McNeese State University defines and publishes general education and all other major program requirements in the McNeese State University Catalog, available in print or online at the McNeese website. All students, regardless of the media by which they receive instruction – traditional or electronic, adhere to general education and degree requirements.

These requirements conform to the standards established by the Louisiana Board of Regents, the University of Louisiana System, and appropriate program accrediting agencies. The principles and practices as defined by the accrediting agencies are acknowledged as appropriate, commonly accepted standards and practices.

Publication of Requirements

The General Education Core Requirements are published on page 60 of the 2006-07 McNeese State University Catalog. Each undergraduate degree program outlined in the catalog also references the appropriate general education courses acceptable to the degree program.

The catalog, published annually, presents up-to-date departmental information, graduation requirements, curriculum requirements, and suggests course sequencing for each undergraduate and graduate program. This information is also available on the University’s website. In addition to the print and electronic catalogs, academic departments maintain the degree plan for each student pursing a degree offered through that department. The general education and program course requirements are specified on the student’s degree plan. The

Conformity to Commonly Accepted Standards

To ensure that all programs meet requirements established by the Board of Regents, University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors, and accrediting agencies, university policy requires a systematic and periodic review for curricular implementation and changes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. All undergraduate curricula progress through the University Curriculum Committee or Graduate Council, as appropriate, to the Academic Advisory Council and Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs. New programs and major curriculum changes must be approved by the ULS Board of Supervisors and Board of Regents. The UCC assesses the impact that undergraduate program modifications may have on the general education requirements and upholds the established standards.

The General Education Core Requirements are determined by the Statewide General Education Requirements and Goals as prescribed by the Louisiana Board of Regents Policy 2.16. The core conforms to all Board of Regents and SACS-COC general education guidelines. As validated in Core Requirements 3.5.1 and 2.7.3, the core competencies are college-level, broad-based, and ensure a breadth of knowledge. The Council on General Education Assessment charged with the continued review and assessment of the general education core.

The Statewide Student Transfer Guide and Articulation System was developed from a Board of Regents initiative to facilitate the transfer of credit among institutions. Committees comprised of learned faculty from institutions around the state reviewed and evaluated course objectives, content, and syllabi from courses at each institution and validated that appropriate courses at institutions are comparable. The work of these committees has informed the on-going review of general education courses at McNeese State University.

Further documentation of the University’s conformity to commonly accepted standards and practices may be demonstrated by the attainment of accreditation by appropriate external accrediting agencies. Professional accrediting agencies are recognized by the Board of Regents (Board of Regents Policy 2.13).

McNeese State University has achieved accreditation for 100 percent of its programs requiring accreditation as stipulated by the Board of Regents. The McNeese State University Accreditation Status Report identifies the University’s currently accredited programs. As stipulated by each accrediting agency, the program undergoes intensive self-study and rigorous external review/visit processes. Program review and approval by these external agencies provide validation of the institution’s ability to conform to the standards set forth by the agency. Programs that are not professionally accredited or for which there is no professional accrediting agency conduct periodic self-evaluation and review according to McNeese State University Policy. The Academic Program Review is a comprehensive program self-evaluation (similar to that of accrediting agencies) conducted periodically that requires an intensive self-study and includes a review by persons external to the University. This process is intended to identify opportunities, understand weaknesses, and set a path for future improvements. The APR requires each program to undergo a curriculum analysis and evaluation by the external reviewers to ensure that appropriate outcomes and competencies are defined and assessed.

Supporting Evidence

Statewide General Education Requirements

Academic Affairs Policy 2.16

Rules of The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System

Accreditation Cycles

Accreditation Status Report

UAPR_Evaluation.pdf