University Catalog 2005-2006

University Catalog > CAS > New Century College

New Century College

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Phone: 703-993-1436
Web: www.ncc.gmu.edu

An integral part of 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. NCC has a strong commitment to enhancing technology skills, improving student writing, and providing challenging opportunities.

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.

Two degree programs are housed in NCC: bachelor of arts in integrative studies, and bachelor of science in integrative studies.

Administration

Janette K. Muir, Associate Dean

Faculty

Centers

Center for Field Studies
Center for Service and Leadership

Course Work

NCC offers all course work designated NCLC in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

Integrative Studies, BA, BS

The curriculum is based on 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 inter-disciplinary, integrated concentrations. 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, conservation studies, Internet and new media, organizational administration, nonprofit management, and leadership studies.

In the first year, students take four highly focused, interdisciplinary courses (8 credits), one course at a time. They learn how to make distinctions, appreciate different perspectives, and 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. Preprofessional 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.

Admission Requirements

Students who meet Mason's general admission requirements may enroll in the integrative studies program. Each student works with an advisor from the college's advising staff to identify the student's academic objectives and the likelihood that the student will benefit from the curriculum.

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), and 44 credits in general education. A student's concentration consists of at least 30 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00, 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.

Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum has four major components. Division I is the first year of common courses, experiences, and integrated learning; it is also known as the "First Year Experience". Thereafter, students pursue their academic and career goals through learning communities (Division II) and courses for their concentration (Division III), and experiential learning (Division IV). A student may join learning communities or take courses in other academic units in the university any time after the First Year Experience.

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 6-credit English composition requirement is met through completion of Division I and II with an overall 2. 00 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, or First Year Experience:a four-unit, common curriculum. Each learning community (NCLC 110, 120, 130, 140) is six or seven weeks long and separated by two-week interims or a winter intersession. Each meets Monday through Thursday and may include lectures and exams, but emphasizes seminar discussions, collaborative assignments, problem-centered projects, and self-paced learning.

NCLC 110 emphasizes composition and communication, computer applications, and analytical reasoning; NCLC 120 studies the natural world and develops computational skills; NCLC 130 studies the socially constructed world through the interdisciplinary study of Western civilization; and NCLC 140 studies the relationship between the individual and society. The sessions 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:combines 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. Many learning communities have experiential learning attached, either as a part of the class or an option for students to take. A minimum of 24 credits in learning communities is required for graduation.

Division III, a concentration: the equivalent of a major in a traditional degree program. Students 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, and experiential learning. Students must present a portfolio of their work as well as a culminating college senior exposition. This is done through NCLC 491, Senior Capstone, which students are required to take two semesters prior to graduation.

Division IV, 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 may also meet this requirement through internships, study abroad, and experiential learning courses. This requirement reflects the college's commitment to provide educational experiences that prepare 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 BA or BS 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 Mason. Students are responsible for their 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.

Transfer Students

NCC accepts students from other four-year institutions or community colleges, as well as from other academic units within Mason, 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, call 703-993-1436.

Interdisciplinary Minor in Multimedia

NCC and the College of Visual and Performing Arts coordinate the interdisciplinary minor in multimedia. See the "Interdisciplinary Minors" section of this chapter for a description.

Minor in Nonprofit Studies

Faculty

Benjamin, Borkman, Sacco, Toepler

NCC and the Department of Public and International Affairs coordinate the minor in nonprofit studies.

The interdisciplinary minor in nonprofit studies provides basic skills and knowledge of nonprofit organization resource development, activities coordination, governance relations, and services that enable one to effectively perform the duties of an entry-level nonprofit organization administrator. Upon completion of the minor, students know the public-serving responsibilities, basic fund raising techniques, resource management tools, nonprofit financial accounting skills, and performance requirements of a private, nonprofit, charitable organization professional.

Requirements

Students must complete 15 credit, distributed as follows.

Required: three courses (12 credits)

Elective: one course (3 credits), chosen from

Each of the required courses is writing intensive with a requirement of at least 3,500 words in logs, essays, and analyses. Writing assignments are aggregated with a cover document at the end of the program into a portfolio that documents the student's experience in studying the nonprofit world.

Experiential learning

Students must complete 135 contact hours in research on, and service to, nonprofit organizations in operational procedures, financial accounting, and resource development. These hours are divided into three, 45-contact-hour experiential credit units that are included in the three required courses. Students sign an agreement with a nonprofit organization that describes the learning objectives, tasks to be undertaken, outcomes of the experience, and some of the specific benefits that will accrue from the work.

For policies governing all minors, see the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog.

Certificate in Leadership Studies

The certificate 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 complete a core of 9 credits and a 1- to 3-credit internship or experiential learning project. They then choose a maximum of 14 credits from approved elective courses.

The certificate provides students with a broad understanding of leadership in contemporary times. To understand current issues, students 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.