New Century College

• Introduction
• Administration
• Faculty
• Centers
• Course Work
• Undergraduate Programs
  • Integrative Studies, B.A., B.S.
    • Admission Requirements
    • Degree Requirements
    • Curriculum Requirements
    • Transfer Students
  • Interdisciplinary Minor in Multimedia
  • Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.
  • Individualized Study, B.I.S.
  • Social Work, B.S.
  • Minor in Social Work

The mission of New Century College is to provide a learning environment that integrates interdisciplinary knowledge with work place and lifelong learning skills.

New Century College meets this challenge by having students interact closely with faculty; engage in critical thinking, problem solving, creative activity, and leadership development; and participate in experiential learning in the form of internships, co-ops, service-learning, or study abroad. New Century College educates students to develop original ideas, engage in active learning, and conduct independent inquiry with the highest ethical standards. Both the structure and curriculum of New Century College respond to the needs of civic and corporate communities and provide instruction for the changing world of work.

New Century College believes it can offer undergraduate students the finest small college education within the context of a large state university. The curriculum is enhanced by the college's commitment to the pervasive use of technology.

Administration

Faculty

Centers

Center for Field Studies
Luther Brown, Director

Center for Service and Leadership
Laura Gaither, Director of Service
Lynn Leavitt, Director of Leadership

Center for Child Welfare
Ruth Zambrana, Director

Freshman Center/University 100
Noreen McGuire, Director for Educational Programs and Research
Peggy Chalker, Associate Director for Educational Programs and Research
Elizabeth Patten, Associate Director

Course Work

New Century College offers all course work designated BIS, NCLC, SOCW, and UNIV in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

Integrative Studies, B.A., B.S.

The curriculum is based upon intensive, interdisciplinary learning communities, coordinated with traditional academic programs. The result is an integrated program of study that emphasizes collaboration, experiential learning, and self-reflection. The program provides the option to create an interdisciplinary, integrated major. Although there are many possibilities, the following are some examples of the programs of study that have been created: preprofessional (medicine, law, education), family studies, arts administration, computer graphics and design, multimedia design, conflict resolution studies, liberal studies, nonprofit management, and leadership studies.

In the first year, students take one highly focused, interdisciplinary course (eight credits) at a time. They "learn to learn" how to make distinctions, to appreciate different perspectives, and to find connections in what they learn. After the first year, the curriculum offers various learning communities that feature experiential learning and faculty-student research that address fundamental questions. Students complete their degree programs with a major in a traditional discipline or with an interdisciplinary specialization that they develop with faculty guidance. Preprofessional majors can develop a program of study best suited to their particular goals. The program requires mastery of essential competencies (communication, valuing, global perspectives, problem solving, social interaction, effective citizenship, aesthetic response, critical thinking, and information technology) assessed through an extensive portfolio.

Admission Requirements

A student who meets George Mason University's general admissions requirements may apply for the integrative studies program. Admission to the program is based on the student's academic objectives and the likelihood that the student will benefit from the curriculum. Each student is assigned an advisor from the college's advising staff.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete an equivalent of 120 credits of course work with at least 24 credits in learning communities, 12 credits of experiential learning (see Curriculum Requirements below), and 32 credits in general education. A student's specialization usually consists of 30 credits, which may draw from learning communities, experiential learning, independent study, and traditional university courses. The student must present a final, cumulative portfolio at a College Senior Exposition.

Curriculum Requirements

The integrative studies curriculum has three major components. Division I is the first year of common courses, experiences, and integrated learning. Thereafter, students pursue their academic and career goals through learning communities (Division II) and courses for their specialization (Division III). A student may join learning communities or take courses in other academic units in the university any time after Division I.

George Mason University's general education requirements are met in Divisions I and II. The six credits of humanities, the six credits of social science, and the six credits of natural and mathematical sciences are met through completion of Division I. The requirement of six credits of English composition are met through completion of Division I and II. Students majoring in integrative studies fulfill the university writing-intensive requirement by completing their major program. All 300-level courses and above include at least one writing assignment that requires revision. The graduation portfolio demonstrates competency in communication.

Division I, the first year. Division I is a four-unit common curriculum. Units 1 through 4 are each six weeks long and are separated by two-week interims or a winter intersession. The units meet Monday through Thursday and may include lectures and exams, but emphasize seminar discussions, collaborative assignments, problem-centered projects, and self-paced learning.

