Senators seek clarity in general studies changes

Revisions of the General Studies Program was the main topic of discussion at Monday night’s Student Senate meeting.

Vice President James Bahensky said that the Academic Review Committee has been considering revising the General Studies program. It is planned to be reduced and will be turned into a five step program. The first will be known as “inquiry” which will be a six credit hour, team-taught course that will be a mix of different general studies courses. The second will be known as “Skills,” the third as “Modes of Inquiry,” the fourth as “Personal and Social Responsibility.” The fifth step is a capstone, to cover all general studies and tie together the first four steps.

Susan Schaeffer, associate professor of Psychology and Social work, said that the Academic Review Committee was looking at what’s necessary for students to complete school. She also said that the process would only be for those entering school in 2012.

Hannah Clark, 18, freshman of Little Rock, Colo. asked what the new plan would mean for students who have already completed their credits with AP exams or transfers credits, and if those would still meet requirements. Schaeffer said that these students are being taken into consideration.

Schaeffer also said that upper class students would be given the option to switch catalogues, but incoming freshmen would not.

Riley Machal, student trustee, brought up the fact some students are able to graduate in three and a half years and asked if that would still be possible with the new general studies program. Schaeffer said that as long as students worked closely with their adviser this should be possible. Machal also asked if the new program would meet requirements for those who plan to go to another school after graduating. Schaeffer said this is also being taken into consideration.

In another matter, Bahensky said the Senate Christmas Dinner is slated for Dec. 12. Senate approved $500 from the student activity fee account for the dinner. Treasurer T.J. Thomson also urged everyone to RSVP quickly so that they would not over-spend on food for people who would not be there.

Thomson said that there are $12,221 in un-allocated funds. He also said Senate Finance Committee has made clubs’ account balances available online. The next meeting for Senate Finance Committee will be at 6 p.m., Dec. 5, according to Thomson.

CAB President Luke Wright said Bongo Ball was a success. He also said this week’s meeting was CAB’s last of the semster.

Laure Sinn said several events are being planned for finals week, including massages and healthy snacks.

Faye Wefso, 24, junior of Rapid City, S.D., introduced herself as a applicant for Constitutional Court. Bahensky said Senate would open the floor for voting on Wefso at its next meeting.

Finally, Bahensky said that in the past, Senate has allocated funds to donate to the Angel Tree at Walmart. Sinn volunteered to go to Walmart in order to see how Student Senate might donate. The discussion to allocate money was tabled until next week.