnj.edu/~liberal. Specific Liberal Learning and General Education Offerings are posted on the Records and Registration site at http://www.tcnj.edu/%7Erecreg/schedules/index.html Also view the Program Planners.
What is the status of the Modern and Classical Language Requirement?
The structure of some of the language classes is changing to include a 4 th hour, called a Conversation Hour, designed to improve oral proficiency through frequent and guided practice and participation. There may be some modification as to the exact requirements for certain degree programs.
- BA Degree Programs that required language at the start of Fall 2003 and before still require proficiency through the 3 rd semester.
- BS degree programs that required language at the start of Fall 2003 and before and that are required to meet external accreditation or certification standards may, with the approval of the School Dean and GEAC, adopt some flexibility as follows: Such programs "may allow students who begin studying a language they have not previously studied in high school to complete their language with two semesters of study. Students who continue in a language begun in high school shall continue to be required to attain proficiency at the 103 level. This policy shall be reviewed after three academic years beginning with Fall 2004." Programs adopting this standard will notify students accordingly.
Must I complete a process and a content course in social science under old General Education?
Beginning in Spring 2004 students may complete their social science sequence with any two approved social science courses without distinction between content and process.
Must I continue to take a two-course sequence in the same science?
Beginning in Spring 2004 students may complete their natural science requirement with two courses from different departments, or with a mixture of 'principles' and 'general' courses. For example, students taking BIOL 181 may complete their sequence with any other natural science course. Students enrolled in BIO 185 who have decided that they do not want to pursue biology as a major may complete their sequence with any other natural science course.
Questions Especially for Rising Juniors and Seniors
I entered in Fall 2001 or before: What are my General Education Requirements?
It is expected that most students who entered Fall 2001 or before have completed their General Education Requirements. However, if this is not the case students should follow the requirements in place during their year of entry. Substitutions and waivers will be processed for students if classes are no longer available.
2. I entered in Spring 2002, Fall 2002 or Spring 2003: What are my General Education Requirements?
Students entering in these semesters are at varying stages of General Education completion. Students should attempt to follow the General Education Requirements for the year in which they entered; however, substitutions and waivers will be processed for students if classes are no longer available.
3. What if I have not completed my Rhetoric sequence?
Rhetoric I and Rhetoric II have been discontinued. Students having completed Rhetoric I but still in need of Rhetoric II should take WRI 102, Academic Writing. Students may also test out of Rhetoric II. Information is available in the English Department. Contact Jean Graham at 771-2298, email graham@tcnj.edu Bliss 128.
4. I entered prior to Fall 2003 and I have not completed IDSC151, Athens to New York ?
Students entering prior to Fall 2003 are required to complete IDSC 151, Athens to New York . Students who have not completed this requirement by the end of Spring 2004 should see Prof. Robert Anderson for an appropriate substitution.
5. I entered prior to Fall 2003 and I have not completed IDSC 252, Society, Ethics, and Technology. What should I do?
Students entering prior to Fall 2003 are expected to complete IDSC 252. A limited number of sections will be available in the 2004-2005 as transformed IDS 252. Going forward, IDS 252 will be one way to meet the World Views and Ways of Knowing Requirement under the Liberal Learning program.
6. What if courses I need are not available?
Because of curriculum transformation a required course may not be available. It may be that it has been replaced by a 'transformed' version. In that case students should take the transformed version and be assured that it will count in the same manner as originally intended.
It may also happen that the course is not part of the new curriculum, and therefore no longer offered. In that case, substitute courses will be identified, or the requirement will be waived. Specific waivers will be provided in writing to impacted students and retained in their file in Records & Registration. Questions should be directed to major departments or programs, or to the Liberal Learning office as appropriate. During the transition, students obtaining waivers will still be held to the required number of semester hours related to their program -- as examples, a History major (HISA) must earn a total of 120 semester hours; a Biology major (BIOA) must earn 128 hours, with or without waiver.
Questions Especially for Rising Sophomores
I entered Fall 2003, what are my General Education Requirements?