Unit 1 emphasizes composition and communication, computer applications, and analytical reasoning; Unit 2 studies the natural world and develops computational skills; Unit 3 studies the socially constructed world; and Unit 4 studies the relationship between the individual and society. The intersessions are built into the curriculum to allow co curricular activities, such as community service learning, leadership training, or specialized workshop courses, or to allow students to complete their work at their own pace. The winter intersession also allows for intensive short courses, study abroad, individualized projects, research, or experiential learning outside the college.

Division II, learning communities. Division II is constructed of learning communities, each of which combines subjects usually taught in several separate courses into a single course of study. Learning communities offer the equivalent of between 4 and 15 credits of undergraduate work and replace the often fragmented classroom experience many students encounter in a series of unconnected course offerings. In interdisciplinary learning communities, faculty and students explore various ways of understanding a topic. Learning communities also offer a greater sense of identity with an academic community, especially in the nonresidential college environment typical of a regional state university. Several learning communities are scheduled to make attendance easier for part-time students. Team teaching, collaborative projects, emphasis on writing and critical thinking, opportunity for independent study, and integrative, experiential learning are all important components of learning communities. A minimum of 24 credits in learning communities are required for graduation.

Division III, a specialization. The specialization is the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Students can complete a traditional disciplinary specialization within the integrative studies curriculum or they can create, with faculty advice, a unique program of study to fit their particular interests and needs. The specialization comprises traditional courses, learning communities, independent study, seminars, guided research, and experiential learning. Students must present a portfolio of their work as part of a culminating College Senior Exposition.

Experiential learning requirement. All students are required to participate in at least 12 credits of experiential learning. A portion of the credits can be earned in various learning communities. Students also may meet this requirement through internships, study abroad, and experiential learning courses. This requirement reflects the college's commitment to provide educational experiences that will prepare its graduates for the work place and the demands of active and responsible citizenship. The faculty's goal is twofold: to engage the work place as a site of instruction and expose students to the variety of skills needed to succeed, and to combine work experience with academic study so that each will enrich the other. A maximum of 24 credits of experiential learning (or its equivalent) may be applied toward the B.A. or B.S. degree.

Experiential learning may include course field trips and off-campus learning experiences. Students may be responsible for their own transportation, including bus, subway, and car pooling. Student liability insurance for the experiential learning internship is provided by the university. Each student is responsible for his or her own health care, including emergency care. New Century College assumes no financial responsibility for the health care of students. An accident and health insurance plan is available through the university.

New Century College accepts students from other four-year institutions or community colleges, as well as from other academic units within George Mason University, into the integrative studies program after admission to the university. The college's academic advisors will work with students to best use transfer credits and provide a plan for timely completion of the bachelor's degree. All transfer students are required to meet with an academic advisor as soon as possible. For more information, contact the college's academic advisors at (703) 993-1436.

Interdisciplinary Minor in Multimedia

New Century College and the Institute of the Arts coordinate the interdisciplinary minor in multimedia. See the "University Academic Programs and Resources" chapter for a description of the minor.

Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is an honors degree offering high-achieving undergraduate students an alternative to traditional baccalaureate programs. With the guidance of a faculty committee, students develop a customized interdisciplinary program of study not available through traditional majors, double majors, or major and minor combinations. The program provides the option to create an interdisciplinary area of study that spans two or more academic disciplines. The resulting program of study cuts across traditional academic programs or collegiate units. Although the possibilities are endless, the following are some examples of programs of study that have been created: human resources and organizational management, cultural ecology, environmental management and public policy, science writing, child and family welfare, international and political economics, media communication, philosophy and history of science, art therapy, public policy studies, multimedia technology, political marketing, geographic information systems, and Renaissance studies.

Eligibility
Applicants to the program must be rising juniors who have accumulated at least 45 credits with a minimum GPA of 3.300. The GPA is determined by review of all George Mason University and previous academic work. At least 15 of the 45 credits must have been completed at George Mason. Freshmen and sophomores, and those in the process of fulfilling the minimum eligibility requirements, may be declared as pre-interdisciplinary studies.

Application of Acceptance
Students who meet eligibility requirements may complete an application to the program after an information/advising session with a counselor. Appointments for these sessions may be made by calling (703) 993-2302. Students may be recommended by faculty or administrators or may nominate themselves.

The application includes a written statement of academic objectives and an interdisciplinary program proposal. Acceptance is based on assessment of the interdisciplinary nature of the program of study, the availability of courses relevant to the proposed program of study, the availability of faculty advisors, the student's GPA, and the likelihood that the student will benefit from the proposed program of study. Students should be able to show a high degree of academic achievement in the various disciplines that they incorporate into the interdisciplinary program of study.

