February 2, 2010
Committee Name:Admissions and Academic Policies
Chair:Kristi Robinia
Subject:Proposal to Change “Additional Degrees and Certificates” Language in Bulletin
The AAPC committee recommends the Senate take action to:
1. Waive liberal studies and graduation requirements (health promotion, world cultures, and laboratory science course) for any student entering NMU as a post-baccalaureate who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited University.
Rationale: Students who come to NMU in pursuit of a post-baccalaureate degree are currently subject to a full review of their earned credits to determine what requirements they must fulfill in order to earn a second degree from NMU. Although this is an important step in relation to the student’s intended area of study, a review of the liberal studies requirement should not be necessary. According to the Registrar, the most common difficulty post-baccalaureate students encounter when entering NMU is the lack of a 300 level liberal study course. Many accredited universities do not require a 300 level liberal study course. The second most common problem for these students is a lack of a specific world cultures course or a 200 level Health promotion course.
The goal of our liberal studies program is to promote “the integration of knowledge derived from multiple perspectives and stresses the development of problem-solving skills and intellectual creativity through the exploration of a broad range of disciplines and fields.” If the student has already earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited University, in doing so, they have also been required to successfully complete a comprehensive general education requirement. The AAPC concurs that these students should not have to re-demonstrate attainment of this goal through further course work that may not count towards their new major.
Below is the current bulletin language for “Additional Degrees and Certificates,” with the additional recommended text inserted and highlighted:
Additional Degrees and Certificates
Students who have earned a baccalaureate or associate degree or a certificate at Northern Michigan University or elsewhere may earn additional degrees or certificates in academic areas or programs other than any previously earned degrees or certificates. Students must meet all current university requirements relating to their new degree or certificate. Students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and who seek a second bachelor's degree will be considered to have met the University-wide Liberal Studies Program and graduation requirements, but must satisfy all School/College, department and program requirements.
Students with an earned baccalaureate degree who are seeking additional degrees must apply in the Admissions Office. Students may not enroll in any courses at the 500 level or above.
To qualify for a second baccalaureate degree, the student must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours at NMU beyond the first baccalaureate degree.
To qualify for an associate degree, the student must complete a minimum of 16 credit hours at NMU beyond the first baccalaureate or associate degree.
To qualify for a certificate, the student must complete a minimum of 16 semester credit hours at NMU beyond the first baccalaureate or associate degree or certificate program.
This change will make the post-baccalaureate process less confusing for students and advisers, while still assuring that the goals of our academic programs are being adhered to.
Implementation Date: Fall 2010