Technically, these students are held to the "old" General Education Requirements. However, this is a case where it will probably be in the students' best interest to switch to the new liberal learning program as documented on the Program Planners because they will enjoy greater flexibility. Please discuss this with your advisor.
How do I know that the waiver I get in the Spring of 2004 will be honored 2 years later when I am ready to graduate?
Students should follow the following guidelines. Obtain the waiver in writing from the Program Chair (for major and minor waivers) or from the Liberal Learning Office (for GE or Liberal Learning waivers). (If the waiver is included as part of an updated Program Planner, no additional documentation is required.) Keep a copy of the waiver in a safe place and bring the original to the Office of Records & Registration. It will be maintained in your file to be used at the time of your degree check out.
What General Education/Liberal Learning courses should rising Sophomores take during Fall 2004?
- Rising Sophomores may take courses to fulfill the Perspectives on the World category with the following adjustments:
- They need not complete their natural science sequences with courses from the same department (although they may if they wish).
- They need not worry about the content/process distinction in the social sciences.
- Rising sophomore students will not need to complete IDSC/IDS 252, Society, Ethics, and Technology, although they may take it for elective credit or Liberal Learning World Views and Ways of Knowing credit.
- Most rising Sophomores are probably best advised to switch to the new Liberal Learning program and take courses that meet those requirements. In virtually all cases increased flexibility is provide. Students should take care to select courses that integrate well with their major program(s) and correlate requirements.
Where do I find approved Liberal Learning courses?
All approved courses are listed on the General Education web site at http://www.tcnj.edu/~gened/totalist.htm . There is also a link from the R&R home page at www.tcnj.edu/~recreg .
Especially for Education Major and Certification Students
I hear there are changes in addition to TCNJ transformation for education majors and certification students?
This is true. Some of the changes are due to curricular transformation at TCNJ, some are due to the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation, which mandates that all teachers be highly qualified, and others are a response to recently proposed changes in New Jersey 's Code for Teacher Licensure. All of this means that students should carefully consult with their advisors and program coordinators to assure they follow the correct curricular plan. Additionally, the State requires that teaching candidates using currently approved programs complete them and apply for their teaching license by September 1, 2007 (NJAC 6A:9-10.1)
What follows is general guidance. All Education Majors and Certification Students are strongly advised to meet with both the School of Education and content area advisors prior to registration.
Elementary and Early Childhood Majors
Rising Juniors and Seniors will complete the untransformed education major. JPE and student teaching will be structured just as it has been in the past.
Students needing to complete the former course known as Musc 350 may do so with any of the following:
- MUS 245 History of Jazz
- MUS 260 Exploring Concert Music
- MUS 265 Music and the Stage
- MUS 345 Intro to Electronic Music Skills and Lit.
Rising Sophomores will move to the New Major Structure and the New Program Planners. See your advisors to review how you can best migrate to the new Planner, and what, if any, specific substitutions may need to be made.
The new planners offer increased flexibility and elective(s) in all EL and EC programs and they conform to all the NCLB and NJ Licensure Code requirements.
- Rising Freshmen who have taken ECED 105 or ECED206 or ELEM103 or ELEM 292 or SPED 101 or INCD 240 are advised that these courses should be counted as electives moving forward.
- Study Abroad Opportunities: Any EL and EC student who wishes to take a study abroad semester can now structure their schedule do so without delaying graduation. Plan ahead. Those students with double majors in Early Childhood or Elementary and Spanish should plan to include Spring semester Junior year as an abroad semester. This experience will meet the Global Requirement, includes course equivalencies that might normally have been taken on campus and greatly enhance Spanish proficiency so as to meet State Code Licensure Requirements.
- Though it is recommended that JPE be taking as a block, it can be broken into two parts if necessary to accomplish other curricular goals.
Special Education Programs
Rising Seniors will finish under the old program.
Rising Juniors will finish under the old program. A small number of these students have elected to move to the new 5 year program with the Liberal Arts Second Major plus Masters. You know who you are. Meet with Dr. Behre to confirm your personal plan.
