GE Program Policies
GE policies that address current student concerns have been agreed upon through collaboration and discussion with various departments, committees, and administrative staff. If you need clarification on a GE policy, please visit our Contact page to reach the appropriate party.
Writing Component
All General Education courses must have an appropriate writing component. In achieving this objective, writing in most courses should be viewed primarily as a tool of learning (rather than a goal in itself, as in a composition course), and faculty should determine the appropriate ways to integrate writing into coursework. The writing component may take different forms according to the subject matter and the purpose of a course. Outside of the GE areas specified below, at least 10% of the grade in all GE courses must be based on appropriate written work (e.g., lab reports, math proofs, essay questions, word problems, exam questions).
Writing Intensive Policy
There are five subareas within the GE program that are designated as Writing Intensive. Four of these are:
- 1A: Written Communication
- 1B: Critical Thinking and Communication
- Upper-Division 3
- Upper-Division 4
Courses in the above areas must include a minimum of 3,000 words of writing and base 50% or more of a student’s grade on written work.
In addition, GE Area 3B is designated as writing intensive; courses in 3B must include a minimum of 2,000 words of writing and base 50% or more of a student’s grade on written work.
All Writing Intensive courses must include process-oriented writing instruction in which faculty provide ongoing feedback to students to help them grasp the effectiveness of their writing in various disciplinary contexts. The kind and amount of writing must be a factor in determining class sizes.
Source: AS-873-19 "Resolution on Template for General Education 2020" (pdf). 16 April 2019.
Second Baccalaureate for All Students
"Post-baccalaureate students seeking a second baccalaureate degree shall not be required to complete additional general education courses as a requirement for graduation, if they have previously earned a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution."
Policy updated 10/24/2011 — In compliance with EO 1063.
Last updated September 30, 2026.