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New Century College
As an integral part of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), New Century College (NCC) offers students a small college interdisciplinary education within the context of a large state university. Using a cohesive interdisciplinary faculty and borrowing faculty members from other disciplines, NCC provides a learning environment that integrates interdisciplinary knowledge with workplace and lifelong learning skills. In keeping with the goals of CAS, NCC has a strong commitment to enhancing technology skills, improving student writing, and providing challenging opportunities for students. NCC 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 education in the form of internships, co-ops, service learning, or study abroad. NCC educates students to develop original ideas, engage in active and reflective learning, master competency areas, and conduct independent inquiry with high ethical standards. Both the structure and curriculum of NCC respond to the needs of civic and corporate communities and provide instruction for a rapidly changing society. There are five degree programs housed in NCC: Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies, Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies, Bachelor of Individualized Study, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Social Work. AdministrationJanette K. Muir, Associate Dean FacultyBarry, Breneman, Davis, Dunne, Eby, Furey, Gabel, Gardner, Gring-Pemble, Gunn, Montecino, Muir, Oates, O'Connor, Raskin, Rome, Slaght, L. Smith, Stevenson, Williams, Wingfield, T. Wood CentersCenter for Field Studies Center for Service and Leadership Center for Child Welfare Course WorkNCC offers all course work designated BAIS, B.I.S., NCLC, and SOCW in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog. Undergraduate ProgramsIntegrative 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 concentration. Although there are many possibilities, the following are some examples of the programs of study that have been created: pre-professional (medicine, law, education), family studies, arts administration, computer graphics and design, multimedia design, conflict transformation studies, liberal studies, nonprofit management, and leadership studies. In the first year, students take four highly focused, interdisciplinary courses (eight credits) one course 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 an interdisciplinary concentration. Pre-professional majors follow a program of study best suited to their particular goals. The program requires mastery of essential competencies (communication, valuing, global perspectives, problem solving, group interaction, effective citizenship, aesthetic response, critical thinking, and information technology) assessed through freshman and graduation portfolios. A student who meets George Mason University's general admission requirements may enroll in 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 works with an advisor from the college's advising staff. 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), and 32 credits in general education. A student's concentration usually consists of 30 credits, which may draw from learning communities, experiential learning, independent study, and traditional university courses. Students must present a final, cumulative portfolio and a College Senior Exposition. 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 concentration (Division III). A student may join learning communities or take courses in other academic units in the university any time after Division I. General education requirements are met in Division I and II. Division I fulfills most general education requirements. Students may also test out of some requirements. The six-credit English composition requirement is met through completion of Division I and II with an overall 2.000 average. Students majoring in integrative studies fulfill the university writing-intensive requirement by completing their concentration. Most 300-level courses and above include at least one writing assignment that requires revision. Division I, the first year. Division I is a four-unit common curriculum. Units 1 through 4 are each six or seven 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 intercessions are built into the curriculum to allow cocurricular 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, which combine subjects usually taught in separate courses into a single course of study. Learning communities offer the equivalent of between 3 and 9 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 to understand 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 concentration. Many learning communities have experiential learning attached either as a part of the class or as an option for students to take. The concentration is the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Students can complete an interdisciplinary concentration already established in the integrative studies curriculum or, in some cases, create with faculty a unique program of study to fit their particular interests and needs. The concentration 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. This is done through NCLC 491, Senior Capstone, which students are required to take two semesters prior to their graduation. 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 workplace and the demands of active and responsible citizenship. The faculty's goal is twofold: to engage the workplace 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 carpooling. 