Rising Sophomores
Virtually all of the rising sophomores have opted to move
to the new 5-year program with the Liberal Arts Second major plus
Masters. These students will be moved to the new program planners.
Those opting to stay with the old program should meet with Dr. Behre
to develop a personalized plan.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs
All students meet the federal standard of "highly qualified". Those who have chosen a content major in psychology or sociology will only be able to teach at the elementary grade/content level. Other students will be able to teach in their respective content area at the middle school or high school levels as well.
Rising Juniors and Seniors will finish under the old program.
Rising Sophomores will move to the new program planners. To the extent possible
Freshman year advisement was given based on the new program planners. Where individual accommodations are necessary, they will be made by an advisor.
Secondary Certification Students
Rising Seniors Will finish under the old program and should enroll as follows in their Student teaching semester:
- Content Area Student Teaching (Math, Engl, Biol...) 490 2.5 Units (10 SH)
- Content Area Student Teaching Sem. (Math, Engl, Biol...) 489 .25 Unit (1 SH)
- Secondary Student Teaching Sem. SCED 489 .25 Unit (1SH)
Rising Juniors should enroll as follows in their JPE Semester:
- Theory & Practice of Secondary Educ. SCED 399 1.5 Units (6SH)
- Other required Professional Education, Content area methods course (these are transformed) and/or GE/Liberal Learning requirements specific to the major and certification.
Rising Sophomores will move to the New Major Structure and the New Program Planners. See your advisors to review how you can best migrate to the new Planner, and what, if any, specific substitutions may need to be made .
Technological Studies Majors should see their advisor to determine the most appropriate strategy for completion.
Health and Exercise Studies Majors should see their advisor to determine the most appropriate strategy for completion.
Web Resources
Liberal Learning
- Analogous Categories: Old General Education and New Liberal Learning Programs
- Liberal Learning Definitions Page
- Liberal Learning Goals & Outcomes Page
R&R Home Page and TESS and ARTIE
- Liberal Learning Offering for Fall 2004
- General Education Offering for Fall 2004
- Full Fall 2004 Offerings http://tess.tcnj.edu/ Select Class Schedule
- Updated Course Decscriptions http://tess.tcnj.edu/ Select Course Catalog
- Who's my advisor http://tess.tcnj.edu/ Log in through your security and select My Advisor
Contact Information
General Education (Liberal Learning) or general concerns: Prof. Robert J. Anderson, Director of Liberal Learning, 218 Green Hall, 771-2870, randerso@tcnj.edu
Questions about professional education : Susan Hydro, Assistant Dean of Education, 158 Forcina Hall, 771-2997, berksus@tcnj.edu
Open Option Student Concerns : See the Assistant Dean in your Home School
Art, Media & Music - Christine Leichliter, Music Building 254, 771-2277, Leichlit@tcnj.edu
Business - William Johnson, Business Building 114. 771-2882 Wjohnson@tcnj.edu
Culture & Society - Rosa Zagari-Marinzoli, Social Science 332, 771-2954 zagarima@tcnj.edu
Education -- Susan Hydro, 158 Forcina Hall, 771-2997, berksus@tcnj.edu
Engineering - Martha Stella, Armstrong 147B, 771-3375, stella@tcnj.edu
Nursing - Patrick Roger-Gordon, Loser 206, 771-2669, roger@tcnj.edu
Science - Paula Maas, Science Complex P107, 771-2724, maas@tcnj.edu
Academic Writing Placement and Questions Diane Steinberg dsteinbe@tcnj.edu or Jean Graham graham@tcnj.edu - Bliss 128, 771-2864,
Summer School Course Equivalencies: Records and Registration, Lisa Watson at 771-2351, watsonsp@tcnj.edu or Erica Geiman, geiman@tcnj.edu at 771-2608. Forms are on the R&R web site at www.tcnj.edu/~recreg
General Concerns : The Dean of Academic Services, 118 Green Hall, 771-2576
