South Dakota Board of Regents
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, Dec. 17, 2004
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Janelle Toman, (605) 773-3455

Regents Examine General Education Requirements

MADISON, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents today updated its standards for foundation courses that public university students must complete on their way to earning a bachelor’s degree.

The action follows a comprehensive 18-month review of general education courses and quality standards for those courses at all six public universities in South Dakota. “Our focus is on student learning outcomes and assessment, so that we can document what our students have learned,” said Regents President Harvey C. Jewett.

The regents directed that system general education requirements—the courses required of all baccalaureate students regardless of major or institution—be limited to 30 credit hours. Those courses must include standards for writing and communicating effectively; the general study of social sciences, arts and humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences; and the ability to locate, organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information sources.

Another 13 credit hours in the general education requirements are reserved for institution-specific needs. Such courses would pertain to graduation requirements specific to each institution, along with study of global issues, and intensive writing courses.

“The long-range goal is to provide a quality educational experience at the public universities,” Jewett said. “Our intent is to raise the bar by increasing the academic expectations for all of our students.”

The new general education standards are effective for the fall 2005 term.

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