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. NCC 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. NCC's academic advisors 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 an academic advisor at (703) 993-1436. Interdisciplinary Minor in MultimediaNCC and the College of Visual and Performing Arts coordinate the interdisciplinary minor in Multimedia. See the "Interdisciplinary Minors" section of this chapter for a Certificate in Leadership StudiesThe certificate in leadership studies provides a curriculum and learning environment that includes theory, application, and reflection. This 24-credit certificate can be completed while pursuing an undergraduate degree or after graduation. All students are required to complete a core of nine credits and then choose from approved elective courses for the remaining credits. An internship is also required. The certificate in leadership studies provides students with a broad understanding of leadership in contemporary times. To understand current issues, students in the courses examine historical perspectives and theories of leadership. Students gain an understanding of leadership concepts and behaviors, civic responsibility, creativity, communication, and change. In addition, students have the opportunity to practice and enhance their skills. For more information, please contact the Center for Service and Leadership at (703) 993-2900, or New Century College at (703) 993-1436. Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.)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. 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. 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) 993-1436. 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. 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 all university general education requirements for a B.A., students must complete at least 36 credits in their interdisciplinary area of study, including a minimum of 24 credits at the 300 and 400 level. 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. As part of the BAIS core concentration, the student completes four courses: BAIS 300 (three credit hours), BAIS 390 (three credit hours), BAIS 490 (three credit hours) and BAIS 491 (one credit hour). BAIS 490 and BAIS 491 are taken when no more than two courses remain in the core concentration. A student may include up to three credit hours of BAIS 489 Directed Readings as part of his/her core concentration. The senior thesis is evaluated by the student's faculty committee and usually is completed during the final semester of study (see BAIS Program guidelines). BAIS 490 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 traditional and 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. Applicants to the B.I.S. program must be admitted to George Mason University, have completed high school at least seven years prior to admission, and have accumulated at least 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.000. At least 15 of the 30 credits required for B.I.S. program acceptance must have been earned through conventional classroom instruction. APPLICATION/ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURE B.I.S. program information and applications are available through the New Century College offices on the fourth floor of Enterprise Hall, (703) 993-1436, or online at ncc.gmu.edu. Anyone interested in the program should also plan to attend a B.I.S. information session at the Fairfax Campus. Information sessions are generally scheduled twice a month and are open to all, however reservations are required and can be made by calling the New Century College office. The B.I.S. application process is free, but applications are considered only after the applicant has gained admission to George Mason. Therefore, if you wish to enroll in the program and are not already a George Mason student, you must first apply to the university. Acceptance into the B.I.S. program is based upon the program eligibility requirements (see above) and an assessment of responses to essay questions posed on the application. Initial acceptance into the program is conditional. Once a student obtains a faculty advisor and receives all necessary approvals for their educational contract, they become full B.I.S. degree-seeking students (see Individualized Core Concentration). It is university policy that students who are inactive for two years or more must reapply or be readmitted (as appropriate) before continuing their studies. If readmission to the university is necessary, students must also reapply to the B.I.S. program. 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 university 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. 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 30 credits must be completed at George Mason University or at other designated Northern Virginia institutions (see B.I.S. Residence Requirement in Northern Virginia). All B.I.S. students also must complete the university's basic general education requirements, either through appropriate transfer equivalencies or George Mason course enrollment. B.I.S. students who enrolled at George Mason prior to fall 2001 must typically complete 30 credit hours of general education coursework. Significant changes in George Mason's general education requirements will require B.I.S. students enrolled at George Mason fall 2001 or after to complete approximately 42 credit hours of general education coursework. Given this change and the importance of your general education requirements, it is critical that you attend an information session (see above) and keep in close contact with B.I.S. academic advisors to determine your precise general education needs and requirements. INDIVIDUALIZED CORE CONCENTRATION Working with the support of B.I.S. staff and a faculty advisor of their own choosing, B.I.S. students develop an individualized major or "core concentration" that best suits their personal