Accreditation - Hartnell College!!

Institutional Self Evaluation – 12-05-12
II.A.3.a
An understanding of the basic content and methodology of the major areas of knowledge:
areas include the humanities and fine arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences.
Descriptive Summary
All degrees awarded by Hartnell College include a general education component. (II.A.58)
The philosophy upon which this general education requirement is based is stated in the
catalog at the beginning of the section describing Instructional Programs: ―General
Education is that part of education which is concerned with the common knowledge, skills,
and attitudes needed by each individual to be effective as a person, a family member, a
worker, and a citizen.” (II.A.59) The philosophy is also expressed in the college Catalog as
Institutional Student Learning Outcomes or Core Competencies. (II.A.21)
Hartnell requires 21 units of general education coursework. (II.A.60) Humanities, fine arts,
the natural sciences and the social sciences are reflected in general education requirements as
follows: natural science (3 units), social and behavioral sciences (3 units), humanities—
including fine arts (3 units).
The Curriculum Committee and Articulation Officer evaluate courses for inclusion in general
education requirements. All courses meeting general education requirements have learning
outcomes that align with Title 5, 55063 and ACCJC Accreditation Standard II.A.3. The
outlines of courses accepted for general education must also indicate that the learning
outcomes of the course address at least one of the college institutional competencies. When
courses are developed or updated through CurricUNET, faculty complete an online
worksheet to indicate a particular general education category and the Curriculum Committee
and Articulation Officer ensure that the course outcomes and objectives meet the criteria for
that general education category.
Through CurricUNET, course-level student learning outcomes for general education courses
may be mapped to institutional (core) competencies. Learning outcomes for general
education courses are addressed through the on-going assessment of course and institutional
level outcomes. Assessment of the core competencies has led to some creative interventions
aimed at improving student success in general education areas. For example, some faculty in
the science and math areas have collaborated to directed learning activities (DLAs) that break
down more difficult course concepts into more understandable components. Working with
the digital arts department, these concepts have been transformed into manipulative exercises
to reinforce learning in the defined areas. These materials were developed through the
support of a Title V grant and have been implemented by tutors and supplemental instructors.
In the area of communication skills, assessment of student writing contributed to a decision
to restructure the sequencing of courses and placement of ESL students.
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