General Studies - Fall 2013 Update from Dr. Pearl

1) Do the new requirements only pertain to students entering or using the Fall 2013 catalog?

The only new requirement is that students must complete 15 hours of course work at the 200 level. Yes, this requirement will be in place for the 2013-2014 catalog and apply to all students entering the College this fall. I anticipate further changes will be made to the degree program this year, but these will not take effect until fall 2014.

2) What happens if students switch into the general studies major after or during the Fall 2013 semester?

The student may continue to follow the degree requirements of the catalog under which they first entered or may to choose to follow the current catalog. Thus, if the student enrolled in 2010, he or she may continue to use the requirements of that catalog even if he or she switches degree programs. However, as according to policy and procedure, there is a seven year limit for use of catalog, which is in effect.

3) Are incoming transfer students with a significant number of credits required to use the 2013-2014 catalog and adhere to the new general studies requirements?

Incoming transfer students are required to use the catalog which is in effect when they first arrive at the College or choose to follow subsequent catalogs. This is independent of the number of credits with which they transfer.

4) Is there an appeal process for students who separated from the college more than two years ago (not able to use old catalog) and return to complete degree?

No there is no appeal process for students who separate from the College more than two years ago. They must follow procedure 9.32 and will need to use the current catalog.
5) Is there an appeal process for students who took course with a college level prerequisite that may serve as equivalent to 200 level while we work through our course renumbering? (Example: SO107 requires SO101 but would currently not be considered 200 level)

I am not sure what a student would appeal. The degree requirement is for 200 level classes and I have recently asked for a full review of the numbering level of all classes to be placed correctly. A class simply having another course as a prerequisite does not make it 200 level.

6) Will students be able to substitute/appeal the requirement if it does not fulfill their transfer plan?

General Studies is a Montgomery College program, which allows a student great flexibility to match transfer requirements. I believe that the flexibility it affords will allow any student to be able to complete it and match the requirements of an institution into which he or she wants to transfer. However, I am interested in hearing about situations in which this isn’t true and discuss how we can meet the needs of the students.

7) For questions not addressed In the FAQ-Who should students speak with and for what issues, as questions arise pertaining to the general studies curriculum?
Since the General Studies degree program is essentially the same as it was last year, I would think the counselors would be able to address any questions raised by the students as they have done in the past. As changes are made to the degree program, these will be communicated to the counselors to assist the students with understanding their program requirements