academic needs and interests. B.I.S. students may incorporate into their concentration past college credits, non-traditional credit, and courses of interest from George Mason and a number of area colleges and universities. The initial draft of a B.I.S. core concentration is assembled as a proposal. Proposals are typically developed as a part of BIS 300 Understanding Multidisciplinary Studies and with the feedback and support of B.I.S. staff. Upon approval of the proposal by the B.I.S. program, students are encouraged to begin the process of selecting a faculty advisor. The faculty advisor is responsible for reviewing the proposal with the student, providing appropriate feedback and suggestions, and helping the student develop the proposal into a formal educational contract. Like the proposal, the contract is submitted to the B.I.S. office for review. Upon approval of the educational contract, the student's academic status is changed from conditional to full B.I.S. degree-seeking status. B.I.S. staff can suggest strategies for selecting a faculty advisor, but it is each student's responsibility to do the appropriate research, initiate contacts, select an advisor and negotiate the contract. It is expected that the faculty advisor will have considerable expertise in the student's individualized area of study. All B.I.S. students are encouraged to obtain a faculty advisor and submit an educational contract as early as possible in their studies at George Mason. Full degree seeking status is required for enrollment in certain courses and it simply makes sense for each student to have an approved contract as early as possible. The deadline for submitting a B.I.S. contract is the last day to add a class in the term prior to the student's anticipated graduation date. In other words, a student planning to graduate in May must submit his or her contract to the B.I.S. office by the course add deadline for fall. The same deadline applies for contract amendments, which are required whenever changes to the contract are appropriate or necessary. No exceptions are permitted for the contract deadline; however, the B.I.S. director can modify the amendment deadline on a case by case basis if certain courses in a student's contract are unexpectedly cancelled or unavailable during the student's final term of study. The individualized study core is 34 to 46 credits. At least 18 credits of the core must be upper-division course work (300 and 400 levels), 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 part of the B.I.S. core concentration, students complete four B.I.S. courses: BIS 300 Understanding Multidisciplinary Studies (3 credits), BIS 390 The Research Process (3 credits), BIS 490 Bachelor of Individualized Study Project (3 credits), and BIS 491 Senior Project Presentation (1 credit). A student also may include BIS 489 Directed Readings in the core concentration. BIS 300 and BIS 390 must be completed prior to registration in BIS 490 and BIS 491. BIS 490 and BIS 491 are taken when no more than two courses remain in the core concentration. The type of final project conducted in BIS 490 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 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 faculty advisor and at least one other faculty member or qualified professional evaluates the project. Following is a sampling of the more than 1,700 previous individualized B.I.S programs of study, which have been designed by B.I.S. students in conjunction with faculty advisors:
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, including:
Although the B.I.S. program can accept credit as noted above, not all university and program requirements can be fulfilled by non-traditional means. Even students who transfer in significant numbers of traditional and non-traditional credit will be required to complete certain courses at George Mason to earn the B.I.S. degree. Social Work, B.S.The B.S. in Social Work prepares students for beginning generalist 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. No academic credit toward field experience or course work is given based on life or previous work experience(s). The social work program does not offer all required courses during evening hours. Students should meet with an advisor to develop a plan in order to complete course work for the degree. To receive a B.S. in Social Work, the student must successfully complete requirements for the bachelor of science degree, including the following:
To be admitted to the social work program, a student must have
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 must have completed six credits of psychology before registering for PSYC 300. Minor in Social WorkA minor in social work requires 18 credits in SOCW 300, 301, 323, 351, and two social work electives. SOCW 357, 358, 359, 452, 453, 454, and 456 are not open to minors. See an advisor in the social work program for more information. Certificate in Child WelfareThe 18-credit child welfare certificate is available to undergraduate students majoring in social work, psychology, nursing, education, administration of justice, integrative studies, and other related majors. The certificate is beneficial for students interested in pediatrics, maternal and child health, youth recreation, school counseling, public social service, and diverse populations. Students complete course work and a supervised practicum. For information, contact Dr. Miriam S. Raskin at (703) 993-2024. Immunization and FeesAll students who are enrolled in a course that requires a field placement (SOCW 301, 359, 453, and 456) 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 bona fide occupational qualification).
George Mason University: 2001-2002 University Catalog: Catalog Index: New Century College | |