There has been some confusion over the past few semesters
about FYS courses as a graduation requirement. After discussion with the
Associate Provost and the Dean of Student and Academic Success, our stance
regarding FYS courses and graduation should be as follows:
- FYS
courses are required for graduation, a point that is outlined in the SGP
attached to this email. (See 1.e under “Policy” on Page 2 of the “Shared Governance Policy…”.)
- The
FYS requirement is essentially a “hidden pre-requisite” (similar to
developmental classes) rather an explicit requirement, so it will not be
captured in a CAPP report, but it is required nonetheless.
- The
application of an advising code to students who don’t meet the FYS requirement
is our only current “control” to ensure that students meet the FYS requirement.
- If
students ask us if the FYS course is a graduation requirement, our answer
should be “Yes, as per college policy, the FYS course is a graduation
requirement.
- ”If the student persists in asking why he or she
needs to take the course, I suggest you use the attached handout “Why Do I Needto Take an FYS Course” or share this video with the student to help him or her
understand the need for completion of the FYS requirement: https://youtu.be/LJAhclnRCX4.
Remember that the FYS required courses will be included as an explicit graduation requirement (and in CAPP reports) beginning in all degree programs in Fall 2018, but, until then, I recognize that this situation is less than ideal for our work with students. However, data that we’ve collected – and the available national-level data – very much supports the benefits of student success courses for college students. Therefore, it is essential that we continue to advocate for and require students to take the courses.