Acceptance into the program is conditional until students have a two- or three-member faculty committee and an approved educational contract on file. Although staff members can assist, it is the student's responsibility to organize the committee. The committee comprises professors, at least one from the senior ranks, in areas of study contributing to the student's field of study. Wherever possible, Robinson Professors, outstanding scholars who are dedicated to undergraduate teaching and whose teaching and scholarship concern broad and fundamental intellectual issues, are members of the student's committee. By a mutual decision of the student and committee, one member is chair of the committee, taking primary responsibility for contract development and changes. The director must approve educational contracts and changes in contracts.

Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits of course work. At least 30 credits must be completed at George Mason. A minimum of 45 credits must be in upper-level courses (numbered at the 300 and 400 level), including at least 12 credits of George Mason course work in the field of study.

In addition to fulfilling 62 credits of general education requirements, students must complete at least 36 credits in their interdisciplinary area of study (including UNIV 498 and 499). The upper-level requirement for the interdisciplinary area of study is a minimum of 24 credits. Courses in the area of study may be applied to the degree only if passed with a grade of C or better. Students who are pursuing the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies as a second degree must present 36 George Mason University credits beyond those required by the first degree.

Within the interdisciplinary area of study, students must complete UNIV 498 Directed Readings in Interdisciplinary Studies as a prerequisite to UNIV 499 Senior Thesis in Interdisciplinary Studies. Three credits are awarded for successful completion of each course. The interdisciplinary thesis is presented and discussed in a seminar of all students taking UNIV 499 that term. The thesis is evaluated by the student's faculty committee and usually is completed during the final semester of study. UNIV 499 fulfills the university's requirement that all students successfully complete at least one course designated as "writing intensive" at the 300 level or above.

Once admitted to the program, students become Interdisciplinary Scholars, entitling them to many of the services of the University Scholars Program. The Interdisciplinary Scholars, along with the University Scholars, form a dynamic learning community that serves to enhance the intellectual and personal growth of its members. Interdisciplinary Scholars have priority registration and 24-hour access to the University Scholars Center study lounge and computer resource lab.

Individualized Study, B.I.S.

Since 1975, the Bachelor of Individualized Study degree program has offered adult students an alternative to traditional baccalaureate degrees. With the guidance of a faculty advisor, B.I.S. students develop an individualized, interdisciplinary program of study that meets their academic needs and interests. The B.I.S. program accepts liberal transfer of nontraditional credit from other institutions. Also, recognizing that college-level learning may be acquired through varied professional, service, and personal experiences, the B.I.S. degree provides mechanisms to translate experiential learning into academic credit.

Adult students have entered this individualized study program for many different reasons. Some are pursuing the B.I.S. degree as preparation for graduate and professional programs. Others see the B.I.S. degree as a gateway for professional advancement or career transition and validation. Still others want to complete their undergraduate degree through the B.I.S. program for personal fulfillment.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants to the B.I.S. program must be admitted to George Mason University, have completed high school at least eight years before admission, and have accumulated at least 30credits with a minimum GPA of 2.000. At least 15 of the 30credits required for B.I.S. program acceptance must have been earned through conventional classroom instruction.

Application/Acceptance Process
Students who meet the eligibility requirements must first attend a B.I.S. information session. Reservations for these sessions may be made by calling (703) 993-2302. While a person may attend an information session before applying to the university, the B.I.S. application is considered only after admission to the university. Acceptance into the program is conditional until the student obtains a faculty advisor and has an approved educational contract on file.

Acceptance decisions are based on assessment of the individualized, nontraditional nature of the program of study proposed by the applicant, the availability of courses relevant to the proposed program of study, the availability of faculty advisors in the field, the student's GPA, and the likelihood that the student will benefit from the proposed program of study. In general, a nontraditional, individualized program of study is defined as one not offered through a traditional department or academic unit within the university.

Reapplication to the B.I.S. program is required of students who have been inactive for two years or more or who wish to change their individualized programs of study.

B.I.S. Residence Requirement in Northern Virginia
The B.I.S. program draws upon the educational resources of Northern Virginia, including George Mason University (which awards the B.I.S. degree), Marymount University, Northern Virginia Community College, Strayer University (Northern Virginia campuses), and the Northern Virginia Center of the University of Virginia. Approved courses completed at any of the above institutions count toward the 30 credit B.I.S. residence requirement, at least 12 credits of which must be upper-division course work (300 or above) in the B.I.S. program of study.

Program Requirements
B.I.S. students must complete a minimum of 120 credits of course work. At least 45 credits must be in upper-level courses (numbered at the 300 and 400 level), and at least 30credits must be completed at George Mason University or at other designated Northern Virginia institutions (see B.I.S. Residence Requirement in Northern Virginia).

The 30-credit general education requirement includes 6credits in English Composition (ENGL 101 or 100, and 302, or equivalent). The remaining 24 credits must be distributed among the following academic areas: (1) humanities, (2)social science, and (3) science/analytical reasoning. To fill in gaps in the B.I.S. student's general education, six or nine credits are required in appropriate areas from the above categories.

In conjunction with an advisor from the full-time or adjunct faculty of the university, a B.I.S. student also designs and completes an individualized program of study relevant to his or her nontraditional educational interest. The program of study is entered on an educational contract that must be approved by the director. The student is encouraged to obtain a faculty advisor and submit an educational contract as early as possible in the program. Although B.I.S. staff members can assist B.I.S. students in the process, students are responsible for finding a faculty advisor. A minimum of 24 credits of course work must be completed after an approved contract is on file. Written permission must be obtained from the director for B.I.S. students to take courses at other institutions.

The individualized study core is 33-45 credits (including BIS 490). At least 18 credits of the core must be upper-division course work (300- and 400-level), 12 of which must be completed at a B.I.S. residence institution. No more than six credits of D grades may be included in the core. Courses in the core may not be counted toward general education requirements.

As a part of the B.I.S. core, the student completes a three-credit capstone project, BIS 490 Bachelor of Individualized Study Project. BIS 490 is taken when no more than two courses remain in the core concentration. The type of final project varies according to the student's program. It may be a research paper, a participatory project, or a creative project, but it must be appropriate to the student's B.I.S. core concentration. A grade of C or better in BIS 490 is required to graduate with a B.I.S. degree. A committee consisting of the student's academic advisor and at least one other faculty member or qualified professional evaluates the BIS 490 project.

A student who fails to earn at least a grade of C must re-enroll in BIS 490 and complete another project. A grade of IP (In Progress) may be awarded to allow a student additional time to complete the project. The IP grade is automatically changed to an F grade if the project is not completed by the end of the following semester. The completed final project should be turned in to the advisor no later than the end of the 12th week so that the IP grade can be changed by the last week of the semester.

Following is a sampling of the more than 1,500 previous individualized B.I.S. programs of study, which have been designed by B.I.S. students in conjunction with faculty advisors:

Art, dance, or music therapy
Children's literature and illustration
Computer information systems management
Convention management and planning
Corporate/community relations
Ecological tourism marketing
Electronic publishing
Environmental writing
Federal government taxation policy
Fire science administration
Health care administration
Historical writing
Human resources management
Information and network systems
Information systems management
International public relations
Legal studies
Multicultural learning
Multimedia design technology
Nutrition and fitness management
Performing arts management
Political and social advocacy
Procurement and contract management
Therapeutic recreation
Women's studies

Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. B.I.S. students fulfill this requirement by successfully completing BIS 490.

Credit for Nontraditional Modes of Learning

The B.I.S. program applies fewer restrictions to the transfer of credits earned through traditional course work at accredited institutions. It also allows B.I.S. students to receive college credit for learning acquired through a variety of nontraditional methods:

• Nontraditional modes of learning certified by regionally accredited institutions of higher learning
• Technical courses, as well as certain recognized certificate programs, related to the B.I.S. core concentration
• A maximum of 30 credits through examination (CLEP, DANTES, departmental, etc.)
• A maximum of 30 training credits (private industry, government, military) if indexed and recommended as college-level credit by the American Council on Education
• A maximum of 30 credits for experiential learning demonstrated by portfolios equated as college-level credit by approved educational institutions

BIS 489 Directed Readings and Research can be undertaken by B.I.S. students for specialized readings/research in their individualized B.I.S. programs of study.

BIS 490 Bachelor of Individualized Study Project (see program requirements) can vary according to the B.I.S. student's program of study.

Social Work, B.S.

The B.S. in Social Work prepares students for beginning generalists professional practice in social work at the baccalaureate level and has been granted full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. Students are expected to abide by the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.

The social work program at George Mason University does not provide credit toward field experience or course work based on life or previous work experience(s) of a student.

Degree Requirements

To receive a B.S. in Social Work, the student must successfully complete requirements for the bachelor of science degree, including the following:

1. First-year general education requirements. An entering freshman should register for the New Century College Integrative Studies first-year sequence (NCLC 110 Community of Learners, NCLC 120 The Natural World, NCLC 130 The Socially Constructed World, and NCLC 140 Self as Citizen) for a total of 32 credits. A transfer student fulfills these requirements by presenting the following courses or their equivalents: ARIN 101, BIOL 103, CS 103, ENGL 101, SOCI 101, and ENGL 201; three credits in American history or government (other than GOVT 204); MATH 106 or above, and three credits in philosophy or religious studies.
2. COMM 100; three additional credits in literature at the 200-level or higher.
3. Three credits in economics, GOVT 204, and PSYC 100.
4. BIOL 104, and either PSYC 300 or SOCI 313.
5. ENGL 302.
6. Forty-four credits in social work, including SOCW 300, 301, 323, 324, 351, 352, 357, 358, 359, 453, 454 or 455, 471, and two 400- or 500-level social work electives. A grade of C or better must be obtained in all these courses with the exception of the social work electives. The Senior Practicum (SOCW 453-454 and 455) is graded on a satisfactory/no-credit basis (Pass/Fail).
7. Satisfactory completion of junior-level field experience (100 hours) for two semesters in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 301 and SOCW 359
8. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 450 hours in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 453-454 or 455 (Senior Practicum).
9. Additional credits to total 120.

1. completed at least 45 credits with a GPA of 2.500;
2. satisfactorily completed the NCLC first-year sequence or BIOL 103, BIOL 104, ENGL 101, SOCI 101, and PSYC 100;
3. earned at least a C in SOCW 301 and SOCW 351;
4. satisfactorily completed at least 60 hours in one semester in a social service agency approved by the director of field instruction in conjunction with SOCW 301; and
5. submitted an application for the social work major to the director of social work admissions. Sophomores should file this application between January 1 and March 15, juniors between September 1 and November 1. The student's application for admission to the social work major is reviewed for action by social work faculty members. A personal interview may be required.

There is no admission to the social work program in the summer. A student who has not met all criteria for admission to the major (including completion of junior field practica) by May 30 will not be considered for admission until the fall semester.

The social work faculty evaluate the student's performance periodically and may require a student to withdraw from the program when, in their judgment, performance is not satisfactory. The decision is based on the quality of academic and field performance as well as on personal fitness for the profession of social work. The student has the right to appeal.

Note: For social work majors, BIOL 103 and BIOL 104 are required for graduation.

SOCW 323, 351, and 357 are sequenced courses offered only during the fall semester. The second part, SOCW 324, 352, and 358/359, are only offered during the spring semester, and can only be taken upon successful completion of the first part (a grade of C or better). Graduation will be delayed if courses are not taken in proper sequence.

Students who wish to register for Block Placement (SOCW 455, 10 credits) must meet specific requirements and be advised by the director of field instruction. This course is offered in the spring semester only.

Students must have completed six credits of psychology before registering for PSYC 300.

Minor in Social Work

Immunization and Fees
All students who are enrolled in a course that requires a field placement (SOCW 301, 359, 453-454, or 455) must have an annual tuberculosis screening (PPD). In addition, students must complete the entire Hepatitis B immunization series in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations. The cost of immunizations is the responsibility of the student.

Some agencies used for field placements require fingerprinting, a criminal background check, and/or a child protective services check. Any cost related to this requirement is the responsibility of the student.

Insurance Coverage for Students Enrolled in SOCW 301, 359, 453, 454, and 455
Students who participate in internships are covered for liability under Virginia's Self-Insured General Liability Insurance Plan and for medical malpractice under the Medical Malpractice Insurance Plan established by the Department of General Services, Division of Risk Management. These plans cover activities that the instructor has determined to be part of the student's course work. Activities that are not part of the course practicum are not covered. (Exclusions in the plan are listed in Section VII.)

A copy of the Self-Insured Liability Plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia is available in the office of the director of field instruction.

George Mason University and the social work program are an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution and the program is committed to the principle that access to study or employment opportunities afforded by the university and program, including all benefits and privileges, be accorded to each person -- student, faculty, or staff on the basis of individual merit and without regard to race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual or political orientation, sex, or age (except where sex or age is a bonafide occupational